FANUC vs. Universal Robots: Why FANUC Cobots Win for Your Factory

As a plant manager, purchasing manager, or business owner, you need automation that cuts costs, boosts output, and fits your line. FANUC and Universal Robots (UR) offer collaborative robots—cobots—that work safely with your team. While both are solid, FANUC, available through ITI’s Miti Max, stands out for manufacturers who want long-term efficiency. Let’s compare power, usability, fit, cost, safety, integration, and support to see why.


Power and Range: Built for Big Wins

FANUC cobots dominate in strength. The CR-35iA handles up to 35 kg (77 lbs.)—perfect for heavy parts or tall pallets. The CRX series lifts 5–30 kg and reaches 1.89 meters, tackling large-scale jobs with ease. UR cobots manage 3–20 kg (44 lbs. max with UR20) and stretch 1.75 meters—fine for lighter tasks. Both hit precision targets (FANUC at 0.01–0.04 mm, UR at 0.03–0.05 mm) and move at 1 m/s in safe mode.

FANUC’s power maximizes efficiency for demanding manufacturing. UR works for smaller loads but can’t match FANUC’s muscle.


Usability: Reliable and Ready

UR offers simple programming with a touch-screen and hand-guiding—great for beginners. FANUC’s CRX series steps up with a tablet for drag-and-drop control and hand-guiding, too. While UR is beginner-friendly, FANUC’s industrial-grade reliability ensures your automation investment lasts years longer—making it the smarter choice for manufacturers who value uptime.

FANUC delivers ease and proven performance. UR’s quick setup doesn’t match FANUC’s staying power.


Best Fit: Tailored for Your Industry

FANUC cobots excel in heavy-duty settings like automotive, lifting big components or stacking pallets with precision. Their durable design and coatings handle food and pharma jobs, too—think bulk packaging or ingredient handling. UR cobots adapt to lighter tasks—electronics assembly or small-batch packing—in flexible setups.

FANUC drives efficiency in high-volume production. UR’s versatility fits smaller shops, but FANUC’s built for the big leagues.


Cost and ROI: Save More with FANUC

UR cobots cost less upfront and can pay off in 6–18 months with quick deployment. FANUC cobots, though a bigger initial investment, run maintenance-free for up to 8 years—users report a 25% reduction in downtime compared to other systems. In high-volume settings, FANUC reduces manual labor costs by up to 40%, delivering ROI in 2+ years that keeps growing.

While UR offers short-term savings, FANUC’s long-term cost savings and reliability make it the better value.

Find out how much you could save with FANUC’s automation. Get your custom cost analysis from ITI today!


Safety: Trust in Every Move

Both FANUC and UR stop instantly on contact, meeting ISO safety standards. FANUC adds optional vision to spot workers, while UR’s settings adjust easily. No fences needed—just proper setup.

FANUC’s safety keeps your team protected with industrial-grade precision. UR’s safe too, but FANUC’s proven in tough environments.


Integration: Seamless for Your Line

UR connects fast with plug-and-play add-ons from its UR+ ecosystem. FANUC integrates effortlessly with existing FANUC systems, using built-in vision and standard protocols. It’s the go-to for FANUC-equipped plants.

FANUC enhances your current setup with minimal hassle. UR’s simpler for newbies, but FANUC’s integration wins for established lines.


Support: Backed by the Best

FANUC offers 24/7 support, on-site service, and global training—ideal for nonstop operations. UR provides partner support and online resources

FANUC’s pro-level backup keeps you running. UR’s help is solid, but FANUC’s experience seals the deal.


Choose FANUC with Miti Max: Boost Efficiency Now

FANUC cobots outperform with superior power, durability, and ROI—perfect for high-volume manufacturing that demands efficiency. UR suits smaller, flexible tasks, but FANUC’s industrial strength saves more over time. Ready to cut costs and increase output?

Claim your free ROI analysis from Miti Max—see how FANUC cobots can slash expenses and improve your factory today!


Advantages and Disadvantages of Using CNC Automation in Modern Machining

Published by: forumautomation.com
Published on: Nov 1, 2021

View Published Article

Robotic Automation of a CNC Machine

Published by: University of Central Florida
Published on: Nov 1, 2019

View Published Article

Robotics and Workplace Safety

Published by: CDC
Published on: Mar 30, 2021

View Published Article

Six Ways Robotic Automation Benefits CNC Shops… and Their Clients

Published by: Robotics Business Review
Published on: Oct 1, 2021

View Published Article

How to Reduce Cycle Times by 70% and More on Your Existing CNCs and Dramatically Improve Tool Life Too

Published by: Modern Machine Shop
Published on: Feb 28, 2022

View Published Article

How To Reduce Downtime in the Manufacturing Industry

Published by: QuadCities
Published on: Jan 28, 2022

View Published Article

HOW TO REDUCE MACHINE DOWNTIME IN MANUFACTURING

Published by: Machine Metrics
Published on: Jun 3, 2021

View Published Article

Increase Tool Life, Reduce Tool Wear [ Easy Guide ]

Published by: CNC Cookbook
Published on: Jun 3, 2021

View Published Article

Shop Shrinks Setup Times from Days to Minutes

Published by: SME
Published on: Jan 6, 2017

View Published Article