The invention relates to an arrangement for the maintenance of a sliding closure (20) mounted on the spout of a container (10) for molten metal. Said arrangement comprises at least one tool magazine (65, 66), having at least one replacement part magazine (67) and means (30) for opening and closing the sliding closure (20). As a novelty, a robot (60) comprising an automatic grip changing system (61) and operationally connected to a control unit (75) is provided, the robot being able to automatically detect the exact position of the container (10) or of the sliding closure (20). Thereafter, it can actuate the means (30) for opening and closing the sliding closure (20) and, depending on the condition of the individual components to be replaced, it can grip tools or replacement parts from the magazines (65, 66, 67) surrounding the robot and can perform cleaning operations, dismantle components and replace or reinstall the same. In this way, personnel can be saved and the occupational safety is thus increased.