Universal Robots Launches Cobot Leasing Program With DLL

Universal Robots has introduced a new financing and leasing program for its collaborative robots, developed in partnership with DLL, a global vendor finance company. The initiative, called UR Financial Services, is designed to let manufacturers adopt automation without needing large upfront capital investments.

According to Klaus Vestergaard, CFO at Universal Robots, the program aims to "level the playing field" so companies of any size can put cobots to work immediately, regardless of budget constraints (Klaus Vestergaard, Plastech).

Under the arrangement, DLL will provide tailored financing and leasing options built around the cash-flow realities of manufacturing businesses. Customers will be able to adjust payment schedules to match seasonal fluctuations, upgrade to newer equipment during the contract, or add more cobots as needed. When the finance term concludes, businesses will have several choices: purchase the equipment outright at a reduced cost compared to the original price, upgrade to newer technology, extend the leasing term, or return the units entirely.

Neal Garnett, President of DLL's Construction, Transportation & Industrial Global Business Unit, said the partnership allows the company to expand its financial offerings across a broader range of automation equipment, and that it supports a shift "from ownership to flexible, usage-based financing" (Neal Garnett, Plastech).

The rollout will be handled through Universal Robots' existing network of distributors, who will coordinate directly with dedicated DLL finance specialists in individual countries. These experts will bring asset-specific knowledge and marketing support to help promote the new payment and leasing structures to interested customers.

Universal Robots noted that customers opting into the financing program will still retain access to the company's broader support ecosystem. This includes global service and maintenance, training through UR Academy, its network of Authorized Training Centers, and the UR+ ecosystem of compatible products and accessories.

The move reflects a broader industry trend toward reducing the financial barriers to automation adoption, particularly for smaller manufacturers who may lack the capital budgets for outright equipment purchases. By shifting the model toward leasing and flexible financing, Universal Robots and DLL are positioning cobots as a more accessible option for companies seeking to test, scale, or upgrade automation without committing to full ownership upfront.

Sources: Plastech — original article.