Benefits of Predictive Robot Maintenance

FANUC R2000ib 125L R30ia Motoman MA1400 FANUC M710ic 50 Motoman HP6 NX100 FANUC Arcmate 120ic
Conducting regular maintenance on your industrial robot is critical to ensuring it runs efficiently and for as long as possible. Preventative maintenance has been the main methodology used for maintaining industrial robots, but now there is a new robotic maintenance method called predictive maintenance.

Predictive maintenance involves performing maintenance only when needed and for a targeted component of an industrial robot. Predictive maintenance software monitors and collects data from the FANUC R-2000ic/165F, to be able to predict when maintenance or a repair is needed. Instead of conducting generalized maintenance on a fixed schedule or when an articulated robot breaks down, predictive maintenance occurs only when necessary to get ahead of a potential problem. Instead of performing maintenance on the Yaskawa MA1440 every 3,000 hours, predictive maintenance only occurs when actually needed, such as when one of its motors is about to burn out.

There are a number of benefits of predictive robot maintenance. These include:


  • • Reduced Equipment Failures - Equipment failures can cause long robot downtimes and significantly reduce productivity. Predictive maintenance can reduce equipment failures and downtime related to those failures by 50%. Predictive maintenance monitors the entire robotic system and predicts when a potential issue may arise. This allows companies to address the issue before the robot breaks down and needs a major repair.

  • • Increases Robot Uptime - Predictive maintenance increases the amount of uptime for your six axis robot. Preventing break downs saves significant downtime. Only conducting maintenance when needed also decreases robot downtime since it will not have to be pulled from production for generalized maintenance. With predictive maintenance, the FANUC Arcmate 120ic can remain productive for longer periods of time.

  • • Reduces Maintenance Costs - Maintenance costs can be reduced by up to 40% with predictive maintenance. Preventative maintenance often involves performing tasks that are not necessary which is inefficient. Predictive maintenance is only when needed and on specific components, saving time. Predictive maintenance also prevents expensive repairs and improves the longevity of robotic systems which also helps reduce maintenance costs.

  • • Optimizes Robot Operation - By monitoring the entire robot system, predictive maintenance can uncover inefficiencies in a robot’s operation. When robots are not running at optimal levels it can affect product quality and cause increased waste. Predictive maintenance alerts users of potential issues allowing them to address it right away, keeping the robot performing at optimal levels.

  • • Safer Work Environment - By being able to predict potential problems before they occur work environments become safer. Robot malfunctions can be dangerous to workers and lead to worker injuries. Addressing issues before a robot malfunctions minimizes worker injuries and improves the safety of the robotic system.

  • • Better on the Environment - By keeping industrial robots in optimal condition fewer resources will be wasted. Robots will consume less energy and materials when operating efficiently. Predictive maintenance can also extend the lifetime of a robot, preventing it from being discarded prematurely.

  • • Targeted Maintenance - Predictive maintenance is only performed on targeted components that have been flagged as potential problems. Users are also informed about steps they can take to resolve the issue, simplifying maintenance. Targeted maintenance saves time and resources.


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