Industrial robots and automation systems are transforming manufacturing, warehousing, and production lines. But with price tags often reaching six figures, many businesses hesitate to invest outright. Leasing industrial robots and automation equipment offers a flexible, cost-effective way to access the latest technology without tying up large amounts of capital.
Yes! Businesses can lease industrial robots, cobots (collaborative robots), and automation systems through specialized equipment leasing companies, manufacturers, and industrial lenders.
Leasing allows you to:
Reduce upfront costs while accessing high-end robotics
Upgrade easily as technology advances
Preserve working capital for operations and growth
Align payments with production revenue cycles
Include maintenance and training in the lease
Related: How Equipment Financing Can Boost Your Company’s Cash Flow
Articulated robots for assembly, welding, painting
SCARA robots for high-speed pick-and-place
Delta robots for food and electronics packaging
Safe to work alongside human employees
Great for small and mid-sized production lines
Flexible and easy to reprogram
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
Conveyor and sorting systems
Robotic palletizers and depalletizers
Vision-guided inspection systems
Automated measuring and defect detection
AI-powered sorting equipment
CNC machine automation systems
Robotic welding cells
Automated packaging machinery
Great for testing robotics without long-term commitment
Often includes upgrades and maintenance
Build equity in the equipment over the lease term
Ideal for long-life robotics and automation systems
Payments apply toward purchase
Lease multiple automation tools under one contract
Includes software, sensors, and maintenance services
Perfect for temporary production increases
Avoid paying for idle robots during slow seasons
| Equipment | Cost Range | Lease (5 yrs @ 7%) |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial welding robot | $75,000–$150,000 | ~$1,450–$2,900/month |
| Collaborative robot (cobot) | $25,000–$50,000 | ~$480–$960/month |
| Automated palletizer | $40,000–$80,000 | ~$770–$1,540/month |
| AGV for material handling | $20,000–$45,000 | ~$380–$865/month |
Define your automation needs and goals
Request multiple quotes from suppliers and leasing providers
Review technical specs to ensure compatibility with current systems
Compare lease types (operational vs. finance)
Negotiate terms for upgrades, training, and maintenance
Install and train staff to maximize ROI
Related: Understanding the Equipment Leasing Process Step-by-Step
No large upfront purchase
Access to the latest automation technology
Predictable monthly costs
Maintenance often included
No ownership unless using lease-to-own
Potential long-term cost higher than purchase
Early termination penalties possible
Robot Manufacturers – Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots (many offer in-house leasing)
Specialized Industrial Leasing Firms – Focused on high-value manufacturing equipment
Bank & Credit Union Equipment Loans – For businesses with strong credit history
Government & State Programs – May offer incentives for automation adoption
Learn more: Association for Advancing Automation ↗️
Lease industrial robots, cobots, and automation systems
Choose operational, finance, or bundled technology leases
Reduce upfront costs and upgrade easily
Automation is the future of manufacturing, but you don’t need to drain your budget to get there. Leasing gives your business the flexibility to adopt cutting-edge robotics today while keeping your finances healthy.
Ready to modernize your operations?
Get quotes from top automation leasing providers and choose terms that fit your production needs and growth goals.