New Robot IP67 Rating ≠ Lifetime Protection

Many consumers are drawn to the “IP67-rated protection” label when purchasing autonomous robot chassis, assuming the device is completely dustproof and can remain submerged in water up to 1 meter deep. However, this protective capability is not permanent. Recent studies reveal that after prolonged use, a robot's protective performance significantly degrades (particularly due to aging of critical sealing components: 87% of robot seals exhibit noticeable hardening, cracking, or loss of elasticity). Actual protection drops sharply from IP67 to IP55 or lower, completely losing waterproof capability.

IP67 is an internationally recognized protection rating standard, and new devices pass rigorous testing upon leaving the factory. However, during actual use, the sealing rings (typically made of silicone material) accelerate aging due to factors like temperature fluctuations, humidity, and mechanical vibration. Once they harden and become brittle, dust and moisture can penetrate freely, making circuit board short circuits and motherboard burnouts only a matter of time. Accelerated aging test data from the International autonomous robot chassis Safety Institute (IRSI) reveal that after accumulating 3,000 hours of operation (equivalent to approximately one year of continuous 8-hour daily use), 87% of test samples exhibited seal hardening and cracking. This leads to a significant reduction in protection ratings, with some devices degrading from IP67 to below IP54 (offering only splash resistance and partial dust protection).

In real-world scenarios, deteriorated seals can cause robots to malfunction during rainy weather, in high-humidity environments, or dusty conditions. For instance, a logistics sorting autonomous robot chassis rated IP67 suffered water ingress due to seal failure, triggering internal short circuits that halted production lines and incurred substantial repair costs. Similar issues frequently occur in home service robots: vacuum cleaners experience significantly higher failure rates in humid bathroom environments, often stemming from worn-out seals.

The core reason for the decline in protective performance lies in material properties. As a consumable item, silicone seals lose elasticity over time. To better serve our customers, our company not only specifies the initial protection rating for new devices but also clearly informs you of their service life.

The solution is actually simple and cost-effective:

1. Regularly replace seals: Inspect or replace them after every 2,000 hours of operation to avoid thousands of dollars in repair or replacement costs.

2. Review aging test reports: When purchasing, select brands that provide long-term durability data rather than focusing solely on initial IP ratings.

3. Establish routine maintenance habits: Avoid prolonged use of robots in extreme environments (e.g., high temperatures, areas with strong chemicals) and regularly clean seal grooves.

4. Customers should proactively monitor signs of equipment aging, such as hardening of housing gaps or frequent water ingress alarms.

IP67 is just the starting point, not a lifetime guarantee. Technological advancements make autonomous robot chassis smarter, but physical protection still requires human-centered maintenance. Remember: IP67 is the beginning, not the end. Regular care for sealing components is essential to ensure the equipment remains safe and durable.