Short answer
Follow the robot maker’s preventive-maintenance schedule for drive units, wheels, casters, and lift mechanisms. Many AMR and AGV drive units are sealed and serviced by replacement, not relubrication. The conveyors, forklifts, and compressors in the same building have their own manuals and lubricant specifications.
AMR and AGV preventive maintenance schedule
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) come with a preventive-maintenance schedule covering drive modules, wheels and casters, lift or tote-handling mechanisms, batteries, sensors, and safety systems. Use it as the basis of your fleet plan, and record each unit’s hours or distance from the fleet software.
Where the schedule calls for a lubricant, use the one it specifies. Sealed drive units are usually inspected and replaced as assemblies rather than relubricated.
Track wear across the fleet
Wheel and caster wear, noisy drive units, and slow lift cycles often show up across a fleet before they cause downtime. Log findings by unit so patterns stand out, and follow the maker’s replacement criteria.
Warehouse automation maintenance beyond the robots
Automated warehouses still rely on conveyors, sortation gearmotors, dock equipment, air compressors, and forklifts. Each has its own lubricant requirements: bearing grease grades, gearbox oils, compressor oil, and hydraulic fluid for lifts and forklift masts.
Plan this work with the same records you keep for the robots, and keep plant lubricants clearly labeled so they never go into robot components.
Frequently asked questions
Do AMR drive units need grease?
Only if the robot maker’s maintenance schedule says so, using the lubricant it specifies. Many drive units are sealed assemblies.
What lubricants does an automated warehouse use?
Typically conveyor bearing grease, gearmotor and gearbox lubricants, air compressor oil, and hydraulic fluid and engine oil for forklifts and service vehicles. Match each to its equipment manual.
Who should service a robot fleet under warranty?
Follow the robot maker’s warranty terms, which may require authorized service.
General maintenance information. Always follow your vehicle or equipment manufacturer’s requirements and the current product data. Questions? Email [email protected].
