Patent ID: 12246404

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the FIGS. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the FIGS. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

Some embodiments relate to a system for maintaining a device in a semiconductor manufacturing environment. The device moves on or relative to a track within the semiconductor manufacturing environment. The device conveys one or more semiconductor wafers between various stations within the semiconductor manufacturing environment to expose the wafers to different semiconductor fabrication processes. As the device moves within the semiconductor manufacturing environment one or more components of the device wear, such as wheels of the device that contact the track. According to some embodiments, the device is inspected after travelling a certain distance, such as a distance likely to result in wear of the device. Inspecting the device based upon distance travelled inhibits unnecessary inspections, such as where the device is inspected too frequently or before the device is likely to exhibit wear. Inspecting the device based upon distance travelled promotes timely inspections, such as where substantial use of the device occurs in a relatively short period of time such that the device likely exhibits wear in a compressed timeframe.

The system includes a controller configured to determine a distance travelled by the device within the semiconductor manufacturing environment, where the device has a feature that selectively engages a carrier configured to carry a semiconductor wafer such that the device moves the semiconductor wafer to different processing stations within the semiconductor manufacturing environment. The system includes an inspection component configured to inspect the device responsive to the distance travelled by the device exceeding a distance threshold. The system includes a repair component configured to repair the device responsive to a repair indication from the inspection component and a cleaning component configured to clean the device responsive to a clean indication from the inspection component.

FIG.1illustrates a system100for maintaining a device104used for moving a semiconductor wafer116in a semiconductor manufacturing environment, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, although a singular wafer is referenced one or more wafers are contemplated, such as being moved, carried, operated on, etc. in the semiconductor manufacturing environment or otherwise. The device104travels along a track102and a sidetrack106, and the system100includes an inspection component108, a repair component110, a cleaning component112, and a controller114, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the device104includes a feature126, such as a belt and pulley system, robotic arm, etc., that selectively engages a carrier118, such as a front opening unified/universal pod (FOUP), configured to carry the semiconductor wafer116, such that the device104moves the semiconductor wafer116to different processing stations122a,122bwithin the semiconductor manufacturing environment. In some embodiments, although two processing stations122a,122bare illustrated any number of processing stations are contemplated. According to some embodiments, the device includes an odometer120that records the distance traveled by the device104.

According to some embodiments, the track102is made of one or more rails, races, sidewalls, etc. and is configured to accommodate the device104. According to some embodiments, the device104travels along the track102with a semiconductor wafer116in the carrier118. According to some embodiments, the device104is maintained on the track102using guide rails, guard rails, etc. The track102forms a pathway for the device104to travel from one location to another location within the semiconductor manufacturing environment. The semiconductor manufacturing environment includes one or more processing stations122a,122bwhere different semiconductor fabrication processes are performed at the different stations. According to some embodiments, the track102interconnects multiple processing stations122a,122band allows the device104to move between the processing stations122a,122bthus transporting the semiconductor wafer116to and from the different processing stations122a,122b. According to some embodiments, the track102is constructed of metal, phenolic, nylon, etc. In some embodiments, at least some of the track102is suspended from a ceiling. In some embodiments, at least some of the track102is erected from at least one of a floor or a wall. In some embodiments, at least some of the track102is erected using a lattice support structure.

According to some embodiments, the system100includes a transfer component124, such as a switch, turnout, etc. that facilitates transfer of the device104from travelling along the track102to travelling along the sidetrack106and vice versa. In some embodiments, the transfer component124facilitates movement of the device104to at least one of the inspection component108, the repair component110, or the cleaning component112. According to some embodiments, although the inspection component108, the repair component110, and the cleaning component112are illustrated in series any number of arrangements are contemplated. In some embodiments, the repair component110and the cleaning component112are downstream of the inspection component108but are in parallel such that after being inspected at the inspection component108the device104is able to move directly to either the repair component110or the cleaning component112.

According to some embodiments, the sidetrack106is constructed of metal, phenolic, nylon, etc. In some embodiments, at least some of the sidetrack106is constructed of a same material(s) as the track102. In some embodiments, at least some of the sidetrack106is constructed of a different material(s) than the track102. In some embodiments, at least some of the sidetrack106is suspended from a ceiling. In some embodiments, at least some of the sidetrack106is erected from at least one of a floor or a wall. In some embodiments, at least some of the sidetrack106is erected using a lattice support structure. In some embodiments, at least some of the sidetrack106is constructed in a same manner as the track102. In some embodiments, at least some of the sidetrack106is constructed in a different manner than the track102.

In some embodiments, the device104is self-propelled, such as a motorized vehicle. In some embodiments, at least some of at least one of the track102or the sidetrack106includes a conveyance mechanism such as a chain, belt, motor, compressed air, etc. that moves the device104along the track. In some embodiments, at least some of the relative motion between the device104and at least one of the track102or the sidetrack106is attributable to the conveyance mechanism. Other embodiments are contemplated and the instant disclosure is not limited to the just described embodiments.

According to some embodiments, the controller114maintains a record of the device104including, but not limited to, distance traveled by the device104, time elapsed since a last maintenance action on the device104, etc. In some embodiments, the distance traveled is determined using the odometer120located on at least one of the device104or the controller114. In some embodiments, the distance traveled by the device104is determined by monitoring an identifier128located on at least one of the device104or the track102. In some embodiments, the identifier is located on the track102and is sensed by a sensor on the device104as the device104passes by the identifier. In some embodiments, the identifier is located on the device104and is sensed by a sensor on the track102as the device104passes by the sensor. In some embodiments, at least one of a first identifier or a first sensor is located on the track102and at least one of a second identifier or a second sensor is located on the device104and the first identifier/sensor and the second identifier/sensor interact with one another as the device104moves relative to the track to yield an indication of distance travelled by the device. In some embodiments, the identifier is a bar code, QR code, RF ID tag, mechanical protrusion, etc. In some embodiments, data is sent from the device104to the controller114, such as for determining the device is to be inspected due to the distance travelled by the device exceeding a distance threshold. In some embodiments, data is sent from the controller114to the device104, such as for determining the device is to be inspected due to the distance travelled by the device exceeding a distance threshold.

In some embodiments, the controller114controls the transfer component124that facilitates transfer of the device104from travelling along the track102to travelling along the sidetrack106and vice versa. In some embodiments, the controller114controls the operation of at least one of the inspection component108, the repair component110, or the cleaning component112. In some embodiments, the controller114is a computing device having a processor and memory that determines the status of the device104, such as distance travelled, etc. In some embodiments, the controller114includes a display for displaying information about the device, such as distance travelled by the device, date/time of/since one or more inspections of the device, date/time of/since one or more repairs to the device, date/time of/since one or more cleanings of the device, information about at least one of inspection(s), repair(s), or cleaning(s), such as at least one of what part or parts of the device were inspected, what part or parts of the device were repaired, or what part or parts of the device were cleaned, etc.

According to some embodiments, the controller114determines whether the distance travelled by the device exceeds a distance threshold such that inspection of the device is due because of an amount of likely wear of the device. According to some embodiments, when the distance travelled by the device exceeds the distance threshold the device104is routed to a transfer point where the device104is taken off of the track102and sent to the sidetrack106, such as by the transfer component124. According to some embodiments, the device104is moved to the inspection component108. According to some embodiments, the inspection component108inspects the device104, such as for a degree of wear of the one or more wheels130of the device104, a level of cleanliness of the device104, etc. According to one or more embodiments, if one or more readings, findings, etc. of the inspection component108indicate that the device104should be repaired, the device104is sent to the repair component110for repair. According to one or more embodiments, if one or more readings, findings, etc. of the inspection component108indicate that the device104should be cleaned, the device104is sent to the cleaning component112for cleaning. According to one or more embodiments, if one or more readings, findings, etc. of the inspection component108do not indicate that the device104should be at least one of cleaned or repaired, the device104is simply routed back to the track102from the sidetrack106, such as by the transfer component124. According to one or more embodiments, if the device104is routed to at least one of the repair component110or the cleaning component112, the device104is thereafter routed back to the track102from the sidetrack106, such as by the transfer component124, to resume conveying the semiconductor wafer116to various processing stations122a,122b.

FIG.2illustrates the system100with the device104undergoing an inspection by the inspection component108, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the device104is suspended from the sidetrack106by wheels130of the device104. According to some embodiments, the inspection component108is configured to inspect the device104and determine at least one of wear of the device104or cleanliness of the device104. According to some embodiments, the inspection component108includes one or more sensors to generate, store, etc. data regarding the status of the device104. According to one or more embodiments, the sensors include at least one of a camera206, a transmitter/receiver208, such as RF, laser, etc., a physical contact210, such as a brush, or a bar code reader212.

In some embodiments, the inspection component108employs the bar code reader212to identify the device104, such as to verify that the correct device from among a plurality of devices is being inspected, such as according to an instruction from the controller114. In some embodiments, the inspection component108uses the bar code reader212to tag or associate data with the device104under inspection.

According to some embodiments, the wear the device104is related to a dimension, characteristic, etc. of the wheel130of the device104. In some embodiments, the inspection component108uses at least one of the camera206, the transmitter/receiver208, or the physical contact210to determine at least one of a diameter of a wheel130, a circumference of a wheel130, a depth, width, size, shape, area, volume, etc. of a crack, opening, fissure, void, impression, depression, etc. in a wheel130, a flatness of a wheel130, a concentricity of a wheel130, a concavity of a wheel130, a surface roughness of a wheel130, etc. According to some embodiments, the wear of the device is related to a change of one or more of the foregoing, such as a reduction or a rate of a reduction in the diameter of a wheel130of the device104.

According to some embodiments, the wear the device104is related to a dimension, characteristic, etc. of the feature126that selectively engages the carrier118. In some embodiments, the inspection component108uses at least one of the camera206, the transmitter/receiver208, or the physical contact210to determine at least one of a thickness, a flatness, a surface roughness, etc. of the feature126. In some embodiments, a ridges, grooves, bumps, etc. are implemented to facilitate the feature126engaging the carrier118such that an absence or reduction in the same inhibits an ability of the feature126to engage the carrier118. According to some embodiments, the wear of the device is related to a change of one or more of the foregoing, such as a reduction or a rate of a reduction of the surface roughness of the feature126of the device104.

According to some embodiments, the cleanliness of the device104is related to particles or other debris on or associated with the device104. In some embodiments, the inspection component108uses at least one of the camera206, the transmitter/receiver208, or the physical contact210to determine at least one of a quantity, type, size, location, concentration, distribution, area, volume, average size, etc. of debris on the device, such as on a wheel130of the device104. In some embodiments, the inspection component108determines whether debris are in a wheel groove that receives at least one of the track102or the sidetrack106such that the debris would affect movement of the device104within the semiconductor manufacturing environment. According to some embodiments, the cleanliness of the device104is related to a change of one or more of the foregoing, such as an accumulation or a rate of accumulation of debris on the device104.

In some embodiments, the inspection component108implements image recognition to determine at least one of device wear or device cleanliness. In some embodiments, the inspection component108sends the sensor data, such as tagged using uses the bar code reader212, to the controller114. In some embodiments, a determination as to whether the device104should be at least one of cleaned or repaired is made at least in part by the controller114. In some embodiments, a determination as to whether the device104should be at least one of cleaned or repaired is made at least in part by the inspection component108. According to some embodiments, at least one of the controller114or the inspection component108provides at least one of a repair indication indicating that the device104should undergo repair or a clean indication indicating that the device104should undergo cleaning. In some embodiments, a determination that the device should undergo cleaning is a function of whether a cleanliness of the device meets or does not meet a cleanliness threshold, such as particles per unit area exceeding a threshold. In some embodiments, a determination that the device should undergo repair is a function of whether wear of the device meets or does not meet a wear threshold, such as at least one of a diameter of a wheel falling below a minimum diameter or a thickness of the feature126falling below a thickness threshold.

FIG.3illustrates the system100with a wheel130of the device104undergoing laser inspection by the inspection component108, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the inspection component108employs a laser transmitter302and receiver304for measuring an amount of wear of a wheel130, according to some embodiments. The laser transmitter302is configured to send a laser beam306through a region of space to the receiver304. The wheel130is positioned between the laser transmitter302and receiver304. When the wheel130is of sufficient diameter, such as when the wheel130is new, the laser beam306is interrupted or blocked by the wheel such that the receiver304does not detect the laser beam306. According to some embodiments, a signal is generated indicating that the wheel130exceeds a minimum diameter. When, however, the wheel130has worn such that the laser beam306is not interrupted or blocked by the wheel the receiver304detects the laser beam306. According to some embodiments, a signal is generated indicating that the wheel130does not exceed a minimum diameter. In some embodiments, the device104is routed to the repair component110for wheel replacement.

According to some embodiments, the laser transmitter302and receiver304are used to measure the concentricity of the wheel130by rotating the wheel130and sensing when the wheel130interrupts the laser beam306and when the wheel130does not interrupt the laser beam306. In some embodiments, uneven wear or non-concentricity of the wheel is determined when the laser beam306is not consistently blocked or unblocked by the wheel. According to some embodiments, when the concentricity of the wheel130falls below a concentricity threshold, such that the wheel is not sufficiently round, the wheel is replaced.

FIG.4illustrates the system100with the device104in the cleaning component112, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cleaning component112is configured to clean device104where the device104is lowered into the cleaning component112via a lift mechanism406. According to some embodiments, the lift mechanism406is at least one of a chain-driven elevator, hydraulic lift, mechanical crane, etc. that lowers/raises a section414of the sidetrack106to which the device104is attached. In some embodiments, the cleaning component112includes a support structure402resting on a foundation404, such as a floor of the semiconductor manufacturing environment, the lift mechanism406for moving the device104into and out of the cleaning component112, one or more spray heads410, and a removal region408, such as including one or more vents412.

FIG.5illustrates the system100with the device104and the section414of the sidetrack106lowered into the cleaning component112by the lift mechanism406. According to some embodiments, the cleaning component112uses at least one of gas, liquid, solid, or vacuum to clean the device104. In some embodiments, at least one of the gas, liquid, or solid is directed, such as under pressure, toward the device104to dislodge, remove, etc. debris from the device104. In some embodiments, one or more of the spray heads410direct at least one of the gas, liquid, or solid toward the device104. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more spray heads410move, such as independently, so as to direct a substance to a targeted location on the device104. In some embodiments, relative movement between the lift mechanism406and at least one of the one or more spray heads410is cooperatively controlled, such as by the controller114, to increase the likelihood of the substance impacting the device104at the targeted location.

In some embodiments, a first spray head410directs a gas, such as air, toward the device104. In some embodiments, a second spray head410directs a liquid, such as water, toward the device104. In some embodiments, a third spray head410directs a solid, such as sand, toward the device104. In some embodiments, at least two of the gas, liquid, or solid are concurrently directed toward the device. In some embodiments, a single spray head410directs at least two of the gas, liquid, or solid toward the device104. According to some embodiments, a detergent is directed toward the device104, followed by a liquid to interact with the detergent to remove debris from the device, and then followed by a gas to dry the device. In some embodiments, the cleaning component112contains a reservoir of cleaner, such as water containing detergent. In some embodiments, the device is immersed one or more times, such as by the lift mechanism406, into the reservoir to remove debris. In some embodiments, after being immersed in the reservoir, a gas is subsequently directed toward the device104to dry the device. In some embodiments, debris from the device104fall to the removal region408. According to some embodiments, the one or more vents412create a pressure differential in the cleaning component112, such as by vacuum, to encourage, draw, etc. the debris into the removal region. In some embodiments, the vents412are closed to establish the reservoir in the cleaning component112. In some embodiments, the vents412are opened to drain the reservoir. In some embodiments, at least one of the feature126, the carrier118, or the semiconductor wafer116is coupled to the device during a cleaning. In some embodiments, at least one of the feature126, the carrier118, or the semiconductor wafer116is not coupled to the device during a cleaning. In some embodiments, one or more components or operations of the cleaning component112are controlled by at least one of the controller114or the inspection component108.

FIG.6illustrates the system100with the device104in association with the repair component110, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the repair component110has several repair tools. In some embodiments, the repair component110is configured to repair the device104based on at least the results from the inspection component108. According to some embodiments, the repair component110includes at least one of a wheel replacement tool602, a circuit card replacement tool610, or a fluid insertion tool620.

In some embodiments, the wheel replacement tool602includes a first tool arm604that holds a replacement wheel606and is configured to remove a wheel130, such as a worn wheel, from the device104and replace the wheel130with the replacement wheel606. In some embodiments, the circuit card replacement tool610includes a second tool arm612that holds a replacement circuit card614and is configured to remove a circuit card616, such as an outdated circuit card, from the device104and replace the circuit card616with the replacement circuit card614. The fluid insertion tool620includes a third tool arm622coupled to a dispensing arm624and is configured to dispense at least one of a gas or a liquid, such as a lubricant, to the device104. In some embodiments, at least one of the feature126, the carrier118, or the semiconductor wafer116is coupled to the device during a repair. In some embodiments, at least one of the feature126, the carrier118, or the semiconductor wafer116is not coupled to the device during a repair. In some embodiments, one or more components or operations of the repair component110are controlled by at least one of the controller114or the inspection component108.

Device maintenance in a semiconductor manufacturing environment is provided. The device moves on or relative to a track within the semiconductor manufacturing environment. The device conveys one or more semiconductor wafers between various stations within the semiconductor manufacturing environment to expose the wafers to different semiconductor fabrication processes. As the device moves within the semiconductor manufacturing environment one or more components of the device wear, such as wheels of the device that contact the track. According to some embodiments, the device is inspected after travelling a certain distance, such as a distance likely to result in wear of the device. Inspecting the device based upon distance travelled inhibits unnecessary inspections, such as where the device is inspected too frequently or before the device is likely to exhibit wear. Inspecting the device based upon distance travelled promotes timely inspections, such as where substantial use of the device occurs in a relatively short period of time such that the device quickly exhibits wear. Responsive to a repair indication, a repair operation, such as replace a worn wheel, is performed on the device. Responsive to a clean indication, a cleaning operation, such as removing debris, is performed on the device. At least one of the operations, such as determining distance travelled by the device, inspecting the device, cleaning the device, or repairing the device, is performed automatically or programmatically with little to no human intervention.

Still another embodiment involves a computer-readable medium comprising processor-executable instructions configured to implement one or more of the techniques presented herein. An exemplary computer-readable medium is illustrated inFIG.7, wherein the implementation700comprises a computer-readable medium708(e.g., a CD-R, DVD-R, flash drive, a platter of a hard disk drive, etc.), on which is encoded computer-readable data706. This computer-readable data706in turn comprises a set of processor-executable computer instructions704configured to operate according to one or more of the principles set forth herein. In some embodiments, the processor-executable computer instructions704are configured to perform a method702, such as at least some of the aforementioned described methods. In some embodiments, the processor-executable computer instructions704are configured to implement a system, such as at least some of the aforementioned systems. Many such computer-readable media may be devised by those of ordinary skill in the art that are configured to operate in accordance with the techniques presented herein.

FIG.8and the following discussion provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment to implement embodiments of one or more of the provisions set forth herein. The operating environment ofFIG.8is only one example of a suitable operating environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the operating environment. Example computing devices include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, mobile devices (such as mobile phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), media players, and the like), multiprocessor systems, consumer electronics, mini computers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Although not required, embodiments are described in the general context of “computer readable instructions” being executed by one or more computing devices. Computer readable instructions may be distributed via computer readable media (discussed below). Computer readable instructions may be implemented as program modules, such as functions, objects, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), data structures, and the like, that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically, the functionality of the computer readable instructions may be combined or distributed as desired in various environments.

FIG.8depicts an example of a system800comprising a computing device812configured to implement some embodiments provided herein. In some configurations, computing device812includes at least one processing unit816and memory818. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, memory818may be volatile (such as RAM, for example), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc., for example) or some combination of the two. This configuration is illustrated inFIG.8by dashed line814.

In some embodiments, computing device812may include additional features and/or functionality. For example, computing device812may also include additional storage (e.g., removable and/or non-removable) including, but not limited to, magnetic storage, optical storage, and the like. Such additional storage is illustrated inFIG.8by storage820. In some embodiments, computer readable instructions to implement one or more embodiments provided herein may be in storage820. Storage820may also store other computer readable instructions to implement an operating system, an application program, and the like. Computer readable instructions may be loaded in memory818for execution by processing unit816, for example.

The term “computer readable media” as used herein includes computer storage media. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions or other data. Memory818and storage820are examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computing device812. Any such computer storage media may be part of computing device812.

Computing device812may also include communication connection(s)826that allows computing device812to communicate with other devices. Communication connection(s)826may include, but is not limited to, a modem, a Network Interface Card (NIC), an integrated network interface, a radio frequency transmitter/receiver, an infrared port, a USB connection, or other interfaces for connecting computing device812to other computing devices. Communication connection(s)826may include a wired connection or a wireless connection. Communication connection(s)826may transmit and/or receive communication media.

The term “computer readable media” may include communication media. Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions or other data in a “modulated data signal” such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” may include a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal.

Computing device812may include input device(s)824such as keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, infrared cameras, video input devices, and/or any other input device. Output device(s)822such as one or more displays, speakers, printers, and/or any other output device may also be included in computing device812. Input device(s)824and output device(s)822may be connected to computing device812via a wired connection, wireless connection, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, an input device or an output device from another computing device may be used as input device(s)824or output device(s)822for computing device812.

Components of computing device812may be connected by various interconnects, such as a bus. Such interconnects may include a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), such as PCI Express, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), firewire (IEEE 1394), an optical bus structure, and the like. In some embodiments, components of computing device812may be interconnected by a network. For example, memory818may be comprised of multiple physical memory units located in different physical locations interconnected by a network.

Those skilled in the art will realize that storage devices utilized to store computer readable instructions may be distributed across a network. For example, a computing device830accessible via a network828may store computer readable instructions to implement one or more embodiments provided herein. Computing device812may access computing device830and download a part or all of the computer readable instructions for execution. Alternatively, computing device812may download pieces of the computer readable instructions, as needed, or some instructions may be executed at computing device812and some at computing device830.

As used in this application, the terms “component,” “module,” “system”, “interface”, and/or the like are generally intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a controller and the controller can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers.

According to some embodiments, a system for maintaining a device in a semiconductor manufacturing environment includes a controller configured to determine a distance travelled by the device within the semiconductor manufacturing environment, where the device includes a feature that selectively engages a carrier configured to carry a semiconductor wafer such that the device moves the semiconductor wafer to different processing stations within the semiconductor manufacturing environment. The system includes an inspection component configured to inspect the device responsive to the distance travelled by the device exceeding a distance threshold, a repair component configured to repair the device responsive to a repair indication from at least one of the controller or the inspection component, and a cleaning component configured to clean the device responsive to a clean indication from at least one of the controller or the inspection component.

According to some embodiments, a method of maintaining a device in a semiconductor manufacturing environment includes determining a distance traveled by the device within the semiconductor manufacturing environment, where the device includes a feature that selectively engages a carrier configured to carry a semiconductor wafer such that the device moves the semiconductor wafer to different processing stations within the semiconductor manufacturing environment. The method includes inspecting the device responsive to the distance travelled by the device exceeding a distance threshold, and at least one of repairing the device responsive to a repair indication resulting from the inspecting or cleaning the device responsive to a clean indication resulting from the inspecting.

According to some embodiments, a system for maintaining a device in a semiconductor manufacturing environment includes a cleaning component configured to use at least one of gas, liquid, solid, or vacuum to remove debris from the device, where the device travels within the semiconductor manufacturing environment and has a feature that selectively engages a carrier configured to carry a semiconductor wafer such that the device moves the semiconductor wafer to different processing stations within the semiconductor manufacturing environment.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those of ordinary skill in the art may better understand various aspects of the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes or achieving the same advantages of various embodiments introduced herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims.

Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order in which some or all of the operations are described should not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments.

Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims are generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising”. Also, unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first element and a second element generally correspond to element A and element B or two different or two identical elements or the same element.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others of ordinary skill in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (for example, a term that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.