In many companies, the decision to automate is not held back by the cost of the robot or by floor space, but by a less visible—yet decisive—concern: technical dependency. The question is not always stated openly, but it quickly emerges in any investment committee: What happens when the supplier leaves?
Robotic automation introduces powerful technology, but also a new kind of knowledge. Unlike conventional machinery, an industrial robot is not only a physical device; it is a combination of mechanical engineering, control systems, software, and process logic. Understanding which parts of this knowledge must remain within the company is essential for long‑term sustainability.
From Eurobots’ experience as a supplier of industrial robots across multiple applications, this issue appears in both first‑time automation projects and in companies with years of experience. The key factor was never the plant’s size, but how technical knowledge is organized after the robot goes into production.
Key Training Levels Needed to Reduce Supplier Dependence
1. Operational Training (Basic Level)
Your staff must know how to interact safely and consistently with the robot.
Essential skills include:
- Starting and stopping the system
- Recognizing normal and abnormal operating states
- Responding to basic alarms
- Understanding safe working procedures
⚙️ Goal: Reduce human error, downtime, and unnecessary calls to the supplier—without turning operators into programmers.
2. Maintenance Training (Intermediate Level)
This involves hands‑on, verifiable tasks such as:
- Lubrication according to manufacturer specifications
- Gearbox inspection and backlash control
- Replacement of wear components
- Basic reading of controller diagnostics
Proper internal maintenance:
- Lowers operating costs
- Extends robot lifetime
- Is especially valuable for certified refurbished robots
3. Programming & Process Modification (Advanced Level)
This is the most delicate and specialized skill set. It includes:
- Adjusting trajectories
- Modifying operational sequences
- Editing process parameters
- Understanding robot kinematics and functional safety
Not all companies need this internally.
Unless frequent program changes are required, external support is a rational and efficient choice.
Common Mistake: Relying on a Single “Key Person”
Training one highly specialized individual does not eliminate dependency.
Dependency is reduced when:
- Knowledge is documented
- Procedures are standardized
- Operational and maintenance training is distributed among multiple people
A well‑structured internal knowledge base is more sustainable than a single expert who becomes overloaded.
What the Supplier Should Provide
A professional robot supplier typically provides:
- Technical documentation
- Maintenance specifications
- Historical data (for refurbished robots)
- Access to manufacturer support
- Training aligned with real production needs
These elements help companies decide how far they want to go in building internal autonomy.
Conclusion
Robotic automation does not require companies to become robotics experts.
It does require clarity on:
- What knowledge is essential to operate reliably
- Which tasks to keep in‑house
- Which activities are best outsourced
When this boundary is clear, the supplier becomes not a dependency—but a balanced technical partner.
- Internal training required for industrial robots
- How to avoid supplier dependency in industrial automation
- Operational vs. maintenance vs. programming skills
- Robotics training levels for manufacturing plants
- Managing technical knowledge after automation
- When to internalize robot programming and when to outsource
- Best practices for industrial robot maintenance
FAQs
Do companies need to learn robot programming to avoid supplier dependence?
Not necessarily. Programming is only required if frequent process changes are expected.
Which internal skills are essential when integrating industrial robots?
Safe operation and basic maintenance are the most important and universally required.
Is it risky to rely on external integrators for program changes?
Not if the volume of changes is low. External support can be efficient and cost‑effective.
Does having one highly trained employee solve the dependency issue?
No. Knowledge must be distributed and documented to ensure long‑term stability.
Are refurbished robots harder to maintain?
No, as long as they are properly certified and supplied with complete documentation.
Checklist: Internal Capabilities Needed After Robot Automation
Operational Skills
- Start/stop procedures
- Safety protocols
- Alarm recognition
- Basic troubleshooting
Maintenance Skills
- Lubrication routines
- Gearbox and joint inspections
- Wear‑part replacement
- Reading diagnostic messages
Advanced Skills (Optional)
- Trajectory adjustments
- Sequence modifications
- Process parameter tuning
- Programming knowledge
Organizational Requirements
- Internal documentation
- Knowledge distributed among teams
- Clear boundary between internal tasks and outsourced tasks