Ultimate Guide to Purchasing Industrial Robot Teach Pendants and Maintenance Parts

In everyday industrial production activities, automated industrial robots have replaced a large amount of human labour. To make robots work in the long term, the use of a trainer is essential. So today we're going to talk about trainers to give you a better understanding of robot brands and how to buy trainers.

I. What is an automated industrial robots Teach Pendant
Introduction to Industrial Robot Teach Pendant
Industrial robots are automated devices primarily consisting of mechanical arms, sensors, control systems, and actuators.

They are capable of performing high-precision and efficient operations based on the programs we write, enabling them to accomplish various tasks and functions. Industrial robots have now found widespread applications across industries and in diverse usage scenarios such as assembly, welding, material handling, and precision machining.

By reducing manual labor, industrial robots enhance production efficiency. Moreover, they can operate in different environments, effectively reducing the risk of workplace injuries.

Definition of Industrial Robot Teach Pendant
Industrial robots have the capability to perform a wide range of tasks, but they rely on the command and control of a teach pendant.

An industrial robot teach pendant is a device used for programming and operating robots. It allows us to interact intuitively with the teach pendant, enabling it to guide the robot in executing specific tasks and actions.

Typically, a teach pendant consists of buttons, control sticks, a touchscreen, a pointing device, emergency stop switches, and other components that facilitate inputting instructions and parameters, enabling the robot to work according to our commands.

Role of Industrial Robot Teach Pendant
The industrial robot teach pendant serves as the primary tool for creating, testing, and modifying programs on the device. Its main purpose is to simplify and expedite the process of programming robots. Through the teach pendant, we can directly interact with the robot, enabling it to perform the specified actions and tasks.

The teach pendant is equipped with programming instructions and functional modules, providing an intuitive way for non-professionals to program the robot without requiring complex programming knowledge. In essence, the teach pendant facilitates a simpler and more efficient collaboration between humans and robots.

Why Industrial Robot Teach Pendant Guide is Essential
Today's guide aims to fully acquaint and empower individuals with the knowledge of using, programming, troubleshooting, and purchasing the teach pendant.

It is designed to provide detailed operational instructions, techniques, and best practices for operators and engineers, enabling them to enhance their proficiency in operating the teach pendant.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced operator, these guides will be beneficial in quickly familiarizing yourself with the industrial robot teach pendant and achieving the objective of having the robot perform specific tasks.

II. Brands of Automated Industrial Robots
In the field of automation industrial robots, there are many well-known brands that offer a variety of robot types and functionalities. Here are several common industrial robot brands and their teach pendants.

ABB
ABB Robotics as one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, AMRs and machine automation solutions.Here are 3 flexpendants and controllers as examples.

ABB IRC5 FlexPendant
The IRC5 robot controller is a leading technology in the robotics industry, offering flexibility, safety, modularity, and multi-robot control. With advanced dynamic modeling, it optimizes performance, reducing cycle times and ensuring precise path accuracy.

It meets regulatory standards and supports various industrial networks. Programming is done using ABB's RAPID™ language, and built-in diagnostic functions aid in fast recovery and production restarts.
If needed, you can have a look at the ABB Flexpendant / IRC5 Teach Pendant on inRobots.shop

ABB OmniCore FlexPendant
OmniCore controller combines TrueMove and QuickMove for superior motion control, speed, repeatability, and accuracy. It offers built-in connectivity to ABB Ability™ digital platform and Connected Services, providing actionable intelligence and predictive maintenance.

The controller features RobotWare, SafeMove, Externally Guided Motion, and other advanced functionalities. With energy-saving technology, it consumes up to 20 percent less power.

SafeMove enables safe collaboration and replaces physical barriers with digital supervision. The hot-swappable hand-held tech pendant allows for cost-effective robot deployment across multiple robots.

ABB S4C Controller
The S4C Industrial Robot Controller is an advanced product developed by ABB, offering several important features. It utilizes a Windows-based operating system, providing powerful computing capabilities and a user-friendly interface.

It supports multiple programming languages and integrated development environments, enabling flexible and efficient programming and control of the robot.

The S4C controller also incorporates intelligent fault diagnosis functionality, allowing for quick problem identification and resolution to minimize production downtime. Additionally, the controller supports seamless integration with other devices and systems, facilitating highly integrated and automated production processes.

       DSQC3120 3HAC085590-001       DSQC679 3HAC028357-001 TP

FANUC
FANUC is one of the largest manufacturers of industrial robots in the world. They offer various types of robots, including assembly types, welding types, handling types and machine vision systems.The following is an example of the New FANUC iPendant:

New FANUC iPendant
The FANUC iPendant features an ergonomic design, a large color touch screen, and function keys for controlling additional axes. The monitor allows for the display of one or two windows, enhancing multi-tasking capabilities. With 3D graphics, program steps become easier to understand compared to 2D views, and the isometric views are exclusive to the R30iB.

The lightweight and ergonomically designed FANUC iPendant Touch provides intuitive programming with a customizable graphical user interface. It supports custom HTML screens and offers time-saving features such as direct access to additional axes and easy setup/modification of iRVision.

The iPendant's realistic 4D graphics bring tool and frame settings, safety zones, and robot paths to life, and the visual representation of motion paths simplifies understanding. The 3D model on the iPendant allows for quick and convenient confirmation of jogging direction and distance.
You can also take a look at some of the FANUC Ipendant / Teach Pendant on inRobots.shop

FANUC Tablet iPendant           A05B-2518-C300#EMH                     A05B-2301-C195 Ipendant

KUKA
KUKA is a well-known German manufacturer of industrial robots. Their range of robots features high precision and high speed for applications in automotive manufacturing, logistics and aerospace. Here are 2 demonstrators as an illustration.

KUKA SMARTPAD-2
The KUKA smartPAD-2, initially introduced in 2010 for operating KUKA robots with the KR C4 controller, will be showcasing its second-generation model at the upcoming Automatica trade fair in Munich in June 2018.

The KUKA smartPAD-2 is a robust and ergonomic operator panel designed for industrial environments. It offers optimized holding options for both left- and right-handers and can be used as a desktop console. Equipped with an 8.4" capacitive touch display, it features hardened, scratch-resistant protective glass.

The panel has eight jog keys for controlling up to eight axes of the connected robot, and it is hot-pluggable, allowing it to be connected or disconnected from a KR C4 controller at any time. The improved hardware of the smartPAD-2 provides higher performance compared to its predecessor model.

KUKA KRC4 (KCP4) SMARTPAD
KUKA smartPAD provides language flexibility for operating KUKA robots running on KSS and Sunrise.OS. It offers ergonomic features such as straps and handgrips for simplified operator control and a shoulder strap for reduced fatigue.

The 6D mouse allows intuitive jogging and reorientation of the robot. With separate jog keys, up to eight axes or external axes can be controlled directly. The smartPAD is designed with integrated protectors, scratch-resistant display, and IP 54 protection rating for reliable operation in industrial environments.

It also provides convenient connectivity with USB ports and easy input via a capacitive touch display. Additionally, the service flap allows for simple cable exchange when needed.
You can find your KUKA Smartpad / Teach Pendant on inRobots.shop

         KRC4 KCP4 00-168-334                        KRC4 00-291-556

YASKAWA MOTOMAN
Yaskawa Motoman is a globally leading industrial robot manufacturer that offers a wide range of robot solutions. Their robot series includes articulated robots, collaborative robots, and SCARA robots, among others. Yaskawa robots are renowned for their high precision, speed, and reliability, and they find extensive applications in areas such as automotive manufacturing, electronics assembly, logistics, and packaging.

Yaskawa's teach pendants feature intuitive user interfaces and user-friendly operation, enabling operators to easily guide the robots in performing tasks.

Smart Pendant
Radically change the way a robot is programmed with the easy-to-use touchscreen Smart Pendant. Ideal for novice robot users, this pendant simplifies INFORM programming for easy-to-understand operation and fast implementation of the robot system.

The Smart Pendant’s intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI) accommodates the programmer’s style, and the patented, built-in Smart Frame feature allows the robot to adapt to the operator’s position, eliminating the utilization of coordinate frames and allowing for easy robot jogging.

The Smart Pendant is also well-suited for experienced robot operators looking to reduce programming downtime. Recent software releases extend Smart Pendant functionality, providing powerful control for simple applications such as assembly, injection molding, inspection, machine tending, material handling, and pick and place.
There are also some Yaskawa Teach Pendant on inRobots.shop00

        DX100 JZRCR-YPP01-1                   YRC1000 JZRCR-APP01-1

                JZNC-XPP04B-1                         NX100 JZRCR-NPP01B-1

Universal Robots
Universal Robots is a company specialising in collaborative robots and their UR range of robots are easy to use and install for human-robot collaboration applications.Here is one of the demonstrators:

3PE Teach Pendant for E-Series
Teach Pendant with 3-Position Enabling Device, compatible with all e-Series robots. The Teach Pendant is ergonomically designed for easy operation with either hand.

Fully integrated design features simple plug-and-play installation with no additional wiring needed. Natively supported in Polyscope 5.10 and higher, with no URCap needed.
If you want a UR Teach Pendant, there are also on inRobots.shop

III. Industrial Robot Trainer Buying Guide
The importance of teach pendants for automated industrial robots has been discussed above. Now, let's talk about some considerations when choosing a teach pendant.

                       UNIVERSAL ROBOTS UR3/UR5/UR10

Functionality and Compatibility
First, determine the required functionalities and application scenarios. Different teach pendants may have varying features and suitability, so choose a teach pendant that fits your specific needs.

Also, ensure that the selected teach pendant is compatible with the industrial robot control system you are using. Check the technical specifications and interface requirements of the teach pendant and compare them with the requirements of the robot control system.

User Interface and Ease of Use
Select a teach pendant with an intuitive user interface and easy operation. A user-friendly interface can improve work efficiency and reduce training costs.

Quality and Cost-effectiveness Analysis
Choose teach pendants from reliable brands and manufacturers. Check the reputation of the brand and manufacturer, their quality control standards, after-sales service, and global shipping policies.

Then, analyze the price-to-performance ratio of the teach pendant. Compare the prices of teach pendants from different vendors and consider their features, quality, and reliability to find the teach pendant with the best cost-effectiveness.

Price-to-Performance Analysis of Industrial Robot Teach Pendants. The price of industrial robot teach pendants varies based on factors such as brand, model, features, and performance.

Generally, high-end teach pendants have more advanced features and higher performance, resulting in a higher price but offering more convenience and efficiency in use. Lower-end teach pendants may be more budget-friendly but could have limitations in terms of features and performance.

Suggested Channels for Purchasing Industrial Robot Teach Pendants
Here are some common purchasing channels that you can consider based on your specific circumstances:

Direct Purchase from the Manufacturer
You can buy genuine products directly from the manufacturer, ensuring product quality and minimizing concerns about after-sales service. You can obtain more information through the manufacturer's official website or authorized distributors. For more details, you can refer to the article link below:

Top 10 Industrial Robot Manufacturers and Robotic Parts Suppliers in the World

Industrial equipment suppliers
Many specialist industrial equipment suppliers also offer industrial robot trainers for sale. They usually have several brands and models to choose from, and offer professional advice and technical support.

E-commerce platforms
These online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms offer a wide range of options where you can pick and choose a trainer by brand or model and compare prices. However, ensure that you choose a reputable seller and take care to verify the authenticity and quality of the product.

When choosing a purchase channel, it is advisable to choose one with better after-sales service and technical support to ensure that you get a quality product and a satisfactory buying experience.
Top 10 Tips for Finding Cost-Effective Industrial Robot Spare Parts Globally

IV. Accessories for Industrial Robot Teach Pendants

During daily industrial production activities, teach pendants are prone to damage. Therefore, let's discuss some accessories for teach pendants. As seen from the images of teach pendants above, a typical teach pendant usually consists of a screen, control panel, emergency stop button, and data cables, which are essential components.

Inside the teach pendant, there are also components such as the mainboard, ribbon cables, and buttons. The quality of these parts determines the overall quality of the teach pendant. Therefore, when repairing a teach pendant, it is important to ensure the purchase of high-quality accessories.

ABB Robot Spare Parts

By the way, the choice of protector for the teach pendant
If you buy a new trainer and want to extend the life of the trainer, I know of one of the largest manufacturers in the industry that designs and customizes kits specifically for robots, working with OEMs, integrators and end users alike to provide an unparalleled level of protection for robots.

The quality of their products is also gaining more and more trust and recognition from users. This is Roboworld® and we are confident that you will have a better experience when operating your demonstrator.

In today's article, we have summarised a few of the common brands of automated industrial robots, these are just a few examples and not representative of all brands. We have also given some advice on the purchase of teachers, but only to give you a guide to use when buying such products.