Troubleshooting hardware problems

 

 

About this topic

This topic lists the following commonly encountered hardware problems, the causes of the problems, and ways to resolve the problems:

•	Communication or power problems

•	Gripper, labware, or teachpoint problems

•	Homing problems

•	Safety equipment problems

If you are still experiencing problems with the BenchBot Robot after trying the solutions, contact Automation Solutions Technical Support.

Communication or power problems

 

Problem	Cause	Solution
The robot does not turn on.	The system electrical requirements are not met.	Make sure the system electrical requirements are met. See the BenchBot Robot Safety and Installation Guide.
	The BenchBot Robot is not connected to the power source.	Connect the BenchBot Robot to the power source.
	One or more of the robot fuses are blown.	Replace the fuses. See Replacing fuses. If the fuses are blown immediately after replacement, stop using the robot and contact Automation Solutions Technical Support.
The blue light on the robot shoulder does not turn on after the robot has finished its startup routine.	The robot firmware might be corrupt.	Reload the backup copy of the robot firmware and try again. To reload the backup copy, use the Update firmware button in the BenchBot Diagnostics Setup tab.
	The blue LED light is not working.	Contact Automation Solutions Technical Support.

Gripper, labware, or teachpoint problems

 

Problem	Cause	Solution
Labware drops or is held loosely by the robot.	The labware definition for the microplate type might contain incorrect information.	Check the labware definition for errors.
	The Grip force is incorrect for the labware.	In Labware Editor, change the Grip torque value for the labware.
	The grip range is incorrect.	In the Labware Editor and the BenchBot Robot Diagnostics, change the Gripper Offset Range values.
	The robot gripper pads are dirty or worn.	Clean or replace the robot gripper pads. See Cleaning the robot gripper pads or Replacing robot gripper pads.
	The gripper-pad holders are loose.	Tighten the screws on the gripper-pad holders.
	Shim washers are missing or installed incorrectly beneath the screws at the back end of the grippers.	Check and make sure the shim washers are in place. See About the shim washers.
	The grippers are damaged.	See Replacing robot grippers.
Labware bends when held by the robot.	The Grip force is incorrect for the labware.	In Labware Editor, change the Grip torque value for the labware.
The robot is not moving to and from the teachpoints accurately.	The teachpoint coordinates or orientations are inaccurate. The approach height value might be incorrect.	Verify and edit the teachpoint. SeeVerifying teachpoints.
	The robot axes need to be recalibrated.	Home the robot. See Homing the robot and grippers.
The robot is unable to place labware at the target location accurately.	The target location teachpoint is incorrect.	Verify and edit the teachpoints. See Verifying teachpoints.
	The teachpoint of the previously scheduled device is incorrect.	Verify and edit the teachpoints. See Verifying teachpoints.
	The target device was moved or reconfigured and the teachpoint was not updated.	Verify and edit the teachpoints. See Verifying teachpoints.
	Approach height setting is incorrect.	Check the approach height setting.
	The labware might be damaged or deformed.	Replace the damaged or deformed labware.
	The robot gripper pads are dirty or worn.	Clean or replace the robot gripper pads. See Cleaning the robot gripper pads or Replacing robot gripper pads.
	The robot grippers are damaged.	Contact Automation Solutions Technical Support to replace the robot grippers.
	Incorrect gripper offset range is specified.	Check and correct the gripper offset ranges for the labware, the pick location, and the place location. SeeSetting the Min and Max Gripper Offset parameters.
The robot placed the labware such that the A1 well is in the wrong orientation.	The incorrect A1-well orientation is specified for the teachpoint.	In the teachpoint file, verify the A1-well orientation specification. Change the specification if necessary. See Specifying the A1-well orientation.
The robot collides with devices or obstacles when moving from teachpoint to teachpoint.	The incorrect robot-arm orientation, approach height, or approach distance values are used.	In the teachpoint file, check and correct the robot-arm orientation, approach height value, and approach distance value. See Setting teachpoints.

Homing problems

 

Problem	Cause	Solution
The robot does not home.	An obstacle is preventing the robot from homing.	Remove the obstacle and try again.
	The robot grippers are holding labware.	Remove the labware and try again.

Safety equipment problems

This section is only applicable if you have a BenchBot Robot workstation configuration with the supplied safety equipment.

 

Problem	Cause	Solution
The LED lights at the bottom of the Light Curtain transmitter and receiver are not on.	The transmitter and receiver cables are reversed at the BenchBot Disable Hub.	Make sure the transmitter and receiver cables are connected correctly at the BenchBot Disable Hub.
	The transmitter or receiver cable is disconnected.	Make sure the transmitter and receiver cables are connected.
	BenchBot Disable Hub is disconnected from its power source.	Make sure the BenchBot Disable Hub is connected to its power source.
	The transmitter or the receiver is not working.	Either the transmitter or receiver is damaged, or its cable is damaged. Contact Automation Solutions Technical Support.
Some or all of the LED lights at the bottom of the Light Curtain are red.	An obstacle is interrupting the light beams.	Remove any obstacle blocking the light beams.
Some or all of the LED lights at the bottom of the Light Curtain are green.	If all of the LED lights are green, all light beams are detected by the receiver, and the Light Curtain is operational. If only some of the LED lights are green, only some of the light beams are detected by the receiver. At least three of the LED lights must be green for proper operation.	If three or fewer LED lights are green, contact Automation Solutions Technical Support to re-align the posts.
Interrupting the Light Curtain does not stop the robot and devices.	The BenchBot Disable Hub interlock key is set at Bypass.	Make sure the BenchBot Disable Hub interlock key is set at Normal.
	The light beams from the transmitter is not fully detected by the receiver.	Check that the mirrors on the mirror posts are clean and damage-free. If necessary, clean dirty mirrors. If a mirror needs replacement, contact Automation Solutions Technical Support.
		Contact Automation Solutions Technical Support to re-align the mirror posts with the lightpost.
Opening the interlocked door does not stop the robot and devices.	The BenchBot Disable Hub interlock key is set at Bypass.	Make sure the BenchBot Disable Hub interlock key is set at Normal.
	Unused interlock connectors at the BenchBot Disable Hub do not have jumpers installed.	Make sure the unused interlock connectors at the BenchBot Disable Hub have jumpers installed.
	The BenchBot Disable Hub is disconnected from its power source.	Make sure the BenchBot Disable Hub is connected to the power source.
	The interlock sensor cable is connected loosely or disconnected.	Make sure the interlock sensor is connected securely at the door hinge and at the BenchBot Disable Hub.
	The interlock switch point is set incorrectly.	Contact Automation Solutions Technical Support to check and, if necessary, reset the interlock switch point.

 

 

Related information

 

For information about...	See...
BenchBot Robot component names	Hardware components
Software error messages	Troubleshooting error messages
Diagnosing problems	Using BenchBot Diagnostics
Reporting problems	Reporting problems