FANUC robots are household names in automation, with a reputation for heavy-duty strength and extreme precision levels.
They do a great job in everything from car factories to electronics plants, keeping production lines moving along.
There’s a FANUC robot option for almost every industrial need, but their focus on big tasks comes at a big price.
This is why we’ll cover budget-friendly, AI-driven automation solutions like RO1 by Standard Bots that give you high-end automation without the bank account woes.
We’ll cover:
- Kinds of FANUC robots on the market and what they’re best at
- Key features that make FANUC robots popular in manufacturing
- FANUC’s software and programming tools (and if you’ll need a degree to use them)
- Common pros and cons of FANUC robots in the industry
- How FANUC compares to cost-friendly competitors like RO1 by Standard Bots
Types of FANUC robots
FANUC has a range of robots that can handle quite a few things (maybe even more than you think).
Here’s the lowdown:
- Articulated robots: These are your classic FANUC robot arm setups with multi-axis movement, perfect for things like assembly, welding, and heavy lifting. The M-20iA model, for instance, can handle everything from car engines to delicate assembly — it can lift heavy objects without losing that delicate touch.
- SCARA robots: Compact and quick, SCARA robots can handle those fast-paced pick-and-place jobs. The SR-3iA model is a staple in electronics manufacturing, moving small parts around quickly and accurately — basically, it’s a lightning-fast sorter.
- Delta robots: Delta robots like the M-1iA are pretty good at handling light materials in fast-paced environments, like food packaging and pharmaceuticals. These are the types of robots that can package hundreds of snacks per minute (got you feeling peckish, huh?).
- Collaborative robots (cobots): A FANUC collaborative robot, like the CRX-10iA, can work alongside human operators (mostly) safely, stopping the second they sense contact. Cobots are great for repetitive or light-duty jobs where human interaction is still necessary.
Key features of FANUC robots
Here’s what FANUC brings to the factory floor:
- Built to last: FANUC robots are perfect for tough environments and can work around the clock. These machines won’t bail on you, even if the going gets rough.
- Precision-perfect accuracy: FANUC robots handle super-demanding work with repeatability that’s down to 0.02 mm. That’s what makes them a great fit for industries where detail is everything.
- A model for every need: FANUC has options for lightweight and heavy-duty jobs, with models that can handle payloads from under 1 kg to over 2,000 kg — a range that’s hard to beat by nearly any other robotics manufacturer out there.
FANUC’s software and programming options
Are you programming a FANUC robot?
It’s not exactly a “hold my beer” type of thing:
- FANUC iRVision and RoboGuide: With iRVision, FANUC robots “see” and locate objects in their workspace, while RoboGuide lets you simulate tasks virtually before going live. It is handy if you’re working with pricey materials and want to avoid mistakes.
- Teach pendants and TP programming: FANUC robots come with teach pendants for setup. TP (Teach Pendant) programming allows detailed control over robot movements, but operators may need specialized training to understand it effectively.
- Integration-friendly: FANUC robots can work with PLCs and other factory systems, which can make them easier to integrate with other systems.
Benefits of using FANUC robots for industrial automation
What’s the big deal about FANUC robots in the manufacturing world?
Let’s take a good, close look at the perks:
- More productivity: FANUC robots handle high-speed, repetitive jobs without breaking a sweat, which means more output in less time. They’re like a factory’s 24/7 workforce — consistent, fast, and always on the job.
- Much better overall quality: When it comes to precision, FANUC robots are as close to elite levels as you can get. With high repeatability, every product they touch looks exactly as it should, cutting down waste and minimizing the need for rework.
- Long-term cost savings: While the initial investment is nothing to scoff at (a basic FANUC robot arm with a 10 kg payload will cost you over $50k), the savings add up over time. Lower labor costs, minimal downtime, and fewer quality issues mean that robots tend to pay for themselves in the medium to long term.
Challenges of using FANUC robots
Ah, yes, perfection, the ever-shifting goalposts of any human endeavor.
Yup, even FANUC robots have their downsides:
- Price tag shock: Between the purchase price and setup, FANUC robots don’t come cheap. You’re looking at a major upfront investment that only large-scale operations may find worth their while. We’re talking typically from $35k up to $85k.
- Not easy to get going: FANUC’s robots can have a steep learning curve for programming, especially if your team doesn’t have robotics experience. One week of FANUC robot programming training is over $10k.
- Big build for big jobs: If you’re dealing with smaller or simpler jobs, FANUC robots might be more than you need (or want to pay for). If your biz is not running large-scale operations, there are simpler options around.
FANUC robots vs. RO1 from Standard Bots
If FANUC feels like overkill for your operation, let’s talk about RO1 by Standard Bots — a six-axis cobot built for simplicity, flexibility, and the kind of budget that doesn’t require CFO approval.
Let’s take a look at why you’ll love it:
- Budget-friendly alternative: FANUC robots are a major investment, but RO1 is available at half the cost and offers leasing options starting as low as $5/hour. RO1 gets the same job done for less. What’s not to like?
- No coding required: RO1 skips the complex programming and extremely expensive training courses with a no-code setup, letting your team hit the ground running without a programming background. Plus, it’s got built-in AI to make deployment even easier.
- Built-in safety features: RO1 includes machine vision and collision detection, allowing it to safely interact with human operators without the need for additional safety barriers. You don’t need to pay any extra for these advanced features.
Summing up
Getting a FANUC robot is no joke, and it makes sense if you’re running a huge-scale operation like auto manufacturing.
However, for companies that are looking for a less financially painful, streamlined solution, RO1 from Standard Bots offers an efficient way to jump on the automation train without selling your Bitcoins.
Next steps
Ready to take your automation up a notch without breaking the bank? Standard Bots’ RO1 is the affordable cobot you need to add efficiency without the hefty price tag.
- A price that makes sense: RO1 delivers a best-in-class performance at half the cost of most alternatives, with a leasing option starting at just $5/hr.
- Speed and precision: With an impressive 18 kg payload and a repeatability rate of +/- 0.025 mm, RO1 can handle a range of jobs quickly and accurately.
- AI-powered, no-code setup: RO1’s intuitive, no-code interface is as smart as it is simple. Designed with GPT-4 level AI, RO1 adapts to your jobs and integrates easily into your setup.
- Safety you can rely on: RO1 features machine vision and collision detection, keeping things safe and secure for your team without the need for extra barriers.
Contact our team today for a risk-free, 30-day onsite trial to see how RO1 can bring top-ti
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