In today’s fast-moving world of automation, downtime is the one thing no manufacturer wants to see. Whether you’re using robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), or collaborative bots, even a small hiccup can ripple into serious losses. That’s why understanding the real data behind robot downtime is key to running an efficient and profitable operation. Below, we break down 30 crucial statistics, each one followed by practical advice to help you keep your robots running smoothly.

1. Average robot downtime in manufacturing: 5–20% of scheduled production time

Downtime doesn’t always mean a major breakdown. Sometimes it’s small pauses here and there, but those minutes add up fast. If your robot is supposed to be working 40 hours a week, that means 2 to 8 hours could be wasted due to downtime.

That’s like losing a whole workday every week.

To get this under control, the first step is measurement. Set up clear logging systems that track every minute your robots aren’t working and why. Are they waiting for a material supply? Are they going through maintenance?

Are they misaligned or misprogrammed? Categorizing the reasons helps you focus on the right solutions.

Second, focus on standardizing workflows. If operators manually reset robots differently each time something goes wrong, you’re adding unnecessary delay. Create clear instructions and training so responses are consistent.

Finally, use this data to forecast expected downtime. If you know you lose about 10% each week, you can build that into your production targets and staffing.

2. Unplanned robot downtime costs manufacturers up to $260,000 per hour

That’s a shocking number, but it makes sense when you add it all up. Think of the lost production, idle workers, late shipments, and damage to customer trust. It’s not just about the robot—it’s about the chain reaction that follows.

The answer here is urgency. Don’t wait for downtime to strike. Run drills with your team to simulate a sudden robot failure. Who do they call? How fast can they respond? Where are the spare parts?

Also, keep a well-organized inventory of the most failure-prone parts. Having a critical sensor or actuator on hand can be the difference between 15 minutes of delay and an entire shift lost.

Beyond logistics, make downtime part of your review meetings. Each incident should be analyzed, even if it only lasted five minutes. That’s how you turn small setbacks into long-term gains.

3. 82% of companies experience unexpected equipment failures, including robots, annually

It’s safe to say you’re not alone if you’ve had your robot stop unexpectedly. Nearly every company deals with this. The key is not to accept it as “normal,” but to treat each failure like a crime scene.

Start keeping a detailed failure log. What happened? When? What was the robot doing just before? Was it the same machine as last time? Use this data to find patterns.

For example, if a certain robot breaks down during high-speed operations, maybe it’s time to reduce its workload or improve its cooling system.

Train your staff to report even the small stuff. If the robot hesitated or restarted unexpectedly, write it down. Often, the signs of a coming failure are subtle.

Investing in basic diagnostic tools and training your staff to use them can also go a long way. You don’t need a full team of engineers—just people who know how to read the early warning signs.

4. Predictive maintenance can reduce robot downtime by up to 30–50%

Wouldn’t it be great if your robot told you it was about to fail? That’s the power of predictive maintenance. Instead of fixing things after they break, you fix them just before.

Start by installing sensors that track things like vibration, temperature, and electrical signals. These small data points can reveal a lot. For example, if a motor starts vibrating more than usual, it may be wearing out.

Use software that learns from these patterns. Many modern robots come with built-in analytics, or you can use third-party tools that plug into your system.

Once you’ve got data flowing, set up automatic alerts. If a part is acting strangely, you get notified before it causes a full stop.

The upfront cost may seem high, but compare that to losing $260,000 an hour. This approach usually pays for itself quickly.

5. Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) for industrial robots: 30,000–60,000 hours

That sounds like a lot, but let’s break it down. If a robot runs 24/7, 60,000 hours is just under 7 years. And that’s in ideal conditions. Many robots operate in dusty, hot, or high-speed environments where that number drops fast.

Use the MTBF as a planning tool. If your robot is halfway through its expected life, start planning its replacement or major overhaul. Don’t wait for it to give out mid-shift.

Build in inspection cycles long before failures are expected. For example, if the average MTBF of your robot’s controller is 40,000 hours, run a full test at 30,000.

Keep a calendar that tracks the hours each robot has been running. Most modern systems can do this automatically. Use those numbers to prioritize where your maintenance team should focus.

6. Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) for robots averages 3–6 hours

That’s a big chunk of your day lost. Reducing MTTR is all about preparation. Your team needs to have the right tools, the right parts, and the right training ready to go.

Start by creating repair kits for your most common robot models. Each kit should include the tools and parts needed for the top three failures.

Next, train a few key team members to be robot “first responders.” They don’t have to be experts, but they should be able to get the process started.

Use video tutorials and step-by-step guides. Most people learn better by watching than reading.

Finally, set a stopwatch the next time a robot goes down. Time every step—diagnosis, finding parts, repair, restart. Look for the bottlenecks and fix them.

7. Planned maintenance accounts for only 20–30% of total robot downtime

This is good news. It means most downtime isn’t from scheduled maintenance—it’s unplanned. But it also means we need to be smarter with the time we do spend.

Start by reviewing your current maintenance plan. Is it based on actual wear and tear, or just the calendar? Try to shift from time-based to condition-based maintenance.

If you always change filters every 3 months, but the sensors show they’re clean, you’re wasting time. On the other hand, if you’re skipping them when they’re dirty because it’s not “time yet,” you risk a breakdown.

Also, make sure your maintenance windows are well-timed. Don’t schedule them during peak hours or rush orders. Look for lulls and plan accordingly.

8. 42% of downtime events are caused by software or control system issues

Not all robot problems are mechanical. In fact, nearly half the time it’s the brain, not the body, that causes the issue.

Keep your software up to date. Many downtime events happen because companies skip updates, fearing they’ll cause new problems. The truth is, the older your software, the more bugs and security holes it likely has.

Back up your control settings regularly. If something crashes, you don’t want to spend hours reprogramming.

Train your team on how to do a clean reboot, how to restore settings, and how to detect corrupt files early.

If you’re seeing a pattern in control errors, call the vendor. Often, they can provide patches or offer tips on improving stability.

9. Hardware failures cause 35% of robot downtime

This stat tells us that one-third of downtime is due to something physically breaking. It could be a faulty motor, a broken joint, or a failed sensor. When that happens, the entire line can come to a halt.

To reduce hardware-related downtime, start by creating a list of the most failure-prone components in your robotic systems. These are usually things that move, wear out, or handle power—like grippers, belts, gears, actuators, and drives.

Inspect these parts more frequently. Don’t wait for them to break. For example, if a gear typically wears out after 10,000 hours, check it at 8,000. That gives you a buffer.

Also, store extra critical components onsite. If a motor breaks and you have to order a new one from overseas, you’re looking at days—or weeks—of lost productivity. Keep the parts you know will eventually fail close by.

When a part does break, document it fully. What broke, why, and when? Use that info to adjust your inspection schedule or upgrade parts that fail too often.

10. Sensor malfunctions contribute to 8–12% of robot downtime

Sensors are like the robot’s eyes and ears. If they stop working, the robot can’t see, hear, or respond to its environment—and that means trouble.

Dust, moisture, heat, and vibration can all mess with sensor performance. So the first step is to keep them clean and dry. Create a simple cleaning routine and stick to it.

Check alignment regularly. A misaligned sensor might not fail completely, but it will give false readings—and that’s just as bad. If your robot suddenly starts grabbing items off-center, a poorly placed sensor might be the culprit.

If you’re seeing repeated sensor issues, it may be time to upgrade. Older analog sensors can be less reliable than newer digital ones. Talk to your vendor about options.

Train your team to test sensors quickly. Many times, what looks like a big failure is just a loose connection or blocked lens.

11. Connectivity issues in networked robotic systems cause 10–15% of unplanned downtime

As more robots get connected to each other, to the cloud, and to other factory systems, new problems emerge. If a robot loses connection, even briefly, it might freeze or reboot.

Use high-quality industrial networking gear. Don’t rely on the same Wi-Fi that your office uses. Wired connections are usually more stable, especially for high-speed robots.

Label every cable and keep your wiring tidy. It’s surprising how often someone unplugs the wrong cable by mistake during troubleshooting.

Keep your network updated with patches and firmware fixes. Old routers and switches can cause strange, random failures that are hard to trace.

Have backup plans in place. If a robot relies on cloud instructions and loses connection, it should have local fallback behavior so it can at least finish its current task safely.

12. Collaborative robots (cobots) experience 15–25% less downtime than traditional robots

Cobots are designed to work safely around people, and they tend to be simpler, easier to program, and less likely to break under pressure. That simplicity leads to less downtime.

If you’re in an environment with frequent task changes or light loads, consider switching from traditional robots to cobots. The savings in setup time and maintenance can be significant.

Cobots often have better self-monitoring systems, so they can tell you when something is going wrong. Use that to your advantage—check their dashboards often.

Also, cobots are generally more plug-and-play. If you’re launching a new production line or product, a cobot might reduce launch time and help you adapt quicker if something goes wrong.

13. Plants using real-time monitoring report a 40% reduction in robot-related downtime

Real-time monitoring means you’re not waiting for a machine to fail—you’re watching it as it works and reacting at the first sign of trouble.

Start small. Use basic sensors to monitor temperature, motor current, or cycle time. Set up simple dashboards so your team can see if something looks off.

Don’t just collect data—act on it. If your robot’s motor is heating up more than usual, don’t ignore it. Stop the machine, inspect the part, and fix the issue before it becomes a full failure.

Automate alerts. You can set thresholds so that if a value goes outside the normal range, you get a text or email immediately.

Train your staff to interpret the data. Numbers on a screen mean nothing unless someone knows what to do with them.

Train your staff to interpret the data. Numbers on a screen mean nothing unless someone knows what to do with them.

14. Root cause analysis reduces recurrence of robot failure by 25–40%

If you don’t know why something failed, chances are it’ll fail again. Root cause analysis (RCA) helps you find the true source—not just the symptom.

After every robot failure, gather your team and ask: What happened? When? What triggered it? What changed just before? Dig deeper with each answer.

Don’t stop at “the motor failed.” Ask why it failed. Was it overloaded? Was it overheating? Was there a blockage?

Keep a shared log of your RCA findings. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns. Maybe your failures always happen after a software update or when a certain operator is on duty.

Use this insight to improve training, tweak the environment, or redesign weak points in your process.

15. Robotics system integration errors cause 10–20% of early-stage downtime

When you bring a new robot online, the early days are often rough. Mistakes in wiring, programming, or setup can cause it to stop working right away.

Always test your integration in a simulated environment first. Most modern robotic software has virtual tools that let you check workflows without moving real parts.

Involve multiple departments during setup—not just engineers. Maintenance staff, operators, and safety officers should all weigh in to catch potential issues early.

After launch, schedule daily check-ins for the first two weeks. Use those to log errors, tweak the setup, and gather feedback.

The faster you fix small integration problems, the less likely they are to cause long-term issues.

16. Battery-powered mobile robots (AMRs) report a 10% downtime due to charging or battery faults

Mobile robots are great, but if they’re sitting in a corner waiting for a charge, they’re not helping your business.

First, make sure charging stations are easy to reach and not blocked by other equipment. Many downtime issues happen simply because the robot couldn’t dock.

Use smart charging systems that learn usage patterns and top off during lulls in activity.

Monitor battery health. Over time, all batteries degrade. If a battery that used to run for 8 hours now runs for 5, replace it before it causes a shutdown.

Also, schedule regular reboots of your AMRs to keep the software running clean. Many charging-related faults are actually software bugs, not battery issues.

17. 70% of robot downtime can be traced to human error in programming or operation

This might come as a surprise, but the majority of robot issues come from us—how we use, set up, or interact with the machines. A small mistake in programming or an overlooked step in setup can bring an entire system to a halt.

The key here is training. Make sure operators, programmers, and technicians get hands-on experience, not just theory. When people understand what the robot is doing and why, they make fewer mistakes.

Create checklists for common tasks—setup, maintenance, restarts. That way, nothing gets skipped. Even small details like forgetting to reset a sensor can cause big problems.

Also, encourage a no-blame culture when mistakes happen. If people are scared to admit errors, they’ll hide them, and those mistakes will repeat. Instead, use each error as a chance to improve your process.

Finally, review your programming standards. Make sure your code is clear, well-documented, and modular. That makes it easier to troubleshoot when something does go wrong.

18. Preventative maintenance compliance reduces robot failure rates by up to 60%

Preventative maintenance is the routine stuff—lubrication, calibration, checking connections—that keeps your robot healthy. When done on schedule, it can stop most failures before they happen.

But here’s the catch: many teams skip steps or put off tasks during busy times. That’s where compliance matters. Make sure your team follows the full maintenance schedule, every time.

Use a digital tracking system. It should log when each task was done, by whom, and what was found. This keeps everyone accountable.

If you’re struggling with follow-through, assign responsibility clearly. Don’t say “the team will do it.” Say “Bob is responsible for the robot arm lubrication every Friday.”

Also, reward consistency. Recognize team members who keep the robots running smoothly by sticking to the plan.

Also, reward consistency. Recognize team members who keep the robots running smoothly by sticking to the plan.

19. Downtime related to robot calibration or realignment occurs every 2,000–5,000 hours

Calibration makes sure your robot knows exactly where it is and what it’s doing. Over time, even the best robots drift slightly out of alignment. That can lead to bad welds, missed picks, or dropped parts.

Schedule calibration before you hit that 2,000-hour mark. If your robot runs 40 hours a week, that’s roughly every year.

Use calibration tools designed for your specific robot. Many brands offer laser alignment kits or visual systems that make recalibration quick and accurate.

Document your calibration history. If one robot drifts more often than others, it may have a mechanical issue.

And don’t forget about your end effectors—grippers, welders, and sensors. They often need separate calibration too.

20. Robotic welding systems experience an average of 6% production downtime

Welding robots are fast and consistent, but they’re also exposed to harsh environments—heat, sparks, and debris. That takes a toll.

Start with shielding. Protect cables and sensors from sparks and slag. Use covers or reroute wires away from the heat zone.

Check weld tips frequently. Worn tips cause bad welds, which lead to rework or stoppages. Replace them before they get too thin.

Monitor the quality of your welds in real time. If you catch a defect early, you can fix the issue without stopping the whole line.

Also, train operators to recognize early signs of wear or failure, like inconsistent arcs or spatter buildup.

21. Food and beverage sector reports 10–15% downtime in robotic packaging systems

In the food world, robots deal with moisture, cold, and constant cleaning. That leads to unique challenges.

Focus on selecting robots built for washdown environments. They should be IP-rated for water resistance and made of corrosion-resistant materials.

Cleaning procedures should be precise. Harsh chemicals or high-pressure washes can damage seals and electronics if not done carefully.

Keep replacement parts close. Downtime in food production hits hard because shelf life is short. The faster you recover, the less product you waste.

Also, stagger cleaning schedules so you’re not taking all robots offline at once. That way, some production can keep moving.

22. Auto industry targets <2% robot downtime for high-volume production lines

Automotive factories are some of the most automated in the world, and they push for near-perfect uptime. Less than 2% downtime is the goal—because even a few minutes of stoppage can disrupt hundreds of cars.

To hit this target, automotive plants use layered systems. There are frontline operators, specialized technicians, and engineers all focused on uptime.

Start by tracking downtime in real time. If a robot stops, someone should know within seconds. Use color-coded lights or alarms that signal issues instantly.

Use historical data to predict when issues are likely. If a certain robot fails every 6 months, plan your service window accordingly.

Finally, build a culture of speed. Everyone—from managers to floor workers—should know how important uptime is and be empowered to act fast.

23. Tier 1 automotive suppliers average 4% robot downtime across all facilities

Even top-tier suppliers struggle to maintain ultra-low downtime. Four percent may not sound like much, but in a 24-hour operation, that’s nearly an hour a day.

Focus on balancing cost and performance. Don’t go for the cheapest components—choose ones proven to last.

Invest in quick-change tooling systems. If a tool wears out, being able to swap it in 30 seconds instead of 5 minutes saves hours over time.

Also, prioritize cross-training. If only one person knows how to fix a robot, you’re in trouble when they’re sick or off-shift.

Standardize as much as you can across facilities. That makes it easier to share parts, knowledge, and processes.

24. AI-based predictive systems can identify 70–90% of robotic failure modes in advance

Artificial intelligence sounds complex, but it’s just a smarter way to spot patterns. AI can look at thousands of data points at once and flag the ones that mean trouble.

Start by installing basic sensors if you haven’t already. Then use AI software to analyze trends—things like a motor drawing more power than usual, or a robot arm slowing down slightly.

Set up automatic actions. If the AI sees a potential failure, it can trigger maintenance requests, reduce robot speed, or alert your team instantly.

AI doesn’t replace your team—it makes them more effective. Technicians can focus on real problems instead of guessing what might go wrong.

As you collect more data, your AI gets smarter. Over time, it will save you more and more downtime.

As you collect more data, your AI gets smarter. Over time, it will save you more and more downtime.

25. Multi-shift operations experience 1.5x more robot downtime than single-shift ones

Running robots around the clock sounds efficient, but it can lead to faster wear, more fatigue, and more opportunity for things to go wrong.

To manage this, plan rest periods for your robots. Even machines need cool-down time. Use shift changes or lunch breaks to schedule automatic inspections or resets.

Make sure each shift is equally trained. Often, the night shift has fewer resources and more problems get ignored.

Use shared logs so each shift can see what happened before them. That prevents repeated mistakes or missed maintenance tasks.

Also, rotate responsibilities. If one shift handles all the cleaning and another handles all the fixing, skills become unbalanced. Spread the knowledge.

26. 55% of robot downtime occurs during startup or changeover periods

When you’re launching a new batch or restarting after a stop, robots are more likely to stumble. These transition periods are where most problems sneak in.

The first tip is to slow down during changeovers. Rushing to start up quickly often leads to missed steps. Create a simple checklist for every startup: check alignment, confirm program settings, clear the workspace, and run a dry test.

During product changeovers, make sure new parameters are fully updated. A robot set to handle a large box will struggle—or break—if you suddenly ask it to pick up a small one.

Use visual cues to guide operators. Labels, signs, or digital screens that confirm each setup step can cut errors in half.

Also, log every startup issue. If certain robots always act up during changeover, maybe their calibration doesn’t hold or their sensors need warming up. Use that data to preempt failures next time.

27. Line stoppages due to robotic errors cause productivity losses of 10–25%

When a robot stops, everything behind it gets stuck. This ripple effect is what makes robot downtime so expensive—it doesn’t just slow one task, it halts the entire line.

Start by designing your line for quick recovery. Install bypass options where manual work can temporarily replace robotic functions, even if it’s slower.

Train your team to jump in fast. If a robot stops picking, an operator should know exactly how to take over without needing a supervisor’s approval.

Use small buffers—temporary holding spaces between stages—to absorb short-term stoppages. That way, the upstream and downstream processes can keep moving for a few minutes.

And always analyze the impact. If a 5-minute robot error caused 45 minutes of recovery, ask why. What made the recovery take so long? That’s where your improvements should focus.

And always analyze the impact. If a 5-minute robot error caused 45 minutes of recovery, ask why. What made the recovery take so long? That’s where your improvements should focus.

28. Annual maintenance costs for robots can be reduced by 15–20% through uptime optimization

It might sound strange, but spending more time keeping robots running can actually reduce your maintenance costs. That’s because breakdowns are expensive—emergency parts, overtime labor, and lost production all add up.

Start by reviewing your emergency maintenance logs. What did you spend the most on last year? Often, it’s parts that failed suddenly and weren’t in stock.

Prevent that by improving your uptime routines—regular checks, sensor monitoring, and scheduled part replacements before they fail.

Also, use your robots more efficiently. Overworked robots wear out faster. If one unit is handling all the heavy lifting while another idles, you’re creating uneven wear.

Rotate robots when possible. If one line is more demanding, consider switching assignments weekly to balance the load.

And finally, review your vendor contracts. Many offer lower-cost maintenance packages if you meet uptime and performance targets. That’s a win-win.

29. Cloud-connected robots report 20% faster recovery from faults than non-networked ones

Cloud connectivity allows your robots to communicate with remote diagnostics, vendor support, and system logs instantly. When something goes wrong, cloud-connected robots can often self-diagnose or alert the right people automatically.

Start by enabling data uploads. Most modern robots come with cloud features built-in. Connect them to a secure network and set up data sharing with your internal systems.

Use dashboards to track fault history, error types, and maintenance alerts from anywhere. That way, your team doesn’t need to be on the floor to know what’s wrong.

Also, many manufacturers offer remote support if you’re connected. That means your vendor can log in and troubleshoot a robot without needing to send someone onsite.

Security is important, of course. Use firewalls, encrypted connections, and access control. But the benefits of faster recovery are well worth it.

Cloud robots also learn faster. As they gather more data, you can apply those insights across your entire fleet.

30. Upgrading aging robot fleets reduces unplanned downtime by up to 45%

Older robots might still be running—but that doesn’t mean they’re reliable. As systems age, parts wear out, software becomes outdated, and compatibility drops. This leads to more surprise failures and longer recovery times.

Upgrading doesn’t always mean replacing. Sometimes, adding newer controllers, sensors, or motors to an older frame can extend its life without full replacement.

Start with a fleet audit. Which robots are oldest? Which have the most downtime or maintenance costs? Prioritize those for upgrades.

Also, review your software. Many control platforms now offer updates that improve performance or detect errors sooner.

Talk to your vendor about trade-in programs or phased upgrade paths. Spreading the investment over several years can make the process more affordable.

And don’t forget to consider energy efficiency. Newer robots often consume less power and generate less heat, which reduces wear on surrounding systems.

26. 55% of robot downtime occurs during startup or changeover periods

When you’re launching a new batch or restarting after a stop, robots are more likely to stumble. These transition periods are where most problems sneak in.

The first tip is to slow down during changeovers. Rushing to start up quickly often leads to missed steps. Create a simple checklist for every startup: check alignment, confirm program settings, clear the workspace, and run a dry test.

During product changeovers, make sure new parameters are fully updated. A robot set to handle a large box will struggle—or break—if you suddenly ask it to pick up a small one.

Use visual cues to guide operators. Labels, signs, or digital screens that confirm each setup step can cut errors in half.

Also, log every startup issue. If certain robots always act up during changeover, maybe their calibration doesn’t hold or their sensors need warming up. Use that data to preempt failures next time.

Also, log every startup issue. If certain robots always act up during changeover, maybe their calibration doesn’t hold or their sensors need warming up. Use that data to preempt failures next time.

27. Line stoppages due to robotic errors cause productivity losses of 10–25%

When a robot stops, everything behind it gets stuck. This ripple effect is what makes robot downtime so expensive—it doesn’t just slow one task, it halts the entire line.

Start by designing your line for quick recovery. Install bypass options where manual work can temporarily replace robotic functions, even if it’s slower.

Train your team to jump in fast. If a robot stops picking, an operator should know exactly how to take over without needing a supervisor’s approval.

Use small buffers—temporary holding spaces between stages—to absorb short-term stoppages. That way, the upstream and downstream processes can keep moving for a few minutes.

And always analyze the impact. If a 5-minute robot error caused 45 minutes of recovery, ask why. What made the recovery take so long? That’s where your improvements should focus.

28. Annual maintenance costs for robots can be reduced by 15–20% through uptime optimization

It might sound strange, but spending more time keeping robots running can actually reduce your maintenance costs. That’s because breakdowns are expensive—emergency parts, overtime labor, and lost production all add up.

Start by reviewing your emergency maintenance logs. What did you spend the most on last year? Often, it’s parts that failed suddenly and weren’t in stock.

Prevent that by improving your uptime routines—regular checks, sensor monitoring, and scheduled part replacements before they fail.

Also, use your robots more efficiently. Overworked robots wear out faster. If one unit is handling all the heavy lifting while another idles, you’re creating uneven wear.

Rotate robots when possible. If one line is more demanding, consider switching assignments weekly to balance the load.

And finally, review your vendor contracts. Many offer lower-cost maintenance packages if you meet uptime and performance targets. That’s a win-win.

29. Cloud-connected robots report 20% faster recovery from faults than non-networked ones

Cloud connectivity allows your robots to communicate with remote diagnostics, vendor support, and system logs instantly. When something goes wrong, cloud-connected robots can often self-diagnose or alert the right people automatically.

Start by enabling data uploads. Most modern robots come with cloud features built-in. Connect them to a secure network and set up data sharing with your internal systems.

Use dashboards to track fault history, error types, and maintenance alerts from anywhere. That way, your team doesn’t need to be on the floor to know what’s wrong.

Also, many manufacturers offer remote support if you’re connected. That means your vendor can log in and troubleshoot a robot without needing to send someone onsite.

Security is important, of course. Use firewalls, encrypted connections, and access control. But the benefits of faster recovery are well worth it.

Cloud robots also learn faster. As they gather more data, you can apply those insights across your entire fleet.

30. Upgrading aging robot fleets reduces unplanned downtime by up to 45%

Older robots might still be running—but that doesn’t mean they’re reliable. As systems age, parts wear out, software becomes outdated, and compatibility drops. This leads to more surprise failures and longer recovery times.

Upgrading doesn’t always mean replacing. Sometimes, adding newer controllers, sensors, or motors to an older frame can extend its life without full replacement.

Start with a fleet audit. Which robots are oldest? Which have the most downtime or maintenance costs? Prioritize those for upgrades.

Also, review your software. Many control platforms now offer updates that improve performance or detect errors sooner.

Talk to your vendor about trade-in programs or phased upgrade paths. Spreading the investment over several years can make the process more affordable.

And don’t forget to consider energy efficiency. Newer robots often consume less power and generate less heat, which reduces wear on surrounding systems.

And don’t forget to consider energy efficiency. Newer robots often consume less power and generate less heat, which reduces wear on surrounding systems.

wrapping it up

Robot downtime doesn’t just eat away at your productivity—it chips away at your profits, employee morale, and customer trust. But every one of the stats above tells a story. A story of where failures happen and, more importantly, how to stop them before they start.