ABB’s global service presence is unrivaled.
With over 250,000 robots sold around the world,
ABB has a unique knowledge base 
of industrial robot applications in many industries.
And when it comes to providing first-rate service, 
ABB is second to none.
There are more than 100 
ABB Robotics service locations in 53 countries.
Over 1,300 dedicated specialists provide technical 
support, parts, remote troubleshooting, training,
on-site repair and workshops 
for customers and their robots.
Customers expect us to deliver 
the same support services
with the same procedures and practices around the globe.
To facilitate this, we have developed practices that 
ensure your robot and controller are maintained,
based on ABB’s product manuals 
and extensive experience.
ABB service agreements comprise from a base level 
of telephone support on an as required basis
right through to a “sleep easy” comprehensive 
flat fee support program for telephone support,
preventive maintenance, parts, 
remote services, and on site labor services.
We have built in full flexibility 
into our service agreements,
where you can make your own choice 
from four core service packages.
With the selectable options 
from our service agreement configuration tool,
our experts stand ready to help you choose 
the service solution that suits your needs.
However, let us focus on 
the Preventive Maintenance Service element
of supporting your robot installation.
Robots comprise a set of mechanical gears and 
motors, controlled by a sophisticated controller
containing electronic components and drives.
Just like our own cars, the reliability and availability 
of these components can be improved
when certain items are inspected 
as part of a preventive maintenance program.
Before our engineers commence work, a safety 
assessment of the work area is undertaken.
Once the engineer is happy with the safety 
he will perform the lock-out tag-out procedure,
preventing anyone from applying power or resetting 
the system while he is working on the robot.
Then the engineer commences 
the preventive maintenance tasks,
using a standard set of inspection programs 
and processes adopted by ABB across the world.
An inspection program not only looks for parts 
that can be worn or be perhaps damaged,
but also provides the opportunity to clean any parts
that may be affected by contamination 
and atmospheric conditions.
For example, such things as contamination 
on the drive heatsinks of the controller
can affect the cooling properties and thus the 
lifetime of the components within the controller.
The condition and air flow of the fans on the controller
also needs to be inspected and rectified if required
to ensure adequate cooling 
is provided to the drive modules.
Particularly more so, if the controller is working 
in a high temperature or dirty environment.
The inspection activities are performed using tools 
specifically designed to suit the purpose.
These include air flow meters, 
so called Thermal Anemometers,
to measure the air flow of the controller cooling fans, 
while recording the flow-rates in the checklist.
A traffic light indication process is used to determine
the correct working range 
for the environment and the ambient temperature.
On the robot arm itself, inspection programs need 
to be designed to incorporate the necessary steps
to check such items as the appearance 
of mechanical damage or wear in any of the axis,
the cable condition is not damaged or cracked, 
and that the oil in the gearboxes
associated with each axis 
is inspected for contamination.
The program will also need to highlight whether or 
not there is a requirement for an oil change.
As part of the inspection, we test the oil condition 
by taking a sample with a syringe.
After checking if the oil is clear and does not smell
the next step is to measure 
the amount of steel dust in the oil;
signs of which can indicate 
bearing or gear damage.
To support these tasks our engineers 
also refer to video animations
of the correct methods and processes
to use for checking the air flow 
and changing the oil.
Once the reading has been taken 
and entered in the Maintenance report,
a color coded traffic light system aids yet again 
in the identification of potential issues.
If any oil changes are to be carried out, 
then a vacuum pump is used to remove the oil,
saving both time and the inconvenience 
of waiting for the oil to drain.
If the oil reading is at a critical level 
then we recommend further investigations
such as a more detailed analysis 
as this may indicate
that the gearbox is badly worn and close to failure.
After the inspection is complete then any critical 
indications are suitably shown in orange and red
on the inspection document 
and brought to your attention
where a follow up action plan 
can be discussed and agreed.
Following the ABB recommended maintenance 
procedures ensures that any work undertaken
not only provides you with the peace of mind
that your robot will continue to operate 
at its performance level,
but also ensures that your warranty status 
where applicable is maintained,
further minimizing any potential future costs 
for spare parts and repair.
With a service agreement from ABB, 
unplanned stops are reduced to a minimum,
and when they do happen, 
ABB can deliver a response within minutes,
via our embedded Remote Services solution.
At ABB Robotics customer service,
we want to provide you with the care 
and attention your robot system needs,
from the moment it is installed 
to the end of its service life.
When it comes to supporting your robot 
we don’t believe in a one size fits all approach,
instead our service philosophy is built around 
flexibility and freedom of choice,
where we strive to move from just being a supplier 
of products and services to being a partner.
We work with customers to create a comprehensive 
lifetime service and support strategy
utilizing services from our complete portfolio.
