A system is disclosed for conserving power in a robotic arm device. The robotic arm device is responsive to a motion command and controlled by a servo loop having a motor, a motor driver, and a motor encoder. The system positions the robotic arm to a stow position when the time since a last motion command exceeds a predetermined power shut down time. When the robotic arm has reached the stow position, power is removed from the motor and the motor drivers by opening the servo loop. Thus, power is conserved while the robotic arm rests in its stow position. When a new command is received, the servo loop is closed and power is applied to position the robotic arm to its desired position.