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How does the robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) model work?

    • 1695 posts
    February 6, 2023 9:39 PM EST

    How does the robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) model work?
    In the robot-as-a-service business model, the supplier provides the company with a robotics solution that includes cloud-based software that guides the machinery. Cloud computing technology fosters the implementation of robots and lowers installation costs.To get more news about Robot Subscription, you can visit glprobotics.com official website.

    Robotics as a service works similarly to software as a service. That is, the customer purchases a variable number of licenses to use cloud-based logistics software that’s maintained by a provider. With the RaaS model, customers don’t own the robotics solution or the technology that enables it. Instead, they purchase pay-as-you-go subscriptions for a specific number of robots as required. The organisation pays a regular fee that grants it the license to use the robot for a certain period of time.

    Robotics as a service applies advanced technology — e.g., artificial intelligence and machine learning — to boost the throughput of the operations performed in the warehouse. Companies that opt for pay-per-use in industrial robotics have flexible automation processes: the customer increases or reduces the number of robots according to the workload or product demand.
    Pros and cons of RaaS in industrial automation
    There is much debate today about whether robotics as a service is the future of industrial automation. In the report 50,000 warehouses to use robots by 2025 as barriers to entry fall and AI innovation accelerates, consulting firm ABI Research notes that the consolidation of RaaS could equip companies with more resources to enhance their logistics operations: “If advanced automation becomes possible for mid-size e-retailers, they will be able to fight back against the dominant players and also bring fulfillment operations back in-house, disrupting the relationship between retailers and 3PLs,” (third-party logistics providers).

    However, implementing the subscription-based software-as-a-service model does have its limitations. Beyond never actually owning the product, robotics as a service revolves around a more rigid industrial automation model. An automation project involving RaaS can’t be completely tailored to the customer’s technical requirements. Why not? Because to maximise the efficiency of logistics automation processes, the provider needs to analyze the customer’s demands and offer a personalised solution. The robotics-as-a-service model doesn’t allow for individualised solutions that maximise a facility’s throughput.

    That being said, the subscription-based RaaS business model can support the implementation of technology solutions in the supply chain. Just as the software-as-a-service model fosters flexible digitisation processes in line with customer requirements, RaaS can equip smaller warehouses with the devices they need to raise their productivity. Nevertheless, robotics systems should be deployed hand in hand with rational logistics planning and with tools for monitoring the throughput of each operation.