1. WATCH THE ROBOT CYCLE
One of the keys to keeping swing arm robots in good condition involves simply watching and listening, which can reveal a lot about the robot's general condition. As the robot runs through its motions, listen for any unusual sounds, like squeaking or knocking. This can indicate that a bearing is not rotating properly or that some other component is binding. Robots have a normal clicking sound from the motion of links in the track that carries the motor cables and vacuum hoses, but the motions should be smooth and quiet. Inspect any bearings that are visible and make sure they are turning smoothly.
2. INSPECT THE PNEUMATIC SYSTEM Swing arm robots have pneumatic functions, if only for wrist rotation or vacuum gripping of parts. Keep an eye on the bowl of the filter regulator unit. Accumulated water in the bowl indicates that there is excess moisture in the shop air going through the system. Even a small amount of moisture can get transported to the pneumatic valves and actuators, causing oxidation or build-up of contamination, which may eventually cause the valves to stick or the actuators to bind and fail intermittently. Even if the bowl has an automatic moisture evacuation system, stains or discoloration of the bowl indicate that moisture is building up before it is evacuated. As moisture accumulates in the bowl, even for a short time, it can get drawn into the system, causing the problems cited above.
If you notice any physical damage to the pneumatic hoses, there may be a leak in the system. If a pneumatic circuit is charged with air at normal operating pressures and there is a leak somewhere in the circuit, you should easily notice a pronounced hissing sound that will help you locate the leak.