China's Humanoid Robot Rental Market Heats Up Amid $1.5 Billion Target
China's humanoid robot rental market is booming after AGIBOT launched its SHAREBOT subsidiary in December 2025. In just three months, over 5,500 orders were placed for rentals, with daily rates starting at around $517 that include shipping and a human operator.
e-commerce livestreamer Ai Lin rents out his own android for $443 a day, using it to pull crowds at exhibitions, perform at events, or even help stage a marriage proposal. He bought his first robot for $30,000 in 2025 after seeing humanoids perform on China's Spring Festival Gala.
Investors like Zhao Xiaohong, who bought eight humanoid robots in 2025 to rent them out, are treating androids like gear that can be monetized right now. AGIBOT has said the robot rental market in China could reach $1.5 billion by the end of 2026.