Preparing the published article.
Mothballing a Robot Cell and Restarting It
The longer the shutdown, the slower the restart should be.
Before shutdown
| Item | Action |
|---|---|
| Isolation | Lock off and tag the supply to prevent accidental energising |
| Moisture | Desiccant in the cabinet, or periodic power-up to drive out damp |
| Protection | Rust preventative on guideways and covers over the machine |
| Records | Note the shutdown date and the stored condition |
Restart sequence
- Check the environment and the cabinet for moisture or foreign objects.
- Jog each axis at low speed and listen for unusual noise or binding.
- Verify zero positions and safety functions before automatic operation.
- Increase inspection of the first production batch to confirm accuracy.
After a long shutdown, a full inspection by the manufacturer or an integrator is advisable.

