NRTC AUTOMATION BLOG | INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS AND AUTOMATION

NRTC Guide Jaydip Patel NRTC Guide Jaydip Patel

3 Tips to Replace Robot Grease

NRTC Automation explains how keeping up with your robot’s maintenance will extend its life, saving you money by avoiding downtime and having to buy a new robot in its place.

Replacing grease is a necessity for the health of your robot.  

Think of grease like water in a fish tank. It’s important to exchange the old water for new water to keep the tank fresh and maintain the health of the fish. If you don’t replace the old water, the water will get stale and the fish will suffer and eventually get sick. 

Keeping up with your robot’s maintenance will extend its life, saving you money by avoiding downtime and having to buy a new robot in its place. 

Learn our tips for greasing your robot below! 

What is the point of robot grease? 

Robot grease is the part of the robot that keeps everything running smoothly. The most important parts of the robot are covered in grease to protect them from damage.  

The benefits of grease in robots include: 

  • Preventing rust and corrosion 

  • Protecting joints from wear and tear from metal-to-metal contact 

  • Resists contamination 

Grease benefits the operator, too! Benefits for the production line include: 

  • Less unplanned downtime due to faulty errors 

  • An extension on the life of the robot 

  • An extension on routine maintenance checks 

Now you understand why grease is so important for robots and the benefits it has for your company! Know NRTC Automation’s tips for when you have to replace your robot’s grease. 

3 Tips for optimal robot grease replacement 

1. USE THE GREASE LISTED IN THE MANUFACTURER’S MANUAL. 

This is the number one tip for replacing your robot’s grease.  

Different robot brands use unique grease for their robots, and there are different greases used for specific joints. The grease that works for a KUKA robot will not work for a FANUC robot, so be sure to check the manual before you buy grease for your robot! 

2. KEEP A SCHEDULE. 

You should expect to replace your robot’s grease at least once a year or sooner depending on the robot’s hourly usage. Also, make sure you perform inspections on a monthly basis to check if the grease is running low or getting old. 

The rule of thumb is to change out grease after 500 to 700 working hours, so divide that by the number of hours your robot works on a daily basis and schedule it on your calendar so you don’t forget. 

3. RUN THE ROBOT THROUGH A FEW CYCLES. 

You can run the robot through a few cycles and operate it to make different movements to determine which joints need to be greased. 

Plus, the motion of the robot will soften the grease and make it easier to remove. 

Robot grease is magic. 

The oily substance that goes into your robot’s joints and mechanisms protects it from all sorts of damage, extending its life and producing more for your manufacturing line. 

Take care of your robot by replacing the grease on a regular schedule and you will have a solid industrial robot on your production line for years to come. 

NEED HELP REPLACING YOUR ROBOT’S GREASE? 

Send your robot over to NRTC Automation’s expert robot technicians

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all its customers. From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services. 

Contact NRTC Automation today for all your automation needs. 

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NRTC Guide Lydia Sanderson NRTC Guide Lydia Sanderson

Step-by-Step Process of Manufacturing a Car

Have you ever wondered what the process of manufacturing a car looks like?

Have you ever wondered what the process of manufacturing a car looks like? 

From design to launch, it typically takes around two to five years to make a car from start to finish. This long timeline is to ensure the car is in sound condition for public use as well as to develop original designs that will spark interest within a large market. 

Car manufacturers have had the assembly process down pat since Henry Ford’s innovation on the assembly line. However, design and material use have become more intricate and complex as technology develops and demand changes. 

Each car manufacturer has its own process, but NRTC Automation has outlined the standards of making a car, from gathering raw materials to displaying the car on the sales floor. Read more about the car production process below! 

Step-by-Step Process of Manufacturing a Car 

RAW MATERIALS 

Raw materials must be compiled to transform the car from an idea to a reality. Many car manufacturers are looking for more sustainable, as well as lightweight and cost-effective, materials for their cars to keep up with the demand for greener products. 

DESIGN & ENGINEERING 

Automobile design must respond to the public’s needs and desires for a car. Once the design is drafted, it’ll go through many revisions to perfect it. 

The interior and exterior must be fashioned so that it is attractive to potential buyers while also including innovative technologies that make the car newsworthy and competitive to other brands. 

Small models will be made in 2D and 3D forms to test the car’s design. Engineers will test for aerodynamics, safety, hot and cold weather, fuel economy, electrical functionality, cost analysis, and more.  

Once the design and engineering specs have been approved, then the manufacturing process can begin. 

MANUFACTURING 

The sheet metal parts for the bodywork are created and stamped by robots. These parts form side frames, doors, hoods, and roofs, which are later added onto the main frame of the car. 

Once the frame is created and the parts are ready to be assembled, the car will be loaded onto a production line. 

The car will travel along a moving assembly line in a factory as robots and people work on them. Manufacturing plant workers will attach parts to the car and may work alongside robots for certain tasks. Robotic work cells will work alone to weld, solder, screw, and glue parts onto the car. 

Once the parts of the body are manufactured onto the car, it will undergo detailing. This includes cleaning, layering chemical formulas for protection against corrosion and scratches, and painting

Finally, the engine, transmission, axles, and exhaust systems are installed into the car and the tires are furnished so the car can stand on its own. 

TESTING & QA 

Now that the car is ready to drive, it will be tested for quality assurance and safety.  

  1. The vehicle is checked for any imperfections or inconsistencies in the interior and exterior design.  

  1. The car will run through a series of tests similar to those given at a DMV: the engine is started and stopped several times, the steering alignment is adjusted, the headlights are checked for brightness and reach, brakes are tested for safety, and more. 

  1. Then, the car will be tested in heavy water pressure to find leaks. 

  1. The car’s programming will be tested, and the electrical units will be checked to ensure safety and accessibility. 

  1. Finally, crash testing will be executed to observe how the car handles impacts, and to test airbag and seat belt performance. 

If the car requires no further tweaks in design and production for safety, then the car can be presented to the market. 

LAUNCH 

After performing market research, developing a marketing theme, and defining the price of the car, the car will be produced for car dealerships and private dealers to sell to the public. 

Cars are a fascinating and cutting-edge technology. 

They are commonplace now, but cars are an engineering feat that has transformed the way we travel. 

Understanding the process of manufacturing a car from design to launch will enable you to have a new appreciation for automobile design and function. 

GET THE PARTS YOU NEED WITH NRTC AUTOMATION. 

NRTC Automation offers high-quality parts manufacturing for any industry. If you need parts built, engineered, and shipped to your facility, NRTC will provide all services for as long as you need. 

We also provide a customized solution for the decommissioning and tear out of your manufacturing and industrial assets. Our focus is on minimizing disruption and downtime in the work area while emphasizing safety, speed, and efficiency. Our additional robotic services help ensure full adoption of automation solutions and seamless integration into your workplace. 

Contact NRTC Automation today to get the parts you need. 

Reach out to us below to see how NRTC Automation can help with you car manufacturing needs

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NRTC Guide Jaydip Patel NRTC Guide Jaydip Patel

4 (Good) Reasons to Learn Programming

Why should you learn programming? Well, programming has lots of different applications in many industries, from manufacturing to design. As more processes become automated and move to digital platforms, knowing how to code is an important skill that will boost your resume and ease the transition into a more computerized world.

Learn more about the reasons you should learn how to program below!

Programming seems like a buzzword these days: everyone and their college roommate are learning how to code. 

Why should you learn programming? Well, programming has lots of different applications in many industries, from manufacturing to design. As more processes become automated and move to digital platforms, knowing how to code is an important skill that will boost your resume and ease the transition into a more computerized world. 

Learn more about the reasons you should learn how to program below! 

Reasons to learn programming

1. EASY ACCESS TO LEARNING 

Programming is easier to learn now more than ever. With the proliferation of massive open online courses (MOOCs), how-to coding books, free videos, courses offered by universities for credits, and more, coding is available to the public to learn at their own pace. 

Some people need a schedule to learn and keep them accountable. An online course would be the best option as it provides a week-by-week program with quizzes and tests. Many online courses are free or are available for a minimal charge. Others, like this Harvard Python programming course for AI on edX, offers a professional certificate for completing the course for a slightly higher price tag. These certificates can be useful for job interviews and displayed on LinkedIn. 

If you want to learn to program but don’t want to commit to a full course, you can watch free videos on YouTube, the Khan Academy app, or any other platform that offers free tutorials. This requires more self-discipline, but it is free and flexible to your schedule. 

2. CODING SKILLS ARE VALUED IN INDUSTRIES ACROSS THE BOARD 

Because of the advancement of technology, all kinds of industries need programming in order to carry out essential processes. In 2015, there were over 7 million job openings that required programming as a skill, so clearly having programming knowledge would make you an asset. 

For example, healthcare needs programmers to develop and maintain their large systems of data to avoid breaches and make it easy to navigate for those who need to access the information. In graphic design, coding knowledge allows designers to present ideas and visualizations without relying on a program like Photoshop to do the coding for them. 

Other industries that need programming skills include marketing, business, finance, manufacturing, and of course, technology. By committing to learn programming, you make yourself more valuable to all these industries and more as automation becomes more established. 

3. GETTING THE PROGRAMMER’S MINDSET 

The programmer’s mindset is treated as some sort of mythical worldview, but it just comes down to a few traits that you can cultivate by learning programming. They include: 

  • A willingness to learn—continuously 

  • Flexibility to change course at any moment 

  • Perseverance to complete a project or solve a problem 

  • Creative problem-solving skills 

  • A keen attention to detail 

  • Breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms 

These are the major qualities that contribute to a programmer’s success, but there are even more traits that make up the programmer’s mindset. 

By studying code, you can develop these traits, which enhances more than just your coding skills. The programmer’s mindset will improve your personal and professional life as you apply these traits to your daily routines. 

4. KEEPING UP WITH AUTOMATION 

As we mentioned before, automation is becoming more prevalent in industries across the board. Every day, computers are being built with more intelligent applications and algorithms. Robots are more agile and sensitive than ever before, and they are even making ripples in surgical rooms and nursing homes. 

It’s important to note that over 95% of jobs will not be taken by robots, but they will be changed by the development of technology. For example, both administrative assistants and chief executives will be relieved of monotonous tasks like compiling reports with the advent of artificial intelligence. However, their ability to think creatively, connect with other people, and make important decisions based on both facts and opinions will keep them in the workforce. 

While automation isn’t anything to fear—in fact, robots will keep people safe from dangerous jobs and provide space for more creative and fulfilling work—it is smart to stay ahead of the curve and learn to work with computers and robots rather than against them. 

By learning to code now, you can keep up with the rapid advancements in automation and learn how to use robots and computers for your benefit. 

Programming in Robotics 

Programming is the foundation of robotics. It’s what robots follow in order to carry out every command, from welding materials with torches to simply picking up and moving objects. As code becomes more and more refined, along with better technology and parts, robots will be able to assist with more parts of the production process. 

NEED A PROGRAMMER FOR YOUR ROBOTS? 

Check out NRTC Automation’s robotic engineering services! Our experienced technicians are experts at solving automation issues ranging from simple fixes to advanced diagnostics. We’ll work directly with your team to understand the problem and provide the fastest turnaround possible. Contact NRTC Automation today for more information on how we can assist your company on your way to automation. 

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NRTC Guide Jaydip Patel NRTC Guide Jaydip Patel

A Breakdown of the Decommissioning Process

Decommissioning can be a complicated operation of approvals, project deadlines, removing equipment, and cleaning up the remains.

With NRTC Automation’s attention to detail and commitment to quality, decommissioning is a smooth process from the contract to the walkthrough.

Learn more about our step-by-step process for decommissioning factories and manufacturing facilities below!

Decommissioning can be a complicated operation of approvals, project deadlines, removing equipment, and cleaning up the remains. 

With NRTC Automation’s attention to detail and commitment to quality, decommissioning is a smooth process from the contract to the walkthrough. 

Learn more about our step-by-step process for decommissioning factories and manufacturing facilities below! 

Step-by-Step Process of Decommissioning 

CONTRACT AND 3D SCAN 

First, we will determine the scope of work and the equipment’s wholesale worth. 

After an agreement is signed, NRTC will create a 3D scan of your facility to prepare the best tear out plan. 

PLANNING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT 

The tear out plan is based on your time requirements. If you have a big project coming up or need to move house to another facility, we will work with you to get your facility broom-ready in time. 

In order to stay on task, we provide a dedicated project manager to set key milestones for your progress. Plus, you’ll have a team committed solely to your project to prevent project crossovers and inconvenience. 

PREPARATION 

Before we begin removing your equipment, we’ll prepare the facility for the tear out. 

In order to provide a safe working environment, you’ll have to disconnect the power (lock out tag out), air, and water in your facility, followed by air gapping. This will prevent any injuries to the team or accidents with the equipment and facility. 

DECOMMISSION 

Once the prep is complete, then we can begin the tear out. We will identify the value equipment versus scrap and remove the equipment one section at a time. You can decide the method of removal according to your needs and preferences. 

CLEAN UP 

Once the tear out is complete, we will clean up any loose items as well as remove any bolts or protrusions in the floor back to a flush/smooth surface. We’ll make your facility broom-ready for your convenience. 

WALKTHROUGH 

Once the cleanup is finished, your project manager will complete a checklist walkthrough of the space to ensure that the decommissioning process is complete. 

Get decommissioning services you can trust. 

Decommissioning your facility doesn’t have to be a drawn-out process that wastes valuable time and money. With NRTC Automation, you can have a clean and clear facility ready for the next step according to your timeline.  

Our decommissioning team follows a tried-and-true process adjusted to your needs to get your facility broom-ready. Plus, you’ll have a project manager and tear out team dedicated solely to your company to finish your project on time. 

CONTACT NRTC AUTOMATION TO DECOMMISSION YOUR FACILITY. 

NRTC Automation provides customized solutions for manufacturing and industrial assets. With over a decade of experience, we have built partnerships with top manufacturers based on trust and dedication to quality.  

We also offer robotic services: from designing and building flexible robotic cells to training your staff in robotics, we can provide the solution you need personalized for your company.  

Contact NRTC Automation today for more information on how we can help you tear out for your next project. 

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NRTC Guide Jaydip Patel NRTC Guide Jaydip Patel

These 7 Robot Innovations Are Advancing Our World

Robots are making an impact in more than industrial settings. From medicine to entertainment, robots are joining professionals in creating a better world.

Read more about the way robots are advancing all industries below!

Robots are making an impact in more than industrial settings. From medicine to entertainment, robots are joining professionals in creating a better world. 

Read more about the way robots are advancing all industries below! 

Innovations in Robotics 

Agricultural Robots 

Agriculture is one of the most important systems in the world. It feeds populations and fuels our ability to move forward. 

Technological advances are the name of the game in agriculture. Before modern times, advancement was slow, with new techniques being developed after several centuries. However, after the Industrial Revolution and the progression of technology, agriculture became more and more streamlined. 

Robots are among the more recent tools used in agriculture. “High tech farming” is the new term for robotic applications in agriculture, and they have plenty of uses.  

For example, weeding is backbreaking work, and new robot designs are managing weeds even around valuable crops. Another type of farming robot is using drone flight technology to survey crop health and plant seeds. 

With robots, farmers can better protect their crops from weeds, invasive species, and disease, as well as plant and harvest more efficiently, which is a win for both farmers and consumers. 

Medical Robots 

The thought of a robot performing brain surgery is intimidating, to say the least. However, these robots are changing the way medical practitioners perform surgery for the better. 

Over 250,000 people die every year due to preventable medical errors. Robots are shrinking that statistic as medical practices are enhanced and reduce surgical errors and risk of infection in patients.  

The daVinci surgical robot works with surgeons to make more precise incisions during procedures using 3D vision and tiny robotic tools that strap onto the surgeons’ arms and wrists. The CyberKnife robot provides hyper-localized radiation treatment to cancerous tumors, preventing exposure of radiation to healthy organs. 

These are just a few of the types of medical robots that are changing the face of medicine. With robots, doctors and nurses can more effectively treat patients. 

Entertainment Robots 

Robots have been used for entertainment in Disney parks since the 1960s, but as robotics become more advanced, their capabilities for shock and awe have skyrocketed. 

Disney is using small animatronic creatures called Vyloo to fascinate children and adults of all ages. They are autonomous and can act independently of their controllers, watching observers as they move and playfully wiggling.  

The Pepper robot by SoftBank Robotics is another example of entertainment, although it is hoped to be used by businesses to redirect customers and answer questions. Pepper can communicate like a human, understanding emotions and tone of voice. Interviews with Pepper show the humor a robot can have. 

Also, the first artificial intelligence robot actor named Erica will star in a $70 million sci-fi movie called in 2021. 

As robots develop, their ability to amaze us will evolve into even more incredible projects. 

Delivery Robots 

USPS and Amazon Prime have seen a massive increase in home deliveries, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contactless delivery is increasingly sought after due to pandemic-related worries, and robots are providing the solution. 

Autonomous delivery robots are slowly making their way into delivery services, particularly in food delivery. 

Caregiver Robots 

Caregiver robots seem like an oxymoron: how can a robot care for a human? 

However, robots are becoming increasingly popular in-house and in elderly homes, providing companionship to combat loneliness. 

Loneliness is a bigger threat to the elderly than obesity, a study finds, which exemplifies the importance of companionship. That could be in the form of a family member, a nurse, a pet, or, now, a robot. 

Zora is a new robot caregiver that participates in group activities and games, as well as one-on-one time. Surprisingly, patients adapted quickly to Zora, even treating it with affection by cradling it and telling it about events that they wouldn’t tell their nurses. 

While an advanced robot nurse is still years in development, caregiver robots like Zora may provide the boost elderly patients need to enjoy life in their golden years. 

Cleaning Robots 

In relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, cleaning robots have surged in hospitals, airports, and other high-traffic public areas. 

The Roomba vacuum robot has been a household favorite for years, but more cleaning robots have hit the market in response to the pandemic. In April, in the beginning of the pandemic shutdown in the United States, there was a 24% increase in purchases for self-cleaning robots according to Brain Corp., compared to the previous year. 

Self-driving UV light floor scrubbing robots are taking cleaning to the next level, giving relief to customers that their welfare is being prioritized. 

By automating cleaning tasks, robots are improving our systems for health and safety. 

Manufacturing Robots 

Automation in manufacturing is enhancing production to be faster, more efficient, less wasteful, and cleaner. 

Recent advancements in manufacturing robots have only improved these qualities. For example, additional sensors and process control transmitters have been implemented in robots so they can detect any issues and alert the operator. 

Also, the evolution of data storage and cloud software has secured manufacturing data by separating it from the robot’s software. This prevents security threats and potentially losing important data due to robot failure. 

Advancing robots in manufacturing will provide a better product and make the production process more sustainable and efficient. 

AUTOMATION IS THE ADVANTAGE. 

NRTC Automation is the leader in decommissioning and tear outs for industrial and manufacturing facilities around the world. Our robotics and automation services provide a solution to your company’s needs. From robotics engineering to industrial equipment repairs, NRTC Automation is your next trusted partner in all things manufacturing and automation. Contact us today for more information on what we can do to improve your production line. 

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NRTC Guide, NRTC Services Jaydip Patel NRTC Guide, NRTC Services Jaydip Patel

Here's What Happens to Recycled Industrial Materials

In 2017, the U.S. produced about 7.6 billion tons of industrial waste, and only 30% of all industrial waste is recycled.

Thankfully, recycling is becoming easier as technologies develop and more recycling companies enter the market. Read more about the source and types of industrial waste and how they are recycled below.

In 2017, the U.S. produced about 7.6 billion tons of industrial waste, and only 30% of all industrial waste is recycled.

Recycling is important for two reasons, and the first one that comes to mind is sustainability. Who wouldn’t want to contribute to a cleaner, greener world? Recycling waste materials lowers pollution rates, lessens production’s harmful impact on animals and marine life, improves standards for human health, and eliminates the addition of one more product in a landfill. 

The second reason is liability, as industrial waste can potentially be dangerous. Violating waste regulations is expensive and may have negative consequences for employees and the company. The Superfund law is reinforced by the EPA to keep companies responsible for their waste, encouraging them to take action against unlawful dumping. 

Thankfully, recycling is becoming easier as technologies develop and more recycling companies enter the market. Read more about the source and types of industrial waste and how they are recycled below. 

Recycling Industrial Materials 

Source of industrial waste 

Industrial waste is produced by manufacturing companies, construction sites, and production and power plants. The waste can be a by-product of manufacturing, like raw materials such as metals, or it may be broken and defective equipment that cannot be repaired. 

When a company finishes a project and completes a tear out of their facility, there is a huge opportunity for recycling materials. Recyclable industrial waste is also produced on a day-to-day basis as production occurs and scrap material is left over. 

COMMON RECYCLED INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS 

A few of the common industrial materials that are recyclable include: 

  • Scrap metals (copper, iron, aluminum, etc.) 

  • Glass 

  • Plastics 

  • Scrap tires 

  • Chemicals 

  • Digital waste 

There is a different process for each of these materials, which will be explained below. 

Transportation of materials 

The logistics of transporting waste materials is important for two reasons: 

  • There will likely be a lot of waste, especially after a tear out, that will be sent for recycling. 

  • These materials could be potentially hazardous (like chemicals) or dangerous (like glass), so proper transportation is necessary for safety

Materials are typically loaded into a roll-off container, ranging in size from 20-yards for heavy materials to 40-yards or more for large industrial equipment. They are then transported by a truck. Compactors may also be used to condense like materials for easier transportation. 

Waste transportation can be costly, which is why NRTC Automation covers the bill during a decommissioning project. We will ensure that your facility is broom-ready by shipping off recyclable materials and prevent any surprise costs associated with transportation. 

Recycling process 

Recycling is a standardized step-by-step process from picking up the waste to presenting repurposed materials to be used for new products. 

Once the materials have arrived at the processing center, they will be dumped and sorted. The sorting process may be done by hand or with automated lines.  

The waste will then be processed once it has been accumulated into groups. Waste can be broken down, melted, or separated by parts and reused. 

Now the waste is transformed into a useable product and can be sold to companies that utilize recycled materials to create new products and be reintroduced to the market. 

REPURPOSED PRODUCTS 

Recycled materials can be reused to create repurposed products, such as:  

  • building materials 

  • industrial equipment, storage 

  • glass products 

  • cables 

The benefits of using repurposed products are that they are cost-effective and marketable for being sustainable. 

Prevent waste by recycling usable materials. 

You can contribute to the movement toward a sustainable world by recycling viable industrial waste. Conforming to the Superfund law and keeping waste out of landfills will allow materials to be repurposed, preventing more pollution and litter from soiling the planet.  

CONTACT NRTC AUTOMATION FOR YOUR TEAR OUT. 

NRTC Automation will provide a customized solution for the decommissioning and tear out of your manufacturing and industrial assets. Our focus is on minimizing disruption and downtime in the work area while emphasizing safety, speed and efficiency. We also provide additional services to help ensure full adoption of automation solutions and a seamless integration into your workplace. 

Contact NRTC Automation today for more information on how we can personalize our solutions for your company

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NRTC Services, NRTC Guide Jaydip Patel NRTC Services, NRTC Guide Jaydip Patel

How to Troubleshoot a Robot

When your robot starts acting up, it’s important to find out why as soon as possible. You can protect your robot from making repairs down the road, as well as reduce downtime, by being proactive with troubleshooting.

To learn more about troubleshooting a wonky robot, read our troubleshooting guide below!

When your robot starts acting up, it’s important to find out why as soon as possible. You can protect your robot from making repairs down the road, as well as reduce downtime, by being proactive with troubleshooting. 

There are a few basics in troubleshooting a robot that you can follow to see where the error lies. If you decide to troubleshoot the robot yourself, be sure to follow all safety precautions. Unplug the robot from all energy sources, place the robot in a spacious area to allow you to work around it, and wear all necessary safety gear to prevent any accidents or injuries. 

To learn more about troubleshooting a wonky robot, read our troubleshooting guide below! 

How do you know if something is wrong with your robot? 

The most obvious answer to this question is if the robot will not turn on or function normally. 

To be more detailed, your robot may require troubleshooting if it: 

  • Doesn't conform to an upgrade properly 

  • Makes unnecessary movements, wasting time and energy 

  • Doesn’t move at all 

  • Overheats 

  • Has low completed cycles 

  • Has a connection error 

You should have a hawk’s eye for malfunctioning robots so you can reduce downtime and low utilization as quickly as possible. By doing this, you can save the robot (and yourself!) from costly replacements and repairs as well as maintain your production productivity. 

Basics of troubleshooting a robot 

While the troubleshooting process is dependent on the robot and the error it’s experiencing, there are baseline considerations that start the problem-solving flow. Like a production line, having a smooth and uniform process that builds into something more specific saves time, energy, and money.  

Here are some of the steps robotics technicians would take when troubleshooting a robot

CHECK THE TEACH PENDANT DISPLAY. 

By checking the teach pendant display, you give yourself valuable information about the robot’s programming. If there are any errors in the programming, they will likely show up on the teach pendant and will allow you to troubleshoot from there. 

RUN THE ROBOT THROUGH MULTIPLE CYCLES. 

When NRTC Automation performs robot repairs, we run the robot through at least 50 cycles to observe its motions and repeatability. This allows you to see any surface-level errors that might arise, as well as cross off unrelated issues if the problem lies deeper in the robot’s programming or interior. 

MAKE THE ROBOT FAIL. 

Yes, you will want to make the robot intentionally fail so you can see if any of those actions align with the error the robot is experiencing. Try all failures to eliminate potential errors and save time during the troubleshooting process. 

TURN IT OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON AGAIN. 

This is the most revered advice of all time by IT and technical professionals. It’s most likely the first thing they are going to tell you to do. It’s worth a shot, so try turning off your robot and powering it back up again to see if that has any effect. 

REPLACE BATTERIES. 

Batteries can be finnicky and cause malfunctions. Replacing a robot’s batteries is good robot hygiene and should be part of the scheduled maintenance check. 

CHECK THE SERVO MOTOR TEMPERATURE. 

SERVO MOTORS ARE MEANT TO GET HOT, BUT THEY HAVE AN IDEAL TEMPERATURE RANGE. IF IT OVERHEATS OR DOESN’T REACH ITS IDEAL TEMPERATURE RANGE, THEN IT WILL AFFECT THE REST OF THE ROBOT’S FUNCTIONING LEVELS. EITHER REPLACE YOUR SERVO MOTOR WITH A DIFFERENT ONE OR CHECK IF IT CAN BE REPAIRED. 

Prevent errors ahead of time. 

Schedule maintenance checks for your robot. 

By scheduling maintenance checks, you ensure that your robot is current on all programming updates, oil changes, parts replacements, and more. Prevent errors ahead of time by sticking to the schedule and save money and time on your manufacturing floor. 

DO YOU WANT TO TRAIN YOUR TEAM TO TROUBLESHOOT? 

NRTC Automation provides robotics training to enhance the internal troubleshooting process and educate your employees on the foundations of robotics. From basic programming to advanced troubleshooting, we will train your staff in a personalized format according to your needs. Educating your team will boost productivity and reduce downtime on the manufacturing floor, so contact NRTC Automation today to learn more about our robotics training service. 

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