Halesowen-based Bots.co.uk (a division of Warrington Robotics Ltd) has launched a new robot rental service — one of the first of its kind in the UK.

Aimed at both industrial and commercial businesses, the robots available to hire include both industrial robotic arms — for pick-and-place work, screwdriving, gluing etc — and commercial humanoid robots.

The latter can provide labour around the clock, programmed and aided by employees who can work safely alongside them with minimal safety restrictions.

Tim Warrington, CEO of Bots.co.uk, said: “As the demand for this technology grows, we have many customers who are new to using the technology. We are able to advise the most suitable way to incorporate the robot into the business, and we offer training and programming upon delivery.

"Most clients will start out with one robot — as a trial — before hiring more. Robot rental is already popular in the USA, but it has not been seen in the UK before.”