⚠️ Collision or Shock Detection Errors
Last updated March 30, 2026
If you see a Collision or Shock Detected error, start by checking the Loading Stations, the joints being run, and the station position before restarting the arm. This error is commonly tied to dirty Loading Stations, weak joints bending into the station, or a cycle being run with a Loading Station in the wrong position.
🔍 Common Causes
This error is usually caused by one of the following:
- dirty Loading Stations
- weak joints bending and getting wedged into the Loading Stations
- a Production cycle being run with a Loading Station in the wrong position (opened vs closed)
⏳ Do Not Power Off Immediately After a Fault
If Stardust faults, do not turn off the machine immediately. Wait until all data and video have uploaded for troubleshooting, typically indicated by a video gif. Only power cycle the machine when prompted it is safe to do so.
🧹 Step 1: Clean the Loading Stations
Remove material buildup from the Loading Stations before continuing.
- Continuously brush off Pod tops and sweep material through the Loading Station holes back onto the Floor
- Tap and blow out Pods with the air gun
- Use the provided bottle brush to clean the Loading Station holes
- Use the blow gun to clean the Loading Station
🌿 Step 2: Check the Joints for Bending or Weakness
Weak joints can bend and become wedged into the Loading Stations, which can trigger this fault. If you are running shorter form factor joints, keep in mind that structurally weak joints may not tolerate higher robotic arm speeds and accelerations.
🔄 Step 3: Confirm the Loading Station Position
Before resuming Production, make sure the Loading Station is in the correct position. Running a Production cycle with a Loading Station in the wrong position (opened vs closed) can trigger this error.
🤖 Step 4: Home the Robotic Arm If It Has Halted
If the arm has stopped because of an E-stop, door open event, or robotic arm crash:
- Once prompted, turn Off the Main Power Switch.
- Clear the workspace of any obstructions.
- Collect any Pods from the End Effector and return them to the Loading Stations.
- Restart the machine.
- From the Calibration menu, press Home.
- The robotic arm will home itself automatically.
- From there, Production or Cleaning Mode can be resumed.
✅ Quick Checklist
Before restarting, confirm all of the following:
- Loading Stations are clean
- joints are not weak or bending
- the Loading Station is in the correct position
- no empty Pods are being run
- the workspace is clear before homing the arm
- waited to properly turn off the machine and upload the viddo data
As always, please refer to the latest version of the Stardust Operational Manual for the most up to date information