Robot rental boom grows as Shenzhen leads supply

Robot rentals are gaining momentum across China, with demand rising sharply after robots drew widespread attention at this year’s CCTV Spring Festival Gala.

Shenzhen, a major hub for artificial intelligence, is playing a key role in the trend by supplying an expanding range of upgraded robots for both commercial and household use.

A humanoid robot forms a heart shape with its hands for visitors at a promotional event in Shenzhen. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Artificial Intelligence Industry Association

On the “擎天租" (Qingtianzu) leasing platform, robot rental orders surged 70% during the holiday period, while JD.com saw a 10% month-on-month increase in deals in January. High-demand units are now slated for mid-March delivery.

Nationally, 1,500 new robot leasing companies were established in 2025, with Shenzhen accounting for 20% of the total. Rental fees have dropped sharply from 10,000 yuan (US$1,452) per day in 2025, with options now available from hundreds to thousands of yuan via mini-programs, depending on model, features, and duration.

Applications span events, family occasions, and education. Robots are becoming crowd magnets at openings, while parents are renting robotic dogs for children from as little as 99 yuan per day.

A humanoid robot engages with a visitor during a promotional event in Shenzhen.

Despite some technical challenges, including stability and voice recognition in noise, the sector is expanding into healthcare, eldercare, and companionship. Valued at 1 billion yuan in 2025 —  with Shenzhen expected to capture 30% of the total —  the market is projected to grow tenfold to 10 billion yuan in 2026, according to the Shenzhen Artificial Intelligence Industry Association. 

In China, customers can conveniently lease robots from major brands — including EngineAI, Unitree Robotics, and AgiBot — via the WeChat mini program “擎天租,” the country’s leading robot rental platform, or through JD.com.