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Returning a Rig from Storage

This is a recommissioning check, not simply a power-on checklist. A run-in means moving each mechanism slowly and repeatedly so lubricant is redistributed before asking the rig for normal speed or acceleration. Any unexpected noise, resistance, position error, corrosion, or trip is a reason to stop and inspect—not to increase power or speed.

[BOTH] If a rig has been in storage, in hibernation, or unused for several months (as happened during extended lockdowns and shutdowns), it should be run through a gentle warm-up procedure before being used at full speed on a production. This protects the gears, bearings, and lubrication system from damage that can occur when cold, settled oil is subjected to sudden high-speed movements.

Why a Run-In Is Needed

When a robot sits still for an extended period, the lubricating oil settles and moves away from the gear surfaces. The first few minutes of movement can therefore be gear-on-gear contact with insufficient oil film, which risks premature wear. A slow run-in redistributes the oil and allows it to reach temperature, restoring full lubrication before demanding moves are run.

Un-Packing from a Transport Position First

If the rig arrived packed for transport — folded into a compact transport position to fit a travel/flight case — bring it back to Home before starting the run-in sequence below. Running the slow-move warm-up while the arm is still in a folded packing position is not useful, and on some rigs a packing position sits deliberately outside Flair's normal axis limits, which can trip an unexpected limit warning if you try to move it directly rather than going through Home first.

[FIRMWARE_SPECIFIC] On rigs with a Go-To menu (e.g. Cinebot Nano), transport/packing positions are listed under Go-To → Transport Positions, as hardcoded packing presets for each axis. The exact menu name can differ between program versions.

  • Different case types need different presets. A hard flight case and a lightweight fabric/foam travel case typically require different packing presets — check which preset matches the case you're using.
  • Presets are hardcoded, not editable. Pressing Save while a preset is selected does nothing — it will not save any change. To create your own custom packing position, drive the rig to the position you want, select your axis setup instead of a preset, and save that instead.
  • A limit warning on Go-To is expected on some presets. Some packing positions are intentionally set slightly beyond the axis limits configured in Flair, to fold the arm as compactly as possible — Flair will warn about this, but it is safe for that specific preset move. Confirm you've selected the correct preset for your case before proceeding past the warning.
  • Use Browse if you're unsure where a preset will send the rig. Browse (or the Browse-to button) gives manual control over the speed of the move so you can watch it happen, instead of letting an automatic Go-To run at full speed.
  • Camera plate: most transport positions are designed so you don't need to remove the camera plate to pack the rig, but this varies by case design and version — confirm what your specific case requires before packing/unpacking.
  • Coming back out of a transport position: the simplest method is Go-To → Home — this drives all axes straight back to the home position without needing to know individual axis values.

Run-In Procedure

Step 1 — Slow repeat mode

  1. Set up a slow move that exercises all axes — ideally covering a reasonable range of travel on each axis.
  2. Set the move to Repeat mode.
  3. Run the move at slow speed — well below production speed.
  4. Allow the rig to run in repeat mode for 20–30 minutes.

"If the robot has literally been sitting still for some months, it would be good to put a slow move, where all axes are moving slowly, in a repeat run for a little while to let the oil distribute on the gears, and let it go for 20/30 mins." — @gordon_admin (MRMC)

Step 2 — Gradual speed increase

After the initial run-in period:

  1. Increase the rig speed gradually over subsequent test runs.
  2. Monitor for unusual noise, vibration, or axis trips.
  3. Only move to full production speed once the rig is running smoothly.

Additional Checks After Storage

Before running the rig at speed, also check:

  • Batteries (Bolt Jr+ and similar): Check battery condition and charge state. Batteries left uncharged for extended periods may have reduced capacity or may need replacement.
  • Connectors: Inspect all cable connectors for corrosion, bent pins, or loose connections. Reseat all connectors.
  • Encoder positions: Verify that encoder positions zero correctly at home. Extended storage can sometimes cause encoder drift on older systems.
  • Firmware: Confirm you are running the correct and current firmware for your rig.
  • End stops and limits: Verify axis hard limit switches are functioning before running fast moves.

After Extended Wet or Humid Storage

If the rig was stored in a humid or potentially damp environment:

  • Inspect all exposed metal surfaces for corrosion.
  • Check motor connectors for moisture ingress.
  • Allow the system to come to room temperature before powering up if it was cold.
YouTube Cinebot Nano - Transport Positions Flair 7

▶ Putting a Cinebot Nano into position so it fits into its travel case ▶ 02:54 — Coming out of a transport position: Go-To → Home drives all axes straight back to Home

Source: Returning a rig from hibernation/lockdown/long disuse — talk.mrmoco.com