Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are changing modern industry. These machines work together with humans and make many industries more productive. To keep them working well and for a long time, they need to be properly maintained. In this guide, we take a special look at the Elfin series from ARCOZ and show how to best care for cobots. Good maintenance is important so that the robots can work efficiently and safely with employees.
Maintenance checklist for Elfin robots
- Daily visual inspection of all components
- Weekly cleaning of the sensors and joints
- Monthly check of the cable connections
- Quarterly lubrication of moving parts
- Semi-annual calibration of the axes
- Annual full inspection by a specialist
Table of Contents
1. basics of cobot maintenance
Regular maintenance keeps cobots efficient and safe. The Elfin series from ARCOZ, such as the Elfin 03 and Elfin 05, require special care. These cobots have a special double-joint design that allows more maneuverability, but also requires extra maintenance. The double joint makes the cobots more flexible and precise, but needs to be well lubricated and adjusted.
Preventive maintenance prevents expensive repairs and extends the service life of the cobots. Unlike reactive maintenance, where you only act when something is broken, preventive maintenance involves scheduling regular checks. This saves money and ensures consistent performance. A good maintenance plan can reduce downtime by up to 30% and keep cobots running for years longer. Regular maintenance also helps to save energy and reduce operating costs.
2. daily and weekly maintenance routines
Daily checks are important for models such as the Elfin 10 and Elfin 15. Check every day that all parts look good and that nothing is loose. Listen for unusual noises when the Cobot is working. This may indicate a problem. Pay particular attention to the joints and connections that are under the most strain. Testing Also check cables and hoses for wear.
You should clean the Cobot thoroughly once a week. Dust and dirt can damage sensitive parts. Use a soft, antistatic cloth and special cleaning agents for robots. Pay particular attention to joints and sensors, which are important for precise work. Clean optical sensors and cameras carefully, as even small amounts of dirt can impair accuracy. Testing Also check the fastenings and carefully tighten any loose screws. Test the emergency stop systems weekly to ensure safety.
3. monthly and quarterly maintenance tasks
Once a month you should take more time for your Cobot. Testing Check all moving parts more carefully and lubricate them if necessary. The Elfin series has special joints that need to be well cared for. Only use the lubricants recommended by the manufacturer, as the wrong products can cause damage. Testing Check whether the cobot's software is up to date. Updates can improve performance and add new functions. Also test the accuracy of the movements and readjust them if necessary.
It is time for a more thorough inspection every three months. Also test the accuracy of the cobot. The Elfin cobots are known for their high precision, with a repeatability of ±0.02 mm to ±0.05 mm. If the cobot is no longer as accurate, it may need to be recalibrated. Also do a full load test to check that all parts are working properly under full load. Look at the electrical connections for wear or rust and replace seals or covers if necessary. Testing Also check how energy efficient the cobot is to find possible improvements.
4. annual maintenance and overhaul
Once a year, your Cobot needs a thorough overhaul. This is like a major health check for the robot. You should also replace any worn parts. There are special spare parts for the Elfin series that fit exactly. Don't forget additional devices such as suction devices or holders, which also need to be serviced. During annual maintenance, all parts are dismantled and cleaned, even those that are not normally visible. All seals, bearings and cables are checked for wear and replaced if necessary.
During annual maintenance, it is also important to improve the performance of the cobot. There may be new settings that make the work even more efficient. Carry out extensive tests to ensure that the cobot is performing all tasks accurately. Also check the safety systems thoroughly, including collision detection and emergency stop functions. Keep detailed records of all maintenance work. These records help to identify problems early and plan maintenance even better in the future. Accurate documentation is also important for testing and certification, especially in strictly controlled industries.
5. training and qualification of maintenance personnel
Good maintenance starts with well-trained personnel. Employees who maintain cobots must be trained Special . They should be familiar with the special features of the Elfin series and know what is important during maintenance. ARCOZ offers special training courses in which you learn everything about the correct care of the cobots. These training courses cover not only technical aspects, but also safety regulations and good practices for cooperation between humans and robots. It is important that maintenance personnel understand both the mechanics and the software of the cobots in order to find comprehensive solutions to problems.
It is also important for the maintenance team to keep learning. Technology is developing rapidly and new methods and tools often come onto the market. A well-trained team can identify and solve problems more quickly. This saves time and money and keeps the cobots in top condition for longer. Regular refresher courses and exchanges with other experts in the industry are very important. Maintenance staff should also be able to make minor programming adjustments and evaluate the cobot data in order to identify potential problems at an early stage. The investment in staff training pays off through improved efficiency and reliability of the cobot systems.
6. use of digital tools in maintenance planning
Modern technology makes the maintenance of cobots easier and more accurate. There is special software that helps to keep track of all maintenance tasks. These programs remind you when which cobot needs to be serviced. They can also collect and analyze data to predict when a part might break down soon. Such predictive maintenance systems use machine learning algorithms to recognize patterns in the operating data and predict possible failures. This allows companies to plan maintenance work before expensive breakdowns occur.
Some companies are even using artificial intelligence to improve maintenance. These systems can detect small changes in the way the cobot works long before a human would notice them. This allows problems to be rectified before they become major. This is particularly useful for complex systems such as the Fine Line rotary actuators or the Compact Line models. Digital twins, virtual copies of the real cobots, are increasingly being used to test maintenance scenarios and find the best strategy. Augmented reality technologies help technicians with difficult maintenance tasks by displaying step-by-step instructions directly in the technician's field of vision. These modern tools help to make maintenance more efficient and reduce downtime.
| Component | Maintenance interval | Task | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joints | Monthly | Lubricate and check for wear | According to plan |
| Sensors | Weekly | Cleaning and calibrating | Review necessary |
| Software | Quarterly | Installing and testing updates | Update available |
| Gripper | Monthly | Check for wear and adjust | According to plan |
| Cables | Quarterly | Check for damage | According to plan |
Conclusion
Good maintenance planning is very important to ensure that cobots work well for a long time. The Elfin series from ARCOZ offers modern technology that works reliably for a long time with the right care. Regular checks, thorough cleaning and timely updates will keep your cobots in top shape. A good maintenance strategy not only takes care of the mechanical parts, but also of the software and how man and machine work together. The use of digital tools and predictive maintenance systems can greatly improve efficiency and reduce unplanned downtime.
With this detailed guide, you are well prepared to optimally maintain your cobot systems. Good maintenance pays off: it improves performance, extends service life and ensures that your production runs smoothly. If you invest in the care of your cobots, they will thank you with years of reliable work. Remember that cobot maintenance is an ongoing process that is constantly evolving. Keep up to date with new technologies and methods to keep improving your maintenance strategy.
