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How to Power On, Power Off, or Restart a Robot

Learn how to power on, power off, or restart a robot with the teach pendant

Zach Boyd avatar
Written by Zach Boyd
Updated over 2 weeks ago

At times you may want or need to restart or power off your robot. Whether to apply a software update, to conserve power when the robot is not in use, or to pack the robot for shipping. Or, you may want at the start of a shift to power on a robot that's been powered off for the night.

In this article, you'll learn:

  • How to power on a robot

  • How to power off a robot

  • How to restart a robot

PolyScope 5

In 2025, Universal Robot's introduced PolyScope X, a new major version to their operating system as a successor to PolyScope 5. PolyScope X requires new controller hardware. This section is specific to PolyScope 5.

Power On

On the teach pendant, press the Power Button then wait.

Power Off

On the teach pendant, press the Power Button then tap Power off.

This safely powers down the robot and applies brakes to the arm joints.

Restart

On the teach pendant, press the Power Button then tap Restart.

This powers off then automatically powers on the robot.

PolyScope X

In 2025, Universal Robot's introduced PolyScope X, a new major version to their operating system as a successor to PolyScope 5. PolyScope X requires new controller hardware. This section is specific to PolyScope X.

Power On

On the teach pendant, press the Power Button then wait.

Power Off

On the teach pendant at the top-left, tap to open the menu, then tap Shutdown.
​

Tap Power Off.

This safely powers down the robot and applies brakes to the arm joints.
​

Restart

On the teach pendant at the top-left, tap to open the menu, then tap Shutdown.
​

Tap Restart.

This powers off then automatically powers on the robot.

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