Preventive Maintenance Checklist for Your FANUC Robot

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When it comes to keeping your FANUC robot running like a well-oiled machine (literally), preventative maintenance is key. Skipping routine checks can lead to costly breakdowns, unplanned downtime, and expensive repairs. But the good news? Most of this can be avoided with a structured preventative maintenance checklist.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to inspect, clean, and monitor—on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis—to ensure your FANUC robot stays productive, safe, and reliable for years to come.

Why Preventative Maintenance Matters

A FANUC robot is an investment. Like any high-performance system, it needs regular care to maintain:

Precision and repeatability
Safety standards
Uptime and productivity
Long-term return on investment

Even minor wear, like dirty filters or low grease levels, can cause issues if ignored over time. Preventative maintenance is cheaper than emergency repairs.

Daily Maintenance Checklist

Performed by: Operators or Technicians
Goal: Ensure clean, safe, and error-free operation

Task	Description
Visual Inspection	Look for oil leaks, loose wires, abnormal wear, or physical damage
Clean Surrounding Area	Remove debris, oil spills, and obstacles near the robot
Check Teach Pendant	Confirm buttons, screen, and e-stop are functioning properly
Listen for Abnormal Noises	Grinding, clicking, or high-pitched whines could indicate mechanical problems
Verify Safety Devices	Test light curtains, door interlocks, and emergency stops
Check Air Supply	Ensure air pressure is within spec (if applicable) and free of moisture

Weekly Maintenance Checklist

Performed by: Maintenance Technicians
Goal: Catch early-stage issues

Task	Description
Check Cable Management	Inspect for fraying, bending, or excessive tension on cables and hoses
Inspect EOAT (End-of-Arm Tooling)	Make sure tool is tightly secured and operating as expected
Test Brake Functionality	Verify brake engagement/disengagement during robot power-down
Inspect Mounting Bolts	Ensure all robot base and controller bolts are tight and secure
Clean Fan Filters	Prevent controller overheating by removing dust buildup

Monthly Maintenance Checklist

Performed by: Robot Maintenance Team or Qualified Personnel
Goal: Maintain performance and extend robot life

Task	Description
Backup Programs	Save robot programs and parameters in case of controller failure
Inspect Grease Levels	Check axes for proper lubrication and grease condition
Review Error History	Look for recurring alarms or motion faults
Test Repeatability	Use a dial indicator or laser tracker to verify precision
Controller Ventilation	Ensure cooling fans and heat exchangers are working properly

Quarterly & Biannual Maintenance Checklist

Task	Description
Replace Fan Filters	If dirty or worn beyond cleaning
Check Robot Zero Position	Calibrate if needed to ensure tool path accuracy
Inspect Internal Wiring	Look for signs of heat damage or corrosion
Perform Joint Movement Tests	Move each axis and watch for resistance or backlash
Clean Controller Interior	Use ESD-safe tools and vacuum to remove dust (with power OFF)

Annual Maintenance Checklist

Performed by: Certified FANUC Technician or Senior Maintenance Team
Goal: Deep inspection, calibration, and part replacement

Task	Description
Replace Grease	Drain and replace grease in joints (especially J1–J6 for 6-axis robots)
Battery Replacement	Replace backup batteries in controller and robot arm
Encoder Calibration	Use FANUC software tools to recalibrate robot encoders
Safety Audit	Full inspection of safety circuits, light curtains, and fencing
Software Updates	Install official FANUC firmware and security patches
Replace Worn Components	Replace damaged cable carriers, covers, or seals