Collaborative robots play a great influence on how systems and processes are streamlined especially in the manufacturing industry. These highly-sophisticated machines work alongside humans to improve productivity and make operations more efficient.
However, no matter how tough these machines are, they need to be cared for too. Here are some of the basic cobots maintenance techniques that will help prolong their lifespan.
Prevent Problems with Proper Cobots Maintenance
Just like humans, cobots may suffer from malfunctions or break down when not properly maintained. By ensuring that preventative maintenance is done regularly, you can avoid issues that may affect the performance of collaborative robots.
Some of the problems that may be addressed with proper cobots maintenance include:
- Position Deviation – failure to function within intended perimeters
- Repeatability Concerns – failure to perform consistent and repetitive movements
- Cable Damage – problems with power and data cords, wires, and cables which may be fire hazards
- Software Break Down – uncontrolled loss of important information and programs
- Safety Issues – unpredicted behavior of cobots which may result in injury
5 Cobots Maintenance Tips that You Must Follow
1. Perform Visual Checks Daily
Cobots form part of your team and as you show concern for your team members, you should also pay attention to your cobots. Perform visual checks on a daily basis to check for any possible damages that it may have acquired or to inspect its parts. This will ensure that your cobots are in optimum condition to perform tasks and prevent accidents or injuries within your facility.
2. Clean Optics and Sensors Regularly
The optics and sensors of collaborative robots help your machine to “see” and their vision is essential in completing tasks efficiently. They rely on these components to move, pick up and drop things, and perform tasks they are programmed to do. To ensure that their performance will not be compromised, the optics and sensors of cobots must be kept free from dirt or debris. Aside from efficiency, improperly maintained optics and sensors may make the cobot unsafe.
3. Ensure Proper Airflow
Your cobot’s controller requires proper airflow to prevent it from overheating. Any disruption in the airflow of the unit could affect the lifespan of your cobot. This may also be the reason why electronic components will go through wear and tear. Damages may also happen as a result of overheating. To avoid these and prolong the lifespan of your cobots, it is important to clean the cooling fans at least after every 3 months. A replacement may also be an option for worn-out fans.
4. Take Care of Cables and Bolts
Even cables must be given proper care. Make sure that they are properly terminated and prevent kinks from developing. The integrity of the cables is important to ensure efficiency and safety. As for the bolts, check for loosely mounted bolts that may get in the way of smooth operations and accuracy. Regularly inspect the robot’s arm tool and secure the screws and bolts tightly.
5. Work with Authorized Personnel
While the built-in technologies of collaborative robots make them generally safe and efficient, the chances for accidents to occur may still be present. Make sure that when your cobots need to be repaired, you’ll work with authorized and knowledgeable personnel who can perform the necessary repairs professionally. Choose authorized providers who are trained to maintain cobots from certain manufacturers.
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Wear and tear decrease the value of collaborative robots and affect your overall processes too. Through preventative maintenance, you can preserve the value and functionality of your cobots and ensure that untoward problems will not get in the way of your production.
Are you in need of collaborative robots to enhance your processes and improve your productivity? Elixir is the trusted supplier of Doosan Collaborative Robots in the Philippines. We can help provide the cobots you need to efficiently handle complex tasks and a variety of applications including machine tending, pick and place, packaging, inspection, assembly, and a lot more.