For a one-off exhibition, hiring a robot with an operator is a good option if you don’t want your own team to handle operation, set-up and the running order. Buying one may make more sense for regular use, provided you have the resources to transport, operate and supervise it. Whichever option you choose, make sure the robot’s movements and any activated camera, microphone or data transmission functions are suitable for the specific venue.
If you’re planning a hosted activity for a specific date, you can arrange for operation and set-up to be included as part of a hire project. Posevo and TONEART describe event services that include an operator or technical staff.
For regular demonstrations, it’s important to consider not only the impression you want to make, but also who will transport, charge, set up and supervise the system. If you buy one, these tasks need to be included in your own operating plans.
If you’re planning conversations, display content or functions involving a camera or microphone, establish in advance what data will be processed and how visitors will be informed. For actual video surveillance, North Rhine-Westphalia’s data protection authority highlights strict requirements around lawfulness and informing people.
First, decide whether you want a service provider to manage the event or whether your team can operate the system itself on a regular basis. Then work out whether movement, conversation or sharing information will be the main focus.
Best suited to: A one-off event where you don’t want your own team to operate the robot. Posevo and TONEART describe hosted event services.
Bear in mind: The model, venue and agreed services determine what the project includes. Even with an operator, you’ll need to check the stand schedule and which functions are enabled.
Best suited to: Regular events where staff are available to transport, set up, control and supervise the robot.
Bear in mind: Charging breaks, faults and safe operation around visitors remain your team’s responsibility. A product page is no substitute for an operating plan tailored to your stand.
| What you need | What to check when buying or hiring | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Hosted one-off event | Agree in writing who will provide the operator, set up and dismantle the robot, and take responsibility during breaks and if anything goes wrong. | If my team is only looking after one exhibition, I need a reliable schedule without having to organise the robot’s operation myself. For around 31% of consumers, this kind of support is the priority. |
| Controlled visitor interaction | Set the movement area and supervision arrangements. If data is being collected, clarify the purpose, who is responsible and what visitors need to be told. | In a busy reception area, I want to control the robot’s movements and know exactly what its camera or microphone records. Around 31% of consumers consider this a priority. |
| Repeatable in-house operation | Check the version supplied, transport, charging, controls and the availability of trained operators for every event. | If I want to demonstrate the system regularly, my team needs to be able to keep it ready for use between events. Around 19% of consumers put this ability to operate it themselves first. |
| Sharing information rather than putting on a movement show | Test the dialogue and display content you plan to use, and decide how visitors will be handed over to stand staff. | For a welcome, I want to answer questions and present information clearly, rather than focus mainly on movement. For around 19% of consumers, sharing information is the priority. |
Posevo says the Unitree G1·EVO can be on site for up to eight hours, but gives a battery life of around two hours per battery. Being present for the whole event doesn’t mean the robot can move continuously throughout it.
Plan demonstrations, charging breaks and possible battery changes separately, and agree what will happen at the stand during breaks.
Battery changes and charging breaks take up space and staff time, and can interrupt the demonstration schedule.
According to North Rhine-Westphalia’s data protection authority, actual video surveillance is subject to strict requirements around lawfulness and informing people. A sign on its own does not make unlawful processing lawful.
Before using the robot, check which sensors are active, whether data is stored or transmitted, and who is responsible for processing it. Consider whether you can run the demonstration without collecting data you don’t need.
TONEART’s described hire model includes an operator and technical staff; any additional services depend on the project. Without clear responsibilities, it’s unclear who will set up and operate the robot or respond to problems.
Compare quotes based on the same event plan, and confirm who will operate the robot on site, make technical decisions and dismantle it afterwards.
A choreographed performance and a conversation at reception serve different purposes. RobShare describes Pepper as supporting conversation and touchscreen interaction, but that alone doesn’t guarantee successful visitor engagement or generate leads.
Before choosing a model, decide whether visitors should watch a demonstration, receive information or be directed to a member of staff. Check what content and staffing arrangements you’ll need.
The G1 and R1 ranges may suit movement-focused demonstrations, and German hire providers offer event versions. If you’re buying, the exact model variant matters.
Pepper is a reference point for reception settings where conversation and visible information matter more than a movement demonstration.
This project supplier offers models including the Unitree R1 EVENT and Unitree G1 Event for hosted hire.
This supplier describes hosted day packages for exhibitions, promotions and events featuring humanoid robots.
These systems may suit self-organised movement or interaction demonstrations. Before using one with an audience, check the version supplied, as well as the operating arrangements, safety procedures and, where relevant, data processing. Buying a product does not automatically include a hosted event service.
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A potential option for a team planning its own movement and interaction demonstration. The product title mentions autonomous navigation and obstacle detection; check the scope of these functions in the configuration supplied. Make sure supervision arrangements and the distance the robot needs to keep from people are suitable for your venue.
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The X2 may suit your own interaction or movement demonstration, provided the functions you need are included in the edition supplied. Before planning the event, confirm the controls, supervision arrangements and how camera or voice functions will be used.
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The G1 Pro may be worth considering for a self-organised movement demonstration. The product title lists 29 degrees of freedom in total, including 16 joint degrees of freedom. Before planning a demonstration, check the controls, battery life and how to operate it safely around visitors.
Under section 5 of Germany’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers must assess the risks associated with the work of employees who set up, operate or supervise the robot. Agree the specific arrangements with the people responsible for health and safety, the event organiser and, where relevant, the service provider managing the robot.
Whether this is permitted depends on the function actually enabled and how the data is processed. For video surveillance, North Rhine-Westphalia’s data protection authority highlights strict requirements around lawfulness and informing people. A sign alone doesn’t make unlawful processing permissible. Before activating the camera, clarify the purpose, who is responsible, how data will be stored and what visitors need to be told.
The quote should clearly specify the model variant, operating and demonstration times, operator, set-up and dismantling, transport, insurance, battery changes and what happens if something goes wrong. Posevo describes some of these services for its G1·EVO hire; TONEART agrees the scope on a project-by-project basis. Check what’s included for your event rather than comparing model names alone.
Buying is worth considering if you’re planning regular use and have a team that can handle transport, operation, charging and contingency plans for breakdowns. For a one-off event, Posevo and TONEART’s hire services cover several operating tasks. Compare like-for-like services for each event you have planned.