For a time-limited production with planned movements, a supervised robot hire is a sensible place to start. For repeatable sequences of your own, check that access to the controls and software has been confirmed for the specific configuration. If the appearance or movement needs to differ significantly from the available models, a bespoke design may be suitable, but it involves more coordination and may require additional conformity checks. The key factors are the location, the configuration on offer and the services agreed in the contract.
If movements need to be repeatable, agree the choreography, operation and any rehearsal in advance. TONEART describes a hire service with an operator and technical specialists; Unitree and Engineered Arts document different platforms and configurations.
For a permanent installation, transport, power supply, maintenance and support during opening hours all matter. TONEART describes hire services that depend on the project; the specific set-up and support should be agreed for each offer.
If you want a bespoke appearance or movement, agree the design, modifications and responsibilities at an early stage. H&S Robots says it creates specialist robots for film and moving objects to customers’ specifications.
Suitable if:You need an existing character, set-up and operator for a one-off shoot or exhibition.
Consider:A hire offer does not automatically include independent control, insurance cover or availability on your chosen date.
Suitable if:Dialogue, facial expressions or repeatable movements are central to the scene, and the necessary functions have been confirmed for the configuration on offer.
Consider:Models vary. A head-and-shoulders figure such as Mesmer Desktop Gen 2 is not a substitute for a walking, full-body figure.
Suitable if:The silhouette, costume or type of movement is central to the concept and no existing model can meet your requirements.
Consider:Development, approval and support must be agreed individually; significant modifications may require a fresh assessment.
The figures show the share of consumers in each row whose main consideration when choosing a robotic character for a film, exhibition or staged creative production is the stated factor.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who considers this important? |
|---|---|---|
| Date, transport and set-up | Confirm availability for the location and dates, packed dimensions, weight, set-up and return transport for the exact configuration. | If we have a fixed filming location and a tight schedule, delivery and set-up need to fit the plan. Around 25 % of consumers put dates and transport first. |
| Repeatable movements | Ask for a demonstration of the model configuration, control access and ability to replay the required sequence on the system being offered. | If several takes need the same movement, I need to know who controls and repeats it. Around 20 % of consumers put control of the scene first. |
| Character impact and visuals | Check the image format, visible construction, range of movement and costume in a camera test for the specific scene. | For a close-up or a particular character shot, the on-screen effect matters more to me than getting around. Around 20 % of consumers put appearance first. |
| Support and safe operation | Clarify the operator’s role, space required, stop procedures, briefing and risk assessment for the intended use. | If staff or the public will be nearby, I want responsibilities and procedures agreed before use. Around 20 % of consumers put support and safe operation first. |
| Contract and follow-up services | Compare the scope of services, liability, insurance, rehearsals, modifications and return transport in writing. | For a project with a limited budget, I need to know exactly which services are included and which are not. Around 15 % of consumers prioritise the contract scope and follow-on costs. |
If the robot is used at work where employees are present, its intended use must be included in the risk assessment. § 3 BetrSichV makes clear that CE marking does not replace this assessment. For wireless functions, the Bundesnetzagentur lists the declaration of conformity and German operating and warning instructions among the points to check. Ask to see the documentation for the specific configuration.
Demonstrated movements do not prove that the configuration on offer provides the same control rights or repeatable sequences.
Ask for a test using your sequence and a written description of the functions available to you.
Extra operator, programming or rehearsal time can extend the project schedule.
Engineered Arts describes Mesmer Desktop Gen 2 as a head-and-shoulders figure, not a walking, full-body robot.
Decide on the framing and movement required before comparing models.
A figure with the wrong form may mean changing the visual concept or set.
TONEART describes services that depend on the project; this does not mean transport, support and insurance are handled in the same way in every offer.
Ask for an itemised quote setting out the services, liability arrangements and procedures in case of cancellation or breakdown.
Logistics or extra support not included in the agreement can add to the organisational workload; agree how potential damage costs will be handled in the contract.
According to the interpretation paper from the Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, a substantial modification may trigger requirements for a newly created machine.
Before making changes, have any planned work on the drive, controls and safety system assessed by a qualified specialist.
An assessment may require additional documentation and coordination.
The brands and suppliers listed here represent different product ranges and project services. Their inclusion does not confirm that a particular model is available or suitable for a specific scene.
The G1 is a full-body platform for scenes where a visible character and movement matter; consider the G1 and G1 EDU separately.
Ameca Full Size Gen 2 for a visible humanoid character; Mesmer Desktop Gen 2 for head, facial expression and dialogue scenes.
German supplier of hire robots and bespoke moving figures, including, according to its own description, specialist robots for film.
German hire supplier listing Unitree humanoid robots; TONEART describes their use as supervised hire.
TIAGo Pro is a wheeled robotic display and development platform for situations that do not require a walking, full-body figure.
This selection includes humanoid platforms for visible characters, as well as technically designed movement and interaction scenes. Development access and safety requirements vary by model. Before using a robot at work, check the documentation for the specific configuration and the risk assessment for the location.
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For a visible humanoid character in content productions or commercial demonstrations, as stated in the product title.
The product title gives a total of 29 degrees of freedom.
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For technical creative work with a robotic character when programming and development are part of the project.
The product title lists 22 degrees of freedom and 48 TOPS AI; the product description mentions programming and development.
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For developing a humanoid character when your own programming is part of the project.
The product title lists 22 degrees of freedom and 117 TOPS AI. The product description mentions software APIs and development tools, as well as use in education and research.
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For movement- and interaction-led scenes where secondary development and remote control are relevant.
The product description lists autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, secondary development and remote control beyond line of sight. According to the product description, automatic charging requires a designated charging station.
The safety instructions warn of a crushing risk from moving joints and require supervision and a distance of at least 2 m during autonomous tasks.
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For a visible character with movement or voice interaction, provided these functions suit your planned scene.
The product title and description list a monocular camera and an integrated language model; the title gives 20 degrees of freedom.
The safety instructions rule out operation near stairs, edges or uneven ground and warn about moving joints.
Ask the supplier to confirm the packed dimensions, weight, power supply, access route, set-up time and a rehearsal of the planned movement for the exact configuration. Unitree lists the folded G1 as 690 × 450 × 300 mm and around 35 kg with battery. These manufacturer specifications do not confirm availability for a hire date or suitability for your filming location.
It depends on the model, the functions you are authorised to use and the contract. Engineered Arts documents animation assets and timelines for Tritium; even so, ask to see the required sequence performed on the system being offered. Do not assume that SDK access is available for a listed G1.
TONEART describes an operator and technical specialists as part of its supervised hire service. This does not imply general insurance cover; make sure the contract for your project sets out who operates the robot, liability, insurance, damage and arrangements in case of cancellation or breakdown.
No. Under § 3 BetrSichV, CE marking does not remove the need for a risk assessment before using work equipment. For products with wireless technology, the Bundesnetzagentur lists CE marking, a declaration of conformity and German operating instructions and required warnings among the points to check. Review the evidence for the specific configuration separately.
Not every decorative modification is automatically a substantial change. According to the interpretation paper from the Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, a substantial modification may trigger requirements for a newly created machine; a qualified specialist must assess the specific changes. For placing machinery on the market, the BAuA gives 20 January 2027 as the date when Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 starts to apply; as at 19 October 2026, that date had not yet arrived.