In this article, we explain what preventive maintenance actually involves, how often it should be carried out, and what signs indicate that it\u2019s time to take action.<\/p>\n
What is preventive maintenance for industrial robots?<\/h2>\n
![\"Preventive](\"https:\/\/semapro.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-04-01-at-15.28.42-225x300.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
Preventive maintenance involves a series of scheduled inspections carried out before faults occur. Unlike corrective maintenance, which comes into play once a problem has already arisen, preventive maintenance aims to anticipate such issues. <\/p>\n
In industrial robotics, this is particularly important because many faults do not occur suddenly, but develop over time: play in parts, component wear, intermittent electrical faults, etc.<\/p>\n
What does preventive maintenance for an industrial robot involve?<\/h2>\n
Although this may vary depending on the brand (ABB, Fanuc, KUKA, Yaskawa, etc.), there is a common framework that should cover any intervention:<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd27 Mechanical inspection<\/h3>\n\n- Checking for play in shafts<\/li>\n
- Condition of gearboxes<\/li>\n
- Brake inspection<\/li>\n
- Checking the arm\u2019s internal wiring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u26a1Electrical inspection<\/h3>\n\n- Status of connections and terminals<\/li>\n
- Inspection of electronic cards<\/li>\n
- Diagnosis of historical alarms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f Lubrication and adjustments<\/h3>\n\n- Lubrication of the shafts in accordance with the manufacturer\u2019s specifications<\/li>\n
- Replacement of greases or oils<\/li>\n
- Fine-tuning, if necessary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ud83d\udcbbReview of the control system<\/h3>\n\n- Full system backup<\/li>\n
- Parameter verification<\/li>\n
- Checking software versions and status<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ud83d\udd0d Safety inspection<\/h3>\n\n- Emergency stops<\/li>\n
- Active safety systems<\/li>\n
- Status of peripherals (torch, gripper, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How often does maintenance need to be carried out?<\/h2>\n
There is no single answer, but in standard industrial settings:<\/p>\n
\n- \u2714\ufe0f Every 6\u201312 months<\/strong> \u2192 full preventive maintenance<\/li>\n
- \u2714\ufe0f Every 2,000\u20134,000 hours of operation<\/strong> \u2192 recommended service<\/li>\n
- \u2714\ufe0f Demanding applications (welding, continuous load) \u2192 shorter intervals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The important thing is to consider how the robot will actually be used.<\/p>\n
What happens if you don\u2019t carry out preventive maintenance?<\/h2>\n
In many companies, maintenance is put off until a fault occurs. The problem is that when that happens, the cost is no longer just the repair. <\/p>\n
Some common consequences:<\/p>\n
\n- Unplanned production stoppages<\/li>\n
- Loss of precision in processes (welding, handling, etc.)<\/li>\n
- Major breakdowns that could have been avoided<\/li>\n
- Higher costs for emergency repairs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A minor problem that isn’t spotted in time can end up requiring a much more complex procedure.<\/p>\n
![\"Before](\"https:\/\/semapro.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mantenimiento.png\")
<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nSigns that your robot needs servicing<\/h2>\n
There are clear signs that should not be overlooked:<\/p>\n
\n- Occurrence of abnormal noises or vibrations<\/li>\n
- Loss of repeatability<\/li>\n
- Recurring alarms<\/li>\n
- Temperature rise in shafts<\/li>\n
- Changes in process quality (irregular welding, positioning errors)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u26a1Electrical inspection<\/h3>\n\n- Status of connections and terminals<\/li>\n
- Inspection of electronic cards<\/li>\n
- Diagnosis of historical alarms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f Lubrication and adjustments<\/h3>\n\n- Lubrication of the shafts in accordance with the manufacturer\u2019s specifications<\/li>\n
- Replacement of greases or oils<\/li>\n
- Fine-tuning, if necessary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ud83d\udcbbReview of the control system<\/h3>\n\n- Full system backup<\/li>\n
- Parameter verification<\/li>\n
- Checking software versions and status<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ud83d\udd0d Safety inspection<\/h3>\n\n- Emergency stops<\/li>\n
- Active safety systems<\/li>\n
- Status of peripherals (torch, gripper, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How often does maintenance need to be carried out?<\/h2>\n
There is no single answer, but in standard industrial settings:<\/p>\n
\n- \u2714\ufe0f Every 6\u201312 months<\/strong> \u2192 full preventive maintenance<\/li>\n
- \u2714\ufe0f Every 2,000\u20134,000 hours of operation<\/strong> \u2192 recommended service<\/li>\n
- \u2714\ufe0f Demanding applications (welding, continuous load) \u2192 shorter intervals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The important thing is to consider how the robot will actually be used.<\/p>\n
What happens if you don\u2019t carry out preventive maintenance?<\/h2>\n
In many companies, maintenance is put off until a fault occurs. The problem is that when that happens, the cost is no longer just the repair. <\/p>\n
Some common consequences:<\/p>\n
\n- Unplanned production stoppages<\/li>\n
- Loss of precision in processes (welding, handling, etc.)<\/li>\n
- Major breakdowns that could have been avoided<\/li>\n
- Higher costs for emergency repairs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A minor problem that isn’t spotted in time can end up requiring a much more complex procedure.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nSigns that your robot needs servicing<\/h2>\n
There are clear signs that should not be overlooked:<\/p>\n
\n- Occurrence of abnormal noises or vibrations<\/li>\n
- Loss of repeatability<\/li>\n
- Recurring alarms<\/li>\n
- Temperature rise in shafts<\/li>\n
- Changes in process quality (irregular welding, positioning errors)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f Lubrication and adjustments<\/h3>\n\n- Lubrication of the shafts in accordance with the manufacturer\u2019s specifications<\/li>\n
- Replacement of greases or oils<\/li>\n
- Fine-tuning, if necessary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ud83d\udcbbReview of the control system<\/h3>\n\n- Full system backup<\/li>\n
- Parameter verification<\/li>\n
- Checking software versions and status<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ud83d\udd0d Safety inspection<\/h3>\n\n- Emergency stops<\/li>\n
- Active safety systems<\/li>\n
- Status of peripherals (torch, gripper, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How often does maintenance need to be carried out?<\/h2>\n
There is no single answer, but in standard industrial settings:<\/p>\n
\n- \u2714\ufe0f Every 6\u201312 months<\/strong> \u2192 full preventive maintenance<\/li>\n
- \u2714\ufe0f Every 2,000\u20134,000 hours of operation<\/strong> \u2192 recommended service<\/li>\n
- \u2714\ufe0f Demanding applications (welding, continuous load) \u2192 shorter intervals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The important thing is to consider how the robot will actually be used.<\/p>\n
What happens if you don\u2019t carry out preventive maintenance?<\/h2>\n
In many companies, maintenance is put off until a fault occurs. The problem is that when that happens, the cost is no longer just the repair. <\/p>\n
Some common consequences:<\/p>\n
\n- Unplanned production stoppages<\/li>\n
- Loss of precision in processes (welding, handling, etc.)<\/li>\n
- Major breakdowns that could have been avoided<\/li>\n
- Higher costs for emergency repairs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A minor problem that isn’t spotted in time can end up requiring a much more complex procedure.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nSigns that your robot needs servicing<\/h2>\n
There are clear signs that should not be overlooked:<\/p>\n
\n- Occurrence of abnormal noises or vibrations<\/li>\n
- Loss of repeatability<\/li>\n
- Recurring alarms<\/li>\n
- Temperature rise in shafts<\/li>\n
- Changes in process quality (irregular welding, positioning errors)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ud83d\udcbbReview of the control system<\/h3>\n\n- Full system backup<\/li>\n
- Parameter verification<\/li>\n
- Checking software versions and status<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ud83d\udd0d Safety inspection<\/h3>\n\n- Emergency stops<\/li>\n
- Active safety systems<\/li>\n
- Status of peripherals (torch, gripper, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How often does maintenance need to be carried out?<\/h2>\n
There is no single answer, but in standard industrial settings:<\/p>\n
\n- \u2714\ufe0f Every 6\u201312 months<\/strong> \u2192 full preventive maintenance<\/li>\n
- \u2714\ufe0f Every 2,000\u20134,000 hours of operation<\/strong> \u2192 recommended service<\/li>\n
- \u2714\ufe0f Demanding applications (welding, continuous load) \u2192 shorter intervals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The important thing is to consider how the robot will actually be used.<\/p>\n
What happens if you don\u2019t carry out preventive maintenance?<\/h2>\n
In many companies, maintenance is put off until a fault occurs. The problem is that when that happens, the cost is no longer just the repair. <\/p>\n
Some common consequences:<\/p>\n
\n- Unplanned production stoppages<\/li>\n
- Loss of precision in processes (welding, handling, etc.)<\/li>\n
- Major breakdowns that could have been avoided<\/li>\n
- Higher costs for emergency repairs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A minor problem that isn’t spotted in time can end up requiring a much more complex procedure.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nSigns that your robot needs servicing<\/h2>\n
There are clear signs that should not be overlooked:<\/p>\n
\n- Occurrence of abnormal noises or vibrations<\/li>\n
- Loss of repeatability<\/li>\n
- Recurring alarms<\/li>\n
- Temperature rise in shafts<\/li>\n
- Changes in process quality (irregular welding, positioning errors)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ud83d\udd0d Safety inspection<\/h3>\n\n- Emergency stops<\/li>\n
- Active safety systems<\/li>\n
- Status of peripherals (torch, gripper, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How often does maintenance need to be carried out?<\/h2>\n
There is no single answer, but in standard industrial settings:<\/p>\n
\n- \u2714\ufe0f Every 6\u201312 months<\/strong> \u2192 full preventive maintenance<\/li>\n
- \u2714\ufe0f Every 2,000\u20134,000 hours of operation<\/strong> \u2192 recommended service<\/li>\n
- \u2714\ufe0f Demanding applications (welding, continuous load) \u2192 shorter intervals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The important thing is to consider how the robot will actually be used.<\/p>\n
What happens if you don\u2019t carry out preventive maintenance?<\/h2>\n
In many companies, maintenance is put off until a fault occurs. The problem is that when that happens, the cost is no longer just the repair. <\/p>\n
Some common consequences:<\/p>\n
\n- Unplanned production stoppages<\/li>\n
- Loss of precision in processes (welding, handling, etc.)<\/li>\n
- Major breakdowns that could have been avoided<\/li>\n
- Higher costs for emergency repairs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A minor problem that isn’t spotted in time can end up requiring a much more complex procedure.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nSigns that your robot needs servicing<\/h2>\n
There are clear signs that should not be overlooked:<\/p>\n
\n- Occurrence of abnormal noises or vibrations<\/li>\n
- Loss of repeatability<\/li>\n
- Recurring alarms<\/li>\n
- Temperature rise in shafts<\/li>\n
- Changes in process quality (irregular welding, positioning errors)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How often does maintenance need to be carried out?<\/h2>\n
There is no single answer, but in standard industrial settings:<\/p>\n
- \n
- \u2714\ufe0f Every 6\u201312 months<\/strong> \u2192 full preventive maintenance<\/li>\n
- \u2714\ufe0f Every 2,000\u20134,000 hours of operation<\/strong> \u2192 recommended service<\/li>\n
- \u2714\ufe0f Demanding applications (welding, continuous load) \u2192 shorter intervals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The important thing is to consider how the robot will actually be used.<\/p>\n
What happens if you don\u2019t carry out preventive maintenance?<\/h2>\n
In many companies, maintenance is put off until a fault occurs. The problem is that when that happens, the cost is no longer just the repair. <\/p>\n
Some common consequences:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Unplanned production stoppages<\/li>\n
- Loss of precision in processes (welding, handling, etc.)<\/li>\n
- Major breakdowns that could have been avoided<\/li>\n
- Higher costs for emergency repairs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A minor problem that isn’t spotted in time can end up requiring a much more complex procedure.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n<\/h2>\n
Signs that your robot needs servicing<\/h2>\n
There are clear signs that should not be overlooked:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Occurrence of abnormal noises or vibrations<\/li>\n
- Loss of repeatability<\/li>\n
- Recurring alarms<\/li>\n
- Temperature rise in shafts<\/li>\n
- Changes in process quality (irregular welding, positioning errors)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \u2714\ufe0f Every 2,000\u20134,000 hours of operation<\/strong> \u2192 recommended service<\/li>\n
![\"Adjustment](\"https:\/\/semapro.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEMAPRO14-300x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\n