FANUC vs. ABB: Key differences, features, and strengths

September 19, 2024
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FANUC vs. ABB vs. Standard Bots: A quick intro

Before we unleash these robots on each other, let's get to know them a bit better. We'll also introduce the underdog, Standard Bots, and their impressive RO1 cobot.

Meet the contenders:

Robot brand

Origin

Focus

Big strengths

FANUC

Japan

High-speed, high-precision
industrial robots

Speed, accuracy,
reliability

ABB

Switzerland

User-friendly, flexible industrial &
collaborative robots

Ease of use, adaptability, Industry
4.0 integration

Standard
Bots (RO1)

USA

Affordable, AI-powered collaborative
robot

Cost-effectiveness, user-friendliness,
versatility

Company overview: 

  • FANUC: A Japanese robotics mainstain known for lightning-fast, high-precision industrial robots, perfect for high-volume manufacturing.
  • ABB: Another global household name offering user-friendly and adaptable industrial and collaborative robots with a strong focus on Industry 4.0 integration.
  • Standard Bots: The newcomer is shaking up the industry with their affordable and user-friendly AI-powered cobot, RO1, designed for businesses of all sizes.

The differences: 

  • FANUC: Focuses on high-speed, high-precision industrial robots, just right for large-scale manufacturing and applications requiring utmost accuracy.
  • ABB: Offers a wider range of industrial and collaborative robots with an emphasis on user-friendliness, flexibility, and total integration with Industry 4.0 technologies.
  • Standard Bots: Champions affordability and accessibility with their AI-powered RO1 cobot, designed for both SMEs and big businesses.
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FANUC robots

FANUC, a Japanese company, has been a leading name in industrial automation for decades. If you need a robot that's quick, accurate, and reliable, FANUC might be your perfect match.

FANUC in a nutshell: 

  • Global domination: FANUC is a major player in the robotics world, with a massive global presence and a reputation for reliability and innovation.
  • As fast and accurate as can be: FANUC robots are built for speed and are capable of performing tasks at lightning-fast speeds without sacrificing accuracy. 
  • Industry favorites: FANUC robots are a great choice for industries like automotive and electronics, where high-volume production and precision are critical.

Pros:

  • Zooming by: FANUC robots are built for speed. They can zip through tasks faster than a speeding bullet, making them perfect for high-volume production lines.
  • Extremely accurate: FANUC robots are incredibly precise, getting consistent and high-quality results in every application. 
  • Built to last: FANUC robots are known for their robust build quality and reliability — even in the toughest industrial environments.
  • Global support network: FANUC has an extensive global support network, so you can always get help when you need it, no matter where you are in the world.
  • Varied and flexible: FANUC offers a wide range of robots to suit various applications and industries so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
  • Relatively simple to integrate: FANUC robots are designed for integration with existing systems, making it relatively easy to incorporate them into your production line.

Cons:

  • Pricey: FANUC robots can be a bit of an investment upfront. They're not exactly cheap, but hey, you get what you pay for, right?
  • Not the most flexible: While FANUC robots are great at high-speed, repetitive jobs, they might not be the most flexible option for complex or custom applications.
  • Programming can be tricky: FANUC's programming language can be a bit challenging to learn. You might need to brush up on your coding skills or hire a specialist to get the most out of these robots.

The bottom line on FANUC:

FANUC robots are often selected for high-speed, precision tasks, particularly in industries like automotive and electronics, where they are known for their reliability.

They might outperform ABB in terms of raw speed and precision, especially for those high-volume manufacturing tasks. However, their higher price point, limited flexibility, and potentially complex programming might not be the best fit for every business. 

If you're looking for a more affordable and user-friendly option that still delivers impressive performance, keep reading — Standard Bots might just be your perfect match!

ABB robotics

ABB is a Swedish-Swiss global leader in robotics, known for its approachable solutions and a knack for innovation that'll leave you saying, "Whoa, that's cool!" 

ABB robots are engineered to handle demanding tasks efficiently while being user-friendly and adaptable for various applications, such as automotive assembly, food packaging, and electronics manufacturing.

ABB in a nutshell:

  • Known around the world: ABB has a presence in nearly every industry you can think of, from building cars and electronics to whipping up delicious food and drinks. They're all about making the world a better place with sustainable and innovative tech.
  • User-friendly vibes: ABB robots are designed with you in mind. The ABB R&D team has grown UX by leaps and bounds. Plus, their top-notch support team is always there to lend a hand if you get stuck.
  • Future-proof: ABB robots are designed to integrate seamlessly with advanced industrial automation technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Pros:

  • Easy to program: Many of ABB's robots are relatively easy to program. While some are programmed the old-fashioned way (coding), others offer more intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces. 
  • Sturdy as heck: ABB robots are known for their rock-solid build quality and reliability. They just keep going and going. 
  • Collaborative & adaptable: ABB has a range of collaborative robots (cobots) that can safely work alongside humans, plus robots that can easily switch between different tasks. Need a robot that can assemble electronics one minute and package food the next? ABB’s got one for that. 
  • Flagship models: ABB's got some superstar robots in their lineup, like the IRB 1100 (small and agile, perfect for tight spaces), the IRB 1300 (a versatile do-it-all), and the YuMi (a cobot meant for small parts assembly).

Cons:

  • Can get pretty expensive: While ABB offers robots at different price points, some of their more specialized models can be a bit of an investment. 
  • Integration can be tricky: While ABB robots are generally easy to use, integrating them with certain older systems or non-standard components can sometimes be a bit more complex. It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole — it can be done, but it might take some extra effort.
  • Not always the fastest: ABB robots are fast, but they might not be the absolute fastest option on the market, especially for certain high-speed applications.

The bottom line on ABB:

While ABB robots offer many advantages, they might not be the best fit for every business. 

Suppose you're on a tight budget or need the absolute fastest robot on the market. In that case, you might want to consider other options, like Standard Bots' RO1, which offers affordability, repeatability, and user-friendliness without sacrificing performance.

Standard Bots: The underdog champ

In a world dominated by established robotics giants, Standard Bots is the scrappy newcomer ready to shake things up. 

They're all about making automation accessible and affordable for everyone without compromising on performance. 

Standard Bots in a nutshell: 

  • One cobot above all: Standard Bots is laser-focused on their flagship product, RO1, a six-axis collaborative robot (cobot) designed to handle various tasks easily. It's pretty much a multi-tool for automation, ready to tackle whatever you throw at it, from CNC machine tending to packaging to quality inspection.
  • Disrupting the market: Standard Bots is turning the robotics industry on its head with its affordable pricing and user-friendly approach. They're making automation accessible to businesses of all sizes, proving that you don't need a massive budget to reap the benefits of robotics.
  • AI-powered smarts: RO1 isn't just a mindless machine; it's equipped with cutting-edge AI capabilities that rival GPT-4, allowing it to see its surroundings, learn from experience, and even perform complex jobs with human-like (or above-human) precision.

The awesome stuff about Standard Bots' RO1:

  • Wallet-friendly: RO1 is significantly more affordable than traditional industrial robots — half the cost of similar offerings — making automation a reality for even small businesses and startups. Think of it as the "budget-friendly Tesla" of the robot world.
  • Easy-peasy setup: You don't need a robotics degree to get started with RO1. Its intuitive, no-code interface and drag-and-drop programming tools make automation extremely simple, even for non-technical users.
  • A workhorse, not a show pony: RO1 is built to last, with a robust design and reliable performance. It can handle a payload of up to 18kg and has impressive speed and precision, making it a valuable addition to any production line.
  • Safe collabs: RO1 is equipped with a suite of safety features, including sensors, machine vision, and collision detection, so you get a safe working environment for your team.
  • Adaptable and scalable: RO1 can be easily reprogrammed and redeployed to handle new tasks as your business grows and evolves. Like we said: Multi-tool.
  • Made in the USA: RO1 is designed and assembled in the USA, supporting local manufacturing and meeting high-quality standards.

The not-so-good stuff about Standard Bots' RO1:

  • Still the new kid on the block: Standard Bots is a relatively new company, so they might not have the same extensive track record or global support network as some of the more established players.
  • Limited ecosystem: While RO1 integrates perfectly with a variety of grippers (like OnRobot), conveyors, and other accessories, its ecosystem might not be as extensive as some of its competitors at this stage.

The bottom line on Standard Bots:

Standard Bots is a breath of fresh air in the robotics industry, offering an affordable, user-friendly, and AI-powered solution that's perfect for businesses of all sizes. 

RO1 is a versatile and capable cobot that can handle a wide range of jobs, making it an excellent choice for those looking to dip their toes into the world of automation without leaving their bank accounts in the red. 

Decision time: ABB vs. FANUC vs. Standard Bots

Robo-showdown time! 

Here are the main factors you should keep in mind when making a choice: 

  • Job type: First things first, what jobs do you need to automate? Are they simple, repetitive jobs or complex, multi-step processes? Do you need a robot that can work side-by-side with your human team, or one that can handle heavy lifting like it’s 1981 Arnold?
  • Money talks: Let's talk budget. Are you looking for an affordable solution that doesn’t make you lose quality, or are you willing to splurge on all the bells and whistles?
  • Industry matters: Does your industry have specific automation needs or regulations? Are there certain certifications or safety standards that your robot needs to meet?

Choosing the right bot for the job:

  • FANUC: If you're all about absolute speed, precision, and reliability, FANUC is your go-to. These robots are built for high-volume manufacturing and are aces in industries like automotive and electronics, where accuracy and efficiency are non-negotiable.
  • ABB: If flexibility is priority #1, ABB's got your back. Their user-friendly robots and focus on Industry 4.0 technologies make them a great fit for a variety of industries, especially those that require adaptability and collaboration.
  • Standard Bots: If you're looking for an affordable, user-friendly, and AI-first solution that doesn't sacrifice performance, Standard Bots' RO1 emerges as a leading choice. It's perfect for businesses of all sizes, especially those just starting their automation journey or conscious about both budget and quality. 

Summing up

So, who comes out on top in the FANUC vs. ABB vs. Standard Bots debate? 

We contest that it’s not an either/or contest but a situation where you have to weigh your options and your needs carefully. 

But, of course, if you’re looking for the absolute best all-rounder, a flexible, collaborative, and intelligent solution, there’s no doubt that RO1 takes the cake. 

Next steps with Standard Bots

Ready to elevate your operations? RO1 by Standard Bots is the cobot you've been waiting for. It's the perfect choice for businesses of all sizes, delivering exceptional value and performance.

  • Unmatched value: RO1 outshines the competition, offering top-tier performance at 50% of the cost.
  • Power and precision: With a massive 18 kg payload capacity and lightning-fast speed and precision, RO1 will enhance your production efficiency.
  • Simplicity meets intelligence: RO1's no-code interface and powerful AI on par with GPT-4 make programming and setup simple — no tech expertise necessary. 
  • Safety is #1: RO1's built-in safety features ensure a secure and worry-free work environment.

Contact our team today for a free 30-day trial and expert guidance on deploying RO1 on your shop floor.

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