Commercial Robots in Australia: A Buyer's Guide for Facility Managers

Commercial robots are autonomous machines built to perform repeatable work in business environments — cleaning floors, delivering items, moving loads or mowing grounds — safely around people. They map a site, follow scheduled routes and avoid obstacles, while staff manage exceptions.

They are not general-purpose humanoids, and they are not a plug-and-play appliance. Commercial robotics delivers value when the right robot is matched to a specific task, configured for the site and supported over time. That is why ERA Robotics takes a solution-led approach rather than starting with a catalogue.

Browse the full PUDU commercial robot range, or use Find the Right Product to narrow options by task and environment.

Most sites can use some form of robotics, but readiness affects which model fits and how smoothly it runs. Check:

• Floor types and finishes — carpet, tile, vinyl, polished concrete, epoxy or timber. See our floor suitability guide.
• Layout and access — corridor widths, ramps, thresholds, lifts and automatic doors.
• Connectivity — reliable Wi-Fi in the operating areas for mapping, scheduling and reporting.
• Traffic patterns — when people, trolleys or forklifts are busiest, and when robots can run.
• Current routines — cleaning schedules, delivery runs or transport tasks, and how many labour hours they take.
• Charging and storage — a safe spot with power for docking and consumables.

The return from commercial robots comes mainly from labour hours redirected to higher-value work, more consistent task coverage and the ability to run outside staffed hours. The key factors are:

• Hours per week currently spent on the task
• Number of shifts and operating days
• Floor area, route length or load volume
• How fully the robot is used across the week
• Support, consumables and software over the term

Robot pricing is provided on request, as it depends on the model, configuration and site. The PUDU SH1 is the exception and can be ordered online. To get a rough payback timeframe, try the commercial robot ROI calculator with your own inputs.

All pricing and estimates are indicative and subject to site assessment and approval.

Purchasing suits organisations that prefer to own assets outright. Leasing or finance can spread the cost over time and align payments with the savings a robot generates. Options vary by approval — compare them on our purchase, lease and finance page.

1. Site assessment — understand tasks, floors, layout and goals.
2. Demonstration or trial — see the robot working in conditions like yours.
3. Proposal — recommended model, configuration and commercial options.
4. Mapping and setup — routes, zones, schedules and no-go areas configured on site.
5. Staff training — operators learn daily use, maintenance and exceptions.
6. Go-live and review — monitor performance and refine routes.

Local support is one of the biggest differences between a robot that keeps working and one that ends up in a cupboard. ERA Robotics provides deployment, training, maintenance and ongoing technical support for customers across Australia and New Zealand. Learn more about ERA robotics support.

• Will you assess my site before recommending a model?
• Can I see the robot working in an environment similar to mine?
• Who handles mapping, setup and staff training?
• What local support, response times and spare parts are available?
• What is included in warranty, and what ongoing costs should I expect?
• How will we measure whether the robot is delivering value?

See how commercial robots perform in practice:

• Hotel cleaning robot case study (PUDU MT1 Vac)
• Self-storage sweeping case study (PUDU MT1)
• BellaBot in hospitality: three years of service