United Kingdom · Technology and data · Senior (5-8 years)

Senior Robotics Support Technician

Here is the whole job, in plain words. What it is, what you decide, how you're judged, how people get here and where they go next. Then the part no course gives you: twelve AI tutors who learn your work.

Free to start: a plan built for this role, and a Future Fluency module to try first. No card.

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One email: what AI is changing in this job, and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.

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  • Experience bandSenior (5-8 years)
  • Direct reportsNo direct reports
  • Reports toRobotics Maintenance Manager
  • UK framework levelUsually a professional owning their own work, or leading a small team

Also advertised as Lead Automation Technician · Robotics Engineer (Support) · Advanced Maintenance Technician (Robotics)

Built on 43,079 real UK job descriptions we analysed · grounded in qualifications employers recognise

1From this job to a course

The qualifications matched to this job

EAL Level 4 NVQ Extended Diploma in Engineering Manufacture Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · Level 4 · covers 2 of 10 standards
ETCAL Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Processing Industries Operations ETC Awards Limited · Level 4 · covers 1 of 10 standards
EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Engineering Technical Support Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · Level 3 · covers 5 of 10 standards
EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering - Technical Support Technician (Development Competence) Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · Level 3 · covers 4 of 10 standards
ETCAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Technical Support ETC Awards Limited · Level 3 · covers 3 of 10 standards
EAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge) Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · Level 3 · covers 3 of 10 standards

Matched from the standards this job is measured against: a suggestion, not an official ruling.

The units you would start with

Preparing and using industrial robots EAL Level 4 NVQ Extended Diploma in Engineering Manufacture
Develop and Update Standard Operating Procedure_s_ Within Processing Industries Environments ETCAL Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Processing Industries Operations
Producing Operating Programs for Industrial Robots EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Engineering Technical Support
Producing operating programs for industrial robots: EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering - Technical Support Technician (Development Competence)
Advanced Manufacturing Techniques EAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge)

The future skills this job leans on

AI Fluency working with AI as a thinking partner
Data Fluency turning numbers into a decision
AI Governance Fluency using AI responsibly
Your Plan Illustration

Built for Senior Robotics Support Technician

5 units that map to this job, from the qualifications that cover it.

  1. Preparing and using industrial robots Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · covers 2 of 10 standards Level 4
  2. Develop and Update Standard Operating Procedure_s_ Within Processing Industries Environments ETC Awards Limited · covers 1 of 10 standards Level 4
  3. Producing Operating Programs for Industrial Robots Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · covers 5 of 10 standards Level 3
  4. Producing operating programs for industrial robots: Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · covers 4 of 10 standards Level 3
  5. Advanced Manufacturing Techniques Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited · covers 3 of 10 standards Level 3
These are the real units behind this job, in the order they rank for it. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

2AI and this work

Will AI change your work as a Senior Robotics Support Technician?

Nobody can say exactly how. Here is what this job is being asked for next, and where to start.

The new skill this role is being asked for

  • Predictive Maintenance AI Model Interpretation
Why each one is rising

The future skills this job leans on

We'll only ever tell you what we can actually back up. No hype, no scare tactics.

What happens when you start

Next, a free account. We build your Senior Robotics Support Technician plan as you set up, starting with a Future Fluency module on using AI in your job. No card.

Your first Future Fluency module is free. After that, your AI tutor is £70 a month.

3What this role really is

A senior robotics support technician diagnoses complex faults in robots and automated systems, and works out how to stop them recurring. You are the person others turn to when a production line breaks down and the cause is not obvious.

4What you'd actually use

The tools this job runs on, and how well you'd need to know each one.

FANUC ROBOGUIDE / KUKA.Sim / Universal Robots PolyScope / ABB RobotStudio Advanced

Modifying existing robot programs, touching up points, troubleshooting complex program faults, and performing basic offline programming for simple tasks. You'll use the teach pendant like an extension of your hand.

Siemens TIA Portal / Rockwell Studio 5000 / Ignition SCADA Advanced

Going online with PLCs to trace ladder logic, diagnose root causes of faults, and make minor, controlled code modifications. You'll also modify HMI screens for improved operator feedback.

CMMS (Fiix, UpKeep, MaintainX) Advanced

Analysing asset history to identify recurring issues, creating detailed PM schedules and procedures, and generating reports on MTTR and MTBF for your assigned area. You'll use the data to drive improvements.

Network Diagnostic Tools (Wireshark, Fluke LinkIQ) Advanced

Capturing and applying basic filters in Wireshark to diagnose communication dropouts between a robot and PLC. You'll identify network configuration errors (e.g., IP conflicts) and verify physical layer connectivity.

Authoring new troubleshooting guides and SOPs in Confluence. Effectively using Jira for project-based work, not just closing tickets. Mentoring junior techs via screen sharing in Teams and collaborating on complex issues.

5What you get to decide, and how that grows

Power in a job isn't your title. It's what you're allowed to decide. Here's how it grows as you move up.

The choiceComing in Where you are nowThe step above
Troubleshooting Methodology Follows prescribed troubleshooting steps; escalates when unsure. Chooses appropriate diagnostic tools and methods for routine faults; consults on complex issues. Defines the troubleshooting approach for novel and complex faults; mentors others on best practices.
Parts Procurement (Urgent Repair) Identifies required part; requests manager approval for order. Identifies part, checks inventory; can order up to £500 without direct approval. Identifies part, evaluates alternatives; can approve purchases up to £2K for immediate repairs; recommends larger purchases.
Process Improvement Implementation Suggests minor improvements to supervisor. Proposes and implements small, localised improvements with manager approval. Designs and leads implementation of significant process improvements across multiple robot cells, consulting with engineering and production.
Mentorship & Training Receives training and guidance from senior staff. Provides informal guidance to new starters on basic tasks. Formally mentors 0-2 junior technicians, conducting technical reviews and guiding skill development.

6How you'll be judged

The scoreboard, and what is not on it. The hard targets, how often each is actually looked at, and the quiet signals that never reach a dashboard.

Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) for Complex Faults
The average time it takes you to diagnose and fix a fault that's been escalated to you from a junior technician or is particularly tricky.
Target · < 90 minutes for escalated Tier 2/3 faults

A robot fault that usually takes 4 hours for a mid-level tech, you get it sorted in 75 minutes. That's a win.

Reduction in Recurring Faults
The percentage decrease in specific, identified recurring robot or automation system failures within your assigned area, thanks to your root cause analysis and implemented solutions.
Target · Reduce critical recurring faults by > 25% annually

After a deep dive, you implement a change that stops a specific robot gripper fault from happening weekly; that's a 100% reduction for that specific issue.

Preventive Maintenance (PM) Procedure Optimisation
The number of new or significantly improved PM procedures you design and implement for complex robot systems, leading to more effective maintenance.
Target · Develop or optimise 3-5 complex PMs per year

You design a new PM for our welding robots that includes specific checks for wire feed issues, reducing future weld quality problems.

Mentee Technical Progression
The measurable improvement in technical skills and independent troubleshooting capability of the junior technicians you mentor.
Target · At least one mentee demonstrates readiness for promotion to L2 within 12-18 months

A junior tech you've been working with can now independently diagnose and clear 80% of common robot faults without needing your direct input.

Troubleshooting Leadership & Clarity
How effectively you lead complex troubleshooting efforts, communicate your diagnostic process, and explain solutions to both technical and non-technical colleagues.
  • You're the first person Production calls when things get really messy. Your explanations make sense to everyone, even the CEO. You'll lead post-mortem discussions after major breakdowns, clearly articulating what happened and what we're doing about it.
Knowledge Sharing & Documentation Quality
The quality and completeness of the troubleshooting guides, SOPs, and technical documentation you create and update, making it easier for others to learn and fix issues.
  • Junior techs regularly use your documentation to solve problems. Your Confluence pages are clear, concise, and actually helpful. You'll proactively update documentation when you find a better way to do something.
Proactive Problem Identification
Your ability to spot potential issues before they become full-blown breakdowns, often by observing subtle machine behaviour or reviewing data.
  • You'll flag a robot's unusual vibration pattern to engineering before it fails. You'll recommend a component replacement based on its age and operating hours, not just when it breaks. You're thinking two steps ahead.
Safety Culture Contribution
Your consistent adherence to and advocacy for safety protocols, ensuring a safe working environment for yourself and your team.
  • You'll always follow LOTO procedures, even when rushed. You'll gently correct a colleague if you see an unsafe practice. You'll contribute to safety reviews and suggest improvements.

7Would you like it

Both sides. What people enjoy, and what grinds them down.

What people enjoy
Solving Complex Puzzles

You get a real buzz from diagnosing a tricky, intermittent robot fault that's stumped everyone else. The satisfaction comes from peeling back the layers of a problem and finding that elegant solution.

Spending an afternoon tracing a phantom communication error between a robot and PLC, finally pinpointing a subtle network cable issue, and getting the line back up.

Making a Tangible Impact

You love seeing the direct result of your work – a smoothly running robot, reduced downtime, or an improved process that makes everyone's life easier. Your efforts directly contribute to production output.

Implementing a new PM procedure that you designed, and then seeing a specific type of breakdown disappear from the logs for months.

Mentoring and Knowledge Sharing

You enjoy explaining complex technical concepts to junior technicians, helping them 'click' with a new idea, and watching them grow in their abilities. You like being the expert people come to for advice.

Guiding a new technician through their first complex robot calibration, patiently explaining each step and why it matters, rather than just doing it for them.

What frustrates people
  • The 'Intermittent Ghost': Spending hours watching a machine that has a fault that only occurs 'randomly' and, of course, never happens when you are there to witness it.
  • Operator-Induced Errors: Being called to a 'broken' robot only to find the operator crashed it by running it in manual mode or loaded a part incorrectly, and then won't admit it.
  • Documentation Black Holes: Trying to troubleshoot a system installed by a long-gone integrator who left behind zero electrical drawings, no comments in the code, and a password-protected PLC.
  • Production vs. Maintenance: The constant battle with production supervisors who resist shutting down a line for 30 minutes of critical Preventive Maintenance, which inevitably leads to an 8-hour breakdown a week later.
  • The 3 AM 'Emergency': Getting called in for a line-down situation only to discover it's a tripped sensor that requires a simple reset, a task the on-shift staff should have been trained to handle.
  • The 'Can you just...?': The endless stream of requests from engineering to 'just quickly' test a new idea on the live production line, completely disregarding change control and risk.
What this role does not give you
  • A perfectly predictable, 9-to-5 routine – breakdowns don't care about your schedule.
  • A clean, quiet office environment – you'll be on the factory floor, often in noisy or dusty areas.
  • Immediate recognition for every single fix – sometimes, the best work goes unnoticed because nothing broke.
  • Complete control over your project timelines – urgent breakdowns will always take priority.

8Who you work with

This role directly impacts our operational efficiency and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). By quickly resolving complex faults and driving down recurring issues, you'll help us meet production quotas, reduce waste, and keep our manufacturing costs in check. Frankly, you're a critical piece of the puzzle that keeps our factory competitive.

Inside the business
  • Robotics Maintenance Manager (for strategic direction and escalations)
  • Production Supervisors (for line status and urgent requests)
  • Process Engineers (for system improvements and root cause analysis collaboration)
  • Junior Robotics Technicians (for mentorship and technical guidance)
  • Health & Safety Team (for safety procedure adherence and incident review)
Outside the business
  • Robot Manufacturers' Technical Support (for advanced diagnostics and parts)
  • Automation Integrators (for new system installations and major upgrades)
  • Specialised Component Vendors (for troubleshooting specific parts)

9What you need before you start

Not a wish list. The things you would be expected to already have.

  • Proven ability to independently diagnose and resolve complex robot and automation system faults (electrical, mechanical, programming, network).
  • Demonstrated experience in modifying robot programs and making minor PLC code adjustments under supervision.
  • Solid understanding of industrial network protocols and the ability to use diagnostic tools like Wireshark.
  • Clear track record of excellent safety practices, including strict adherence to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
  • Experience in mentoring or informally guiding junior technical staff.
  • A knack for clear, concise technical communication, both written and verbal.

10What to practise next

Where the job is going, and what to do about it starting this week.

Collaborative Robotics (Cobots) Integration & Safety

Cobots are becoming more common, working alongside humans without traditional guarding. This means new programming paradigms and a completely different approach to safety, which you'll need to master.

Force & Torque Limiting · Safety-Rated Monitored Stop · Speed & Separation Monitoring · Risk Assessment for Human-Robot Collaboration

  • This quarter: Research Universal Robots or FANUC CRX series cobots online; watch their programming tutorials.
  • Next 6 months: Seek out opportunities to work on any new cobot installations or trials we might have.
  • Month 7-12: Complete a certified course on 'Collaborative Robot Safety' (e.g., from a reputable training provider or manufacturer).
  • Next year: Propose a small cobot application for a non-critical task in our facility.

Quick win: Familiarise yourself with the basic safety principles of cobots versus traditional industrial robots. What's different? Why?

Advanced Vision System Setup & Calibration

Vision systems are increasingly integrated with robots for quality inspection, part picking, and guidance. Being able to set up, calibrate, and troubleshoot these complex systems will be crucial for advanced automation.

Camera Calibration & Coordinate Systems · Lighting Techniques · Image Processing Algorithms (Basics) · Error Handling & Robustness

  • This quarter: Shadow our process engineers or external integrators during any vision system installations or troubleshooting.
  • Next 6 months: Take an online introductory course on 'Industrial Vision Systems' or a specific manufacturer's training (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).
  • Month 7-12: Get hands-on with existing vision systems; try to re-calibrate one or optimise its settings.
  • Next year: Lead the setup and calibration of a new, simple vision-guided robot application.

Quick win: Spend some time with the operators who use our existing vision systems. What are their common frustrations? What makes the system fail?

11Staying current once you are in

What people here do to keep up
  • Attending industry trade shows and exhibitions (e.g., Automation UK, Drives & Controls) to stay abreast of new technologies and network with peers.
  • Participating in online forums and communities dedicated to industrial robotics and automation to share knowledge and learn from others' experiences.
  • Taking advanced courses on specific PLC platforms, industrial networking, or vision systems to deepen your expertise in niche areas.
  • Subscribing to technical journals and publications to keep up with research and developments in the field.

12The rising capability

The rising capability

Zavmo analysis

What's rising in its place

This is where the work is heading, and the higher pay with it. Get fluent here and the shift stops being a threat and starts being your edge.

Predictive Maintenance AI Model Interpretation

Our robots are generating more data than ever. AI is getting better at spotting patterns that humans can't, predicting failures before they happen. Technicians who can understand and act on these insights will be invaluable.

  • Anomaly Detection
  • Model Confidence & Explainability
  • Sensor Data Interpretation
  • Feedback Loop Mechanisms

13What you’ll use

What you’ll use

Skills this role draws on

Technical

  • Advanced Robot Programming & Path Optimisation
  • PLC/HMI Advanced Diagnostics & Minor Modification
  • Industrial Network Troubleshooting
  • Electrical & Mechanical Schematics Expert Interpretation
  • Robot Kinematics & Coordinate Systems Mastery
  • Preventive & Predictive Maintenance Strategy

14The pathway

The pathway

How you actually get there, here

How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.

  1. 1

    Robotics Support Technician (L2) Internally

    2-3 years at L2

    Skills to master

    • Independently resolving common robot faults, taking ownership of a specific robot cell's reliability, and consistently applying RCA for recurring issues.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Consistently exceeds performance metrics for MTTR and PM completion.
    • Proactively identifies and resolves issues without direct supervision.
    • Has informally mentored junior colleagues or new starters.
    • Demonstrates a deep understanding of multiple robot platforms and associated automation.
  2. 2

    Experienced Automation Technician from another Industry

    Direct entry (0-6 months ramp-up)

    Skills to master

    • Adapting to our specific robot models and automation systems, understanding our production processes, and integrating into our team culture.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Can quickly diagnose and resolve complex faults on our equipment.
    • Demonstrates strong transferable skills in PLC programming, industrial networking, and machine safety.
    • Shows initiative in learning our internal systems and documentation standards.
    • Builds strong working relationships with production and engineering teams rapidly.
  3. 3

    Field Service Engineer (Robotics) from a Manufacturer/Integrator

    Direct entry (0-3 months ramp-up)

    Skills to master

    • Transitioning from external client support to internal operational reliability, and understanding the nuances of our specific production environment.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Already possesses expert-level knowledge of specific robot platforms we use.
    • Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills across diverse automation setups.
    • Capable of working independently and managing multiple priorities effectively.
    • Eager to apply their deep technical knowledge to long-term site reliability rather than short-term fixes.

15Where this role leads

The long view: This work can lead into managing maintenance teams, becoming a specialist technical authority on robotics, or shaping automation strategy across a manufacturing site.

The ten Future Fluencies

Zavmo analysis

The credential is what you can do today. These are what keep you valuable.

A qualification proves you can do the job as it's defined today. These ten are what decide whether you're still the obvious person for it in five years. They're the capabilities employers are now writing into senior roles faster than people are learning them. Zavmo weaves them through whatever you study, so you come out with both: the credential and the fluency.

The highlighted ones are the Fluencies your role leans on hardest, from how Senior Robotics Support Technician is actually changing.

How you would learn this

One to one, on the work you already do

A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.

A lesson from Preparing and using industrial robots, worked against Senior Robotics Support Technician.

Preparing and using industrial robots Level 4

Applied to your work in Senior Robotics Support Technician

This unit aims to provide learners with the skills and knowledge to prepare and use industrial robots effectively. Learners will be able to set up robots, implement safety measures, and operate them to perform specified tasks while adhering to operational guidelines and quality standards.

How the thinking builds
  1. 1 Remember
  2. 2 Understand
  3. 3 Apply
  4. 4 Analyse
  5. 5 Evaluate
  6. 6 Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.

It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time.

See Your Progress Grow Illustration
Senior Robotics Support Technician
  • Advanced Robot Programming & Path Optimisation
  • PLC/HMI Advanced Diagnostics & Minor Modification
  • Industrial Network Troubleshooting
  • Electrical & Mechanical Schematics Expert Interpretation
  • Robot Kinematics & Coordinate Systems Mastery
  • Preventive & Predictive Maintenance Strategy
This is your Mind Palace on learn.zavmo.ai. Every skill above comes from this role's own record, not an example borrowed from another job. A node lights up when you evidence it, and what you build stays yours between jobs. That is the part a course cannot do.

16The detail, folded away

Everything else the record holds

The career branches in full, how AI is already showing up in the day-to-day, and the questions people ask about this job. Here when you want them, out of the way while you decide.

Where it leads next, rung by rung

Where it leads

The career path, and where it branches

Senior Robotics Support Technician is a start, not a ceiling. Each step below asks for new skills and hands back more autonomy.

  1. Lead Robotics Technician / Robotics Specialist (L4)

    3-5 years as Senior Robotics Support Technician

    You'll move from leading complex troubleshooting to actively shaping our automation strategy, leading new equipment integration projects, and becoming the go-to expert for a specific technology or area. You might even manage a small team.

    • Advanced Industrial Network Architecture Design
    • Complex Vision System Integration & Programming
    • Robot Simulation & Offline Programming (advanced scenarios)
    • Data Analysis for Maintenance Optimisation
  2. Robotics Maintenance Manager (L5)

    5-7 years as Senior Robotics Support Technician (or 2-3 years as Lead)

    You'll shift from hands-on technical work to managing the entire robotics maintenance team, overseeing budgets, setting strategic direction for the department, and driving overall reliability across the facility.

    • Maintenance Strategy Development (e.g., RCM, TPM)
    • Vendor & Contractor Management
    • Capital Expenditure Planning for Automation Upgrades
    • Advanced CMMS Administration & Data Utilisation
Working with AI on the job

Working with AI

Where AI is starting to help

Let's be real, a lot of your time is spent digging through manuals, searching for obscure parts, or writing up detailed fault reports. What if you could cut that time in half, or even more, by letting AI do the heavy lifting? This isn't about replacing your expertise; it's about giving you superpowers.

As a Senior Robotics Support Technician, you're already a wizard. Imagine what you could do if you had an AI assistant handling the grunt work. We're building an AI Hub specifically for Technical_roles to put these tools directly in your hands. Here's a glimpse of how you'll use it day-to-day:

AI Fault Code Co-Pilot

When a cryptic fault code pops up (e.g., 'MOTN-017'), our AI tool instantly cross-references it with every manufacturer's PDF manual, our internal CMMS history, and even online forums. It then presents you with the top 3 most likely causes, the exact tools you'll need, and links to the specific page in the schematic. No more endless flipping through binders.

Predictive Failure Analysis

Imagine an AI model constantly analysing real-time data from robot joint motors – current draw, temperature, vibration. It detects subtle anomalies that predict a gearbox failure is likely within the next 200 operating hours. It'll automatically generate a PM work order for you to replace it during the next scheduled downtime, long before it actually breaks. That's proactive, not reactive.

Obsolete Part Locator

Got a 15-year-old robot with a failed servo amplifier? Instead of you spending hours on the phone, an AI agent scours the entire web – from official distributors to eBay, industrial auction sites, and even robotics forums – to find a replacement part. It compares price, condition, and seller reputation, giving you the best options within minutes.

Voice-to-SOP Generator

After you've completed a complex repair, you simply describe the steps you took into a mobile app. The AI transcribes the audio, formats it into a clear, step-by-step Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), suggests adding photos/videos from your device, and drafts a new page in Confluence for your quick review. No more tedious typing after a long shift.

Common questions

Common questions

How do you become a Senior Robotics Support Technician?

Common routes in include Robotics Support Technician Internally (2-3 years at L2), Experienced Automation Technician from another Industry (Direct entry (0-6 months ramp-up)) and Field Service Engineer (Robotics) from a Manufacturer/Integrator (Direct entry (0-3 months ramp-up)). Times vary with prior experience.

Where can a Senior Robotics Support Technician progress to?

This role can lead on to Lead Robotics Technician / Robotics Specialist (3-5 years as Senior Robotics Support Technician) and Robotics Maintenance Manager (5-7 years as Senior Robotics Support Technician (or 2-3 years as Lead)), depending on the skills you build.

What new skills matter most for a Senior Robotics Support Technician?

Increasingly, Predictive Maintenance AI Model Interpretation. These are the skills our record of this role lists as growing.

Free tools

Want a read on where you stand?

Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.

17Where to go from here

Other roles at Level 4

Same depth of qualification, different job. Useful if the work appeals but this particular role does not.

More jobs in technology and data

Stay in the field you know and move sideways rather than up.

If you leave this industry

The skills involved transfer well into automation integration firms, robot manufacturers, or consultancies working across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, food and beverage, or logistics.

This role profile is © 2026 Growth Engineering Technologies Ltd. Built from UK occupational standards and regulated qualification data, and written for Zavmo.

You're not behind. You're right on time. The shift is only just beginning. Your role won't look the same in two years. Be the one who leads the change, not the one it happens to. Start my Senior Robotics Support Technician plan, free What happens next: a free account, then we build your plan as you set up. No card. Build your plan, see your roadmap and meet the twelve tutors matched to you. All free. When you're ready to start learning, it's £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.