@hellcrasher6969 , no I don't think they will deteriorate if you aren't regularly using them. But I'm using all mine that I've made so I haven't tested them while not using them (I have some plants inside, so the gardening bot takes care of them year round). Keep in mind to that the bots can't get wet or else they will malfunction! ๐คญ
So, since the bots are new, I will try to troubleshoot. Are you on a console or are you on a PC or Mac? If you are on a PC or Mac, do you happen to play with any Mods or Custom Content (CC)? ๐ค Mods/CC can become outdated especially after EA releases a new patch to the game like they did earlier this week. If you use them you will have to test to see if they are causing the problem and then find which one is the culprit, delete it and see if the maker has made a new version that is compatible with the most recent game patch to replace it. And also you will need to delete the local thumb cache.package file , because otherwise bits of corrupted data might remain even if you delete the broken mod or CC item. ๐
So, if you use Mods/CC please do all of the following in order:
1) Move the Mods Folder to your desktop
2) Delete the localthumbcache.package file in the game folder. (This is very important!) ๐คจ
3) Fix you game in Origin by logging in and go to Library, then right-click on The Sims 4 and choose the "Repair Game" option from the list. Wait until Origin finishes repairing all your packs and not just the base game. If you are on a Mac it will only repair the base game. Do not add your Mods folder back yet!
4) Now, when you turn on your game again, it will create a new mods folder that will be empty. Check to see if your game is now working without mods/CC.
5) Now you can try adding back items from your Mods folder one at a time checking your game each time to see which item is causing your game to not work properly. If you have a lot of items, you can try the 50/50 Method, testing in batches.
The CC creators will usually update the CC items and Mods after these updates, so when you find out which one is the culprit, you can get the updated version from whoever made that item of CC in the first place. You should try these steps anytime you have problems in your game to rule out CC/Mods problems. It is the responsibility of the Mods/CC creators to update their items anytime EA releases a patch/update, and it is the responsibility of the people who use Mods/CC to make sure they are using the most recent version, which should be from this week.
Once you have deleted all outdated mods/CC you can then add your Mods folder back to your game! ๐
If this doesn't help, or if you don't use Mods or CC then the problem is something else, but we have to rule out any Mods/CC conflicts first! ๐
There is also this Bug Report. https://answers.ea.com/t5/Bug-Reports/OPEN-DU-Cleaner-Bots-disappearing-into-a-pile-of-rubbish/td-p/8595367 If this is your problem you can click the Me Too button on the first post. This helps them know how big of a problem this is. ๐ Also you can add your experience at the end of the thread. But it is still best to rule out any mods or CC problems! ๐คจ๐
Please update us on your situation ! ๐