What is A Robot Teach Pendant

1. What’s a Robot “Teach Pendant”, its working and different functions？

First of all we should know that “it’s The Software that Runs Hardware” so likewise to run, control or check a robot (hardware) working we need software (stored in a PLC or Teach Pendent e.t.c,.).

A Robot Teach Pendant is the primary handheld device used in industrial robot programming and control. Often called the "brain" of robotic systems, it allows engineers to program a robot teach pendant by inputting motion commands, adjusting precision parameters, and validating tasks in teach mode—a safety-focused state where robots operate at reduced speeds.

Key Applications in Manufacturing Automation:

• Precision Control: Set robotic arm angles, swing ranges, and mobility paths for tasks like welding or assembly.

• Real-Time Monitoring: View diagnostics (e.g., axis positions, error codes) via touchscreens or keypads.

• Safety Compliance: Integrated E-stop buttons and enabling switches ensure safe operation in high-risk environments.

Whether you’re a technician learning how to program a robot teach pendant or a plant manager optimizing workflows, this tool is essential for modern manufacturing automation.

2. Teach Pendant Components & Structural Modules

Understanding the internal and external modules of a teach pendant helps users maximize its capabilities and troubleshoot issues efficiently. Below are its core components:

Display Module

• Touchscreen/LCD Panel: Ranges from 6.5" (ABB) to 8.4" (KUKA), displaying 3D models, safety zones, and real-time diagnostics.

• Backlight System: Ensures visibility in low-light industrial settings.

Control Interface

• Jog Keys & 6D Mouse: Manipulate robot axes (X/Y/Z) and adjust orientation (roll/pitch/yaw).

• Mode Selector Switch: Toggles between Teach, Auto, and Manual modes.

• Physical Buttons: Dedicated keys for functions like "Start," "Reset," or "Speed Override."

Now let’s have a close look at some Teach pendant Brand’s as under.

3. Top 4 Industrial Robot Teach Pendants: ABB vs Fanuc vs KUKA vs Yaskawa

Choosing the best industrial robot teach pendants depends on your robot brand and application needs. Below is a detailed comparison:

ABB Teach Pendant

• Best For: High-precision tasks in automotive manufacturing.

• Key Features: 6.5" touchscreen, 30m control cables, RW5.07+ software.
  

Fanuc iPendant

• Best For: Multi-tasking workflows with 3D graphics and HTML customization.

• Key Features: USB ports, 4D modeling, visual jog functions.
  

KUKA SmartPad

• Best For: Harsh environments requiring rugged design (IP65 rated).

• Key Features: 8.4" screen, hot-pluggable interface, 6D mouse.

Yaskawa Teach Pendant

• Best For: Welding and material handling with touchscreen troubleshooting.

• Key Features: Slim ergonomic design, real-time error tracking.

1. ABB Teach pendent

ABB also known as Asea Brown Boveri is a Swedish-Swiss Multinational Automation company.  

ABB Teach pendant new model product ID is 3HAC028357-001 and its size or dimensions are 38*34*22. The software required for its seamless operation & use is version RW5.07.02 or higher version. ABB old teach pendent ID is 3HAC023195-001 replaced by the new model above.

ABB teach pendant has a 6.5 inch LCD display with screen touch functions. It also has a new plastic case shell cover and comes with 10/30 meters control cable for connectivity with a robot. Although ABB is the original manufacturer of the ABB Teach pendant but they are manufactured also in China.

The ABB Teach pendant is stocked in 2 warehouses globally. One warehouse is in Shanghai, China & the other warehouse is in Menden, Germany. It has a Net or Gross weight of 3.06 Kg.       

2. Fanuc Teach Pendant

FANUC Corporation, Japan is a Japanese leading robot manufacturer. It also manufactures robot spare parts and associated hardware.

The Fanuc Teach Pendant is same like a teach pendent in size & working and is a combination of energy efficiency & speed and at the same time offering user-friendly operation. It has a convenient and comfortable design & a large color touch display. It incorporates multi-tasking functions like 3D graphics display.

You can create your own HTML screens using Fanuc i-pendent huge functions access. It’s easy to operate using built-in smart functions. I-pendent has a graphical editing function. It offers two additional axis on the display screen due to its newest jog keys. It has multi-task display for extra information.

It also includes USB port connection for mouse or memory stick usage. It also generates node maps on the colored screen for easy understanding of program points & motion paths thus making easy understanding of a robot working paths.

Its 3D Graphic’s display helps in easy setup of dual check safety configuration. It has an advanced 4D modeling function for on screen display of robot paths, safety zones, Frame setup & tools settings.   

The Fanuc iPendant has a visual jog function which uses a 3D model Technique which quickly confirms distance & direction of jogging or inching (Jogging means quick repeated actions of a circuit/control system attached to a robot for a specific work completion) according to NEMA-National Electrical Manufacturers Association, U.S.A

3. KUKA Smartpad

KUKA is basically a German manufacturer of industrial robots & systems related to industrial automation. A Chinese company Midea Group owns about 95% shares of KUKA.

It must be known to us all that Germany is the world’s biggest automobile Manufacturer in the world. So likewise Germany is also one of the country in the world that manufactures robots, industrial robots e.t.c,.

With Kuka smartpad you can have dynamic operation in the most demanding manufacturing requirements. The Kuka smartpad is designed to do the most complex operations easily in the most harsh conditions. It can be used anywhere in the most complicated environments and it can be easily used by even the inexperienced users.

The Kuka smartpad has an ergonomic panel for robot control & it also has a mesmerizing touch display. The Kuka smartpad shows only the most related operations options in real-time on its highly Dynamic touch display. Even the inexperienced users & Full professionals both alike can use the Kuka Smartpad due to its easy operations guidance.

The Kuka robots operating on different programming languages can be easily operated in the desired programming language at the time. Due to the Hot Pluggable capability & interface the Kuka smartpad can connected & disconnected anywhere, anytime and anyway. The Kuka smartpad has a 6D mouse for the 3 or 6 degrees reorientation of the robot.

It has an 8.4 inch touch screen for easy & quick operations.

It has 2 USB ports for application programs loading & saving inside the Kuka smartpad. The Kuka smartpad can rigorously control upto eight axes with its different jog keys. So at the end we easily see that that the Kuka smartpad is a Small industrial wizard with endless uses & applications.

4. YASKAWA Teach Pendant

The most important component of any industrial robot is a Teach Pendant. In the same manner Yaskawa Teach Pendant’s play a crucial & pivotal role in the control, programming and testing of any Yaskawa Manufacturing & industrial robot.

Different programming commands can be used via the entry mechanism of any pendant, either through a touchscreen or a keypad. For the welding applications different commands can be made input through the Yaskawa Teach pendent. Apart from programming Yaskawa teach pendants can also be at their best usage for technically adjusting & troubleshooting in a robot.

Different applications changes & adjustments can be also done quickly & easily. The robot user can also track the history of past applications. During an emergency a robot can be stopped through Yaskawa Teach pendant.

A Yaskawa Teach Pendant is the Newest teach pendant incorporating a Touchscreen. The Yaskawa Teach pendant is only workable with select Yaskawa robots fully controlled by their specific controller.

This Teach pendant is limited to the applications which are programmed into it by a professional user. The main Components of a Yaskawa Teach Pendant include a large touchscreen for display, a stop button. An enabling switch and 3 mode key switch are also inside the Yaskawa Teach pendent.

The Yaskawa Teach pendants offer user friendly operations thus making an application simple apart from programming of a robot. The Yaskawa Teach pendant has a slim design for easy use by the robot operator.

4. How to Program a Robot Teach Pendant: Step-by-Step Basics

Learning how to program a robot teach pendant is critical for optimizing robotic workflows. Here’s a simplified guide:

Step 1: Enter Teach Mode

• Activate the robot controller’s teach mode via the pendant’s mode selector switch.

Step 2: Jog the Robot

• Use the 6D mouse or jog keys to manually position the robot arm.

Step 3: Record Motion Points

• Save key positions (e.g., pick-up/drop points) into the program memory.

Step 4: Validate & Test

• Run the program at low speed to ensure accuracy and safety.

4. Common Teach Pendant Failures & Quick Fixes

Even the best industrial robot teach pendants can face issues. Here are common problems (full guide here):

5. Article Conclusion

At the end one can easily make the assumption & say that inRobots is the best website on the whole planet Earth for robot spare parts, Technical accessories and a lot of other stuff related to Mechatronics Engineering.

inRobots website is better then the best supplier of New/Used ABB Teach pendant, FANUC iPendant, KUKA Smartpad & YASKAWA Teach Pendants Spare parts & accessories When & Where you want.

In the table below are several brands of Teach Pendants, if you are interested you can click on the links to view the product details.

FAQs

Q1: How to Calibrate a Robot Teach Pendant?
A: Calibration steps vary by brand, but generally:

1. Navigate to Settings > Calibration on the pendant.

2. Follow on-screen instructions to align the touchscreen or 6D mouse.

3. For physical jog keys, use a calibration tool provided by the manufacturer.

Note: Improper calibration may cause axis drift. 

Q2: Why Won’t My Teach Pendant Connect to the Robot?
A: Common causes include:

• Loose Control Cable: Check connections at both ends.

• Software Mismatch: Ensure the pendant’s firmware matches the robot controller version.

• Port Damage: Test with a spare cable or USB/Ethernet adapter.
  

Q3: Are Teach Pendants Cross-Compatible Between Brands?
A: No. ABB, Fanuc, KUKA, and Yaskawa pendants are designed to work only with their respective robot controllers. Using third-party pendants may void warranties.

Q4: How to Update Teach Pendant Software?
A:

1. Download the latest firmware from the manufacturer’s website.

2. Transfer the file to the pendant via USB or Ethernet.

3. Navigate to System > Software Update and follow prompts.

Warning: Always back up programs before updating.

Q5: What’s the Battery Life of a Wireless Teach Pendant?
A: Most wireless models last 8–12 hours per charge. Extend battery life by:

• Lowering screen brightness.

• Disabling unused features (e.g., Bluetooth).

• Using OEM-approved batteries.

Q6: How to Fix Unresponsive Touchscreen Issues?
A: Try these steps:

1. Clean the screen with a microfiber cloth.

2. Restart the pendant.

3. Recalibrate the touchscreen via settings.
   If issues persist, it may indicate a damaged digitizer. Explore repair options →.

Q7: Can I Use a Teach Pendant for Multiple Robots?
A: Yes, but only if:

• All robots share the same controller brand (e.g., multiple ABB robots).

• The pendant supports multi-robot configurations (check manufacturer specs).

Q8: What Safety Certifications Do Teach Pendants Have?
A: Reputable brands comply with:

• ISO 10218-1 (Industrial robot safety).

• NEMA 250 (Enclosure ratings for dust/water resistance).

• CE/UL certifications for regional markets.