Rent a humanoid robot for a trade fair or promotional event if its human-like appearance and a hosted interaction are part of your planned presentation. If you mainly want to create a photo opportunity or provide a service, a non-humanoid event robot could also be an option. What matters is having a supervised setup, meeting the venue’s requirements and confirming in writing exactly what is included for your event.
If a hosted appearance and short brand messages are central to your plans, a supervised rental could be an alternative to buying your own robot. Posevo and RoboticRental describe event and trade fair packages that include an operator or on-site supervision.
For these teams, the first priority is checking that the space, walkways, power supply, set-up and supervision are all suitable for the venue. The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health notes that risk assessments should also consider hazards posed by visitors and customers on site.
If you’re mainly planning a photo opportunity or a service task, you can consider other robot designs alongside humanoid models. EF Robotics describes both humanoid models and service robots and robot dogs for events.
First, decide what you want the robot to do for visitors. Then compare the supervised set-ups on offer and check that your venue can accommodate the option you have in mind.
A good fit if: The human-like figure, its movements or a hosted introduction are central to your presentation. Posevo and RoboticRental describe supervised event packages of this kind.
Consider: The robot’s movements and interactions with visitors must suit the available space and the agreed safety procedures.
A good fit if: A photo opportunity or a clearly defined service task matters more than having a human-like figure on stage. EF Robotics describes options including robot dogs and service robots.
Consider: You’ll still need to agree on the set-up and supervision. A non-humanoid robot won’t automatically fulfil the role you had planned for a humanoid one.
| What matters | What to check when renting | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| A safe venue set-up | Agree on the space and walkways with the venue; confirm the power supply, operator’s role and stop procedure. | If the robot will move among visitors, I want to know before booking whether it can be used safely at the venue. Around 29% of prospective renters put this question first. |
| Interaction and presentation | Agree on the spoken sequences, approvals and planned approach for addressing visitors. | For a brand presentation, I want the robot to deliver a specific message rather than simply stand in the space. Around 21% of prospective renters prioritise the planned interaction. |
| Scope of service and responsibilities | Set out the model, duration, set-up, supervision and insurance cover in writing. | When several teams are involved in an event, I need to know who is responsible for the robot and what has been agreed. Around 29% of prospective renters prioritise defining these responsibilities. |
| The right type of robot | Define what you want the robot to do for visitors, then compare a humanoid option with a non-humanoid set-up. | For photos or a service task, I don’t want to book a robot simply because it’s humanoid. Around 21% of prospective renters focus on choosing the right format. |
For an appearance involving visitors, supervision, walkways and technical requirements also determine what kind of demonstration is possible. The German Social Accident Insurance treats event safety as part of the planning process, while the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health includes visitors and customers on site in its risk assessment guidance.
Before booking, agree with the provider and venue on the robot’s operating area, set-up, power supply, operator’s role and what to do if the activity needs to stop.
Posevo says its package includes an operator, insurance, set-up and dismantling, and five spoken sequences for up to eight hours on site. This doesn’t tell you what another package includes or whether it’s suitable for your particular event.
Ask for written confirmation of the model, operating time, supervision, content, insurance and responsibilities for your venue.
If personal data is processed during an interaction, you’ll need to establish an appropriate legal basis. The German Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information explains that consent is one possible legal basis, not a blanket solution for every use.
If you’re planning recordings, saved conversations or the collection of contact details, ask in advance about the purpose, who is responsible, how people will be informed and how long data will be stored. A prepared spoken sequence without these features is a different type of set-up and should be treated accordingly.
A human-like figure may be part of the stage moment you have in mind. For a photo opportunity or service task, EF Robotics also describes non-humanoid options; whether they’re suitable depends on the package you book.
Start by defining what you want the robot to do for visitors, then ask to see supervised set-ups for both types of robot.
Posevo describes supervised robot appearances for promotions, trade fairs and retail.
For events and trade fairs, RoboticRental lists the humanoid models Unitree R1 EVENT, H2 Flagship, G1 EVENT and G1 Symposium AI.
For events, EF Robotics describes both humanoid Unitree models and service robot and robot dog options.
For a supervised trade fair appearance, you should explicitly agree on the operator’s role. Posevo and RoboticRental describe packages with an operator or supervision; this doesn’t mean every model or venue is subject to the same blanket requirement. Also confirm with the provider who controls the robot’s movements and supervises its interactions with visitors.
Ask for a venue-specific operating plan covering the space, floor surface, power, set-up, operator and stop procedure, as well as proof of the agreed insurance cover. The German Social Accident Insurance treats safety measures and documentation as part of event planning; check the paperwork with the people responsible at the venue.
If personal data is to be processed during an interaction, you’ll need to check the data functions and their legal requirements before the event. This could include planned recordings or collecting contact details. The German Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information explains that processing requires a legal basis, and that consent is just one possible basis.
No. What’s included depends on the individual package. Posevo lists five spoken sequences in its described package for an appearance of up to eight hours on site. Confirm in writing whether branding or any other content is planned for your event.