It is no secret that the industrial world is leaning further toward automation technologies all the time. A major part of those technologies is robotic systems, which can provide manufacturing companies with increased safety and lower costs, as well as enhanced productivity, accuracy, efficiency and product quality.
Unsurprisingly, these industrial robotic systems require high-quality lubricants—particularly greases—to keep them up and running. So how can the lubricants industry enable smooth performance of industrial robots, and how might an increase in robot adoption, in turn, affect the industrial grease market?
To get answers to those questions and more, Lubes’n’Greases consulted Doug Rice, senior product specialist in the Grease Technology Group at CITGO Petroleum Corporation. The grease industry veteran is currently responsible for formulation of and technical support for branded and private label greases. He has 31 years of experience in lubricants, including time in quality control supervision, fluid formulation, grease formulation, technical service and sales management.
This article will examine how an increased reliance on industrial robotics has affected grease demand as well as how grease technology is evolving to cater to the specific needs of industrial robots.
Lubes’n’Greases: How has demand for robot grease changed over the past five or so years? How is it projected to grow or decline in the next five years?
Rice: Demand for robot grease has increased to support the growing market. According to a recent report by MarketandMarkets Inc., the industrial robotics market was valued at $17 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $32.5 billion by 2028. This can be attributed to the growing demand of robotic use to streamline various processes, boost productivity and minimize errors across industry segments.
Lubes’n’Greases: How has robot grease technology evolved? What changes in robots themselves have driven these changes?
Rice: Grease technology has evolved significantly to enhance performance and longevity of the robots and overall operation. This is mainly due to advances in robot design and operating conditions. Mystik’s proprietary formulation reduces friction and wear, thus extending the life of the robots and reducing maintenance needs in increasingly demanding industrial environments.
We will continue to see the evolution of greases to protect users’ investments as robots become more complex, efficient and precise with tighter tolerances and higher loads. This is especially true as the trend of collaborative robots, or cobots, continues to unfold in the automation landscape.
Lubes’n’Greases: How are specific formulations of robot greases working to optimize performance, reduce wear and extend the longevity of expensive machinery?
Rice: The choice of grease plays a critical role in optimizing performance, reducing wear and extending machinery life, especially when dealing with precise mechanical devices. A compelling example of this is Citgo’s collaboration with Autokiniton, a leading North American supplier of propulsion-agnostic, structural automotive components and assemblies. Autokiniton operates thousands of robots—from carrying spot welding guns to MIG welding torches and material-handling apparatus. Maintenance of these robots includes the right grease at the right times. We were fortunate to work with Kimbro Oil Company to develop Mystik JT-6 Industrial Robot #0. After one year, Mystik JT-6 Industrial Robot #0 showed outstanding resistance to oxidation and corrosion, protected reduction gears from wear in extreme temperature and pressure conditions, and remained shear stable in high-speed operations for assured reliability. It met the equipment’s needs and exceeded it in some instances.
Lubes’n’Greases: How do lubrication solutions play a critical part in maintaining optimal performance and reducing maintenance challenges?
Rice: Lubrication solutions, including Mystik JT-6 Industrial Robot #0 grease, can offer an array of operational benefits such as the following:
- Outstanding resistance to oxidation and corrosion
- Protection of reduction gears from wear in extreme temperature and pressure conditions
- Outstanding protection for industrial robots operating under extreme conditions
- Significantly reduced maintenance and shipping costs, as Mystik is manufactured locally.
Lubes’n’Greases: How are advancements in lubrication technologies addressing major challenges such as seamless integration and operational disruptions?
Rice: Our product, which is manufactured in the United States, could reduce supply and operational interruptions. Using a high performing grease will also reduce equipment downtime.
Sydney Moore is managing editor of Lubes’n’Greases magazine. Contact her at Sydney@LubesnGreases.com