What is the purpose of the hour meter in a FANUC robotic system?

The hour meter in a FANUC robotic system serves to display the total operational hours that the robot has been in use. This information is crucial for various operational and maintenance functions. By showing the cumulative hours of operation, it allows operators and maintenance personnel to gauge the workload the robot has handled, which directly impacts scheduling maintenance and ensuring the equipment's longevity.

Knowing the operational hours assists in planning routine and preventive maintenance, as many robotics systems have maintenance schedules based on hours of operation. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and helps sustain optimal performance. In addition, tracking operational hours can aid in evaluating the efficiency and productivity of the robotic unit.

While estimating maintenance needs, tracking training hours, and indicating cycle time are all important aspects of robotic system management, they do not directly relate to the primary function of the hour meter itself, which is solely focused on operational hours.