Maintenance of industrial robots is key to ensuring continuity and efficiency in any automated production environment. Most breakdowns do not occur suddenly: robots often show warning signs much earlier.

Knowing how to detect these symptoms early can prevent unplanned downtime, unnecessary costs and quality problems in your processes.

At ITS Tech we explain the five most common signs that your equipment needs an urgent overhaul.

5 signs that you need Preventive Maintenance for Industrial Robots

1. Less precise movements

Does the robot no longer move smoothly?

Do you notice minor interruptions, bouncing around or taking longer to complete your tasks?

This symptom is usually due to mechanicalwear, lubrication problems or servomotor failure.

A preventive check can prevent further damage and restore the efficiency of the robot.

2. Unusual noises: a common sign in unmaintained robots

Buzzes, vibrations, clicks… If your robot starts to make sounds that are different from the usual ones, it is probably signalling an internal problem.

These noises are usually related to deteriorated bearings, poorly adjusted gearboxes or loose parts due to lack of maintenance.

👉 The sound is one of the first alerts that the robot needs technical attention.

3. Increased electricity consumption

Have you noticed that the robot is consuming more energy for no apparent reason?

An increase in consumption can be a consequence of internal friction, unnecessary mechanical stresses or overtaxed electric motors.

👉 Detecting this signal early helps you to reduce energy costs and avoid overheating.

4. Alarms and Micro Stops: When to Check Your Industrial Robot

Does the robot raise more alarms than usual or stop briefly for no clear reason?

These intermittent stops indicate that something is not working as it should. Even though they are still producing, the robots are working at their limits.

A technical intervention can identify the source and restore stability to your system.

5. Loss of accuracy of results

When a robot loses repeatability, errors are transferred directly to the final product. If you notice deviations or inaccuracies in processes, the problem may be in the sensors, axes, or control system.

A robot overhaul can prevent returns, rework or loss of service quality.

Why is preventive maintenance important for industrial robots?

According to the International Federation of Robotics, automation continues to grow year by year, and with it the need for proper maintenance.

Preventive maintenance is an essential part of any modern production strategy. It’s not just about avoiding breakdowns: it’s about protecting your investment in robotics, maintaining process quality and ensuring operational continuity.

Unlike corrective maintenance, which acts after a failure has already occurred, preventive maintenance is based on regular checks, technical adjustments and replacement of key components before they present problems. It aims to anticipate failures, not react to them.

These are some of the key reasons why preventive maintenance of industrial robots is a smart decision:

1. Avoid unexpected stops

Early detection of a fault allows its resolution to be planned without affecting production. Preventive interventions are made at times of lower load or during scheduled shutdowns.

➡️ Result: more continuity, less urgency.

2. Extend the life of your robot with preventive maintenance

Mechanical and electronic components suffer less wear and tear when adjusted and lubricated on a regular basis.

This extends the operating life of the robot and delays the need for investment in new equipment.

➡️ Lower depreciation, higher profitability.

3. Reduces long-term costs

A critical failure usually means: damaged part, urgent intervention, stopped production and often problems with product quality.

➡️ With good maintenance, all this is avoided or reduced to a minimum.

4. Ensures the quality of the process

When a robot is properly calibrated and free of deviations, its accuracy and repeatability remain stable.

That translates into consistent products and fewer rework or returns.

➡️ Less errors, more efficiency.

5. Improve operational safety

A malfunctioning robot not only fails: it can put people, machinery or facilities at risk.

Preventive maintenance ensures that the robot works within the parameters set by the manufacturer.

➡️ Safer environments, fewer incidents.

Maintenance of industrial robots is not an extra expense: it is a strategic investment to ensure long-term productivity, safety and efficiency.

At ITS Tech, we design maintenance plans adapted to your needs, your work environment and the type of robot you use.

We detect faults before they occur, so that you only have to worry about production.

Industrial robot maintenance plans with ITS Tech

At ITS Tech we know that every robot, every environment and every industrial process is different. That’s why we offer customised maintenance plans adapted to the real pace of your production.

Our maintenance services for industrial robots are designed to:

• Preventing failures before they occur
• Maximising robot performance and service life
• Avoiding unplanned downtime and associated costs
• Maintain the quality and precision of the production process.

Do you want to get even more out of your robotic systems?

On our services page, you will find complementary solutions that may interest you: from console repair to reconditioned robots.

At ITS Tech we work with you to ensure that every robot in your plant performs to the best of its ability, today and in the long term.