FAIRINO FR10 vs Elite EC612: 10–12 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Specs and Applications
Updated: 9 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE Load ratings depend on operating conditions: FAIRINO FR10 lists 10 kg rated, 14 kg maximum, while Elite Robots EC612 lists 12 kg. Compare the same working position and complete tool load before treating either headline figure as an advantage. |
→ CONSIDER FAIRINO FR10 Consider it when the stated operating condition matches the positions and tool load your process needs. This article compares 10 kg rated, 14 kg maximum with a published reach of 1400 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER Elite Robots EC612 Consider it when the stated operating condition matches the positions and tool load your process needs. This article compares 12 kg with a published reach of 1304 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
💡 THE TAKEAWAY Check the payload permitted at the most demanding position in the real task. Compare the same tooling, workspace, controls and acceptance test, with complete installation quotations. |
The FAIRINO FR10 and the Elite Robots EC612 are medium-payload collaborative robots for machine tending, welding, material handling and assembly. The FR10 is rated for 10 kg with a 14 kg maximum and has a long 1400 mm reach at a low U.S. price. The EC612 carries 12 kg, rotates ±360° on every joint and publishes a 3.2 m/s maximum tool speed.
This comparison uses manufacturer specifications and publicly listed prices to show where each robot is stronger and which projects suit each one.
Quick verdict. The FAIRINO FR10 is the stronger value choice, with 96 mm more reach, a 14 kg maximum payload and a price about 61% lower. The Elite EC612 is the stronger choice when the project needs 12 kg rated payload, higher published speed, ±360° joints, a lighter arm and built-in industrial fieldbus support.
FAIRINO FR10 and Elite EC612 at a glance
The FR10 is FAIRINO's main 10 kg cobot. It reaches 1400 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs about 40 kg and is sold directly in the United States by FAIRINO USA with an 18-month warranty.
The EC612 is Elite Robots' 12 kg model in the EC series. It reaches 1304 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm and weighs 33.5 kg. Elite also offers the CS612 in its CS series at a similar payload, so buyers should confirm which model their distributor currently supplies.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FAIRINO FR10 | Elite Robots EC612 |
Robot type | 6-axis collaborative robot | 6-axis collaborative robot |
Published price | $10,199 (U.S.) | €23,205 excl. VAT (about $26,060) |
Rated payload | 10 kg (14 kg maximum) | 12 kg |
Reach | 1400 mm | 1304 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm (ISO 9283) | ±0.05 mm |
Speed | 1.5 m/s typical TCP speed | 3.2 m/s maximum TCP speed |
Joint speed | Base and shoulder 120°/s; elbow and wrists 180°/s | 120°/s to 210°/s depending on joint |
Joint range | Base ±175°; shoulder +85°/−265°; elbow ±160°; wrist 1 +85°/−265°; wrist 2 ±175°; wrist 3 ±175° (±360° optional) | ±360° on all six joints |
Arm weight | About 40 kg | 33.5 kg |
Footprint | Ø190 mm | Ø200 mm |
Protection rating | IP54, IP65 optional | Arm IP54, controller IP44 |
Operating temperature | 0–45 °C | 0–50 °C |
Noise | Below 65 dB | Not specified in manufacturer data |
Typical power | Not specified in manufacturer data | 435 W |
Tool I/O power | 24 V, 1.5 A | 24 V, 2 A, with 2 DI, 2 DO, 1 AI, 1 AO and RS485 |
Controller I/O | 16 DI, 16 DO, 2 AI, 2 AO, 2 high-speed pulse inputs | 16 DI, 20 DO, 2 AI, 4 AO |
Industrial protocols | TCP/IP and Modbus TCP/RTU; PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and CC-Link available | Modbus TCP/RTU, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, CC-Link, RS485/RS232 |
Programming | 10.1-inch teach pendant or browser-based web app; Python, C++ and C# SDKs | Teach pendant with touchscreen and physical keys |
Certifications | Confirm declarations for the ordered configuration | CE-EMC, CE-MD, NRTL, CR, KCs, RoHS |
Warranty | 18 months | Confirm with the selling distributor |
Best overall advantage | Price, reach, payload headroom | Speed, ±360° joints, lighter arm, fieldbus I/O |
Price comparison
FAIRINO USA lists the FR10 at $10,199. Unchained Robotics, a European distributor, lists the EC612 at €23,205 excluding VAT, about $26,060 at a rate of €1 = $1.1229.
FAIRINO FR10: $10,199
Elite EC612: about $26,060 (€23,205 excl. VAT)
Difference: about $15,860
The EC612 listing is about 2.6 times the FR10 price
The FR10 costs roughly 61% less
These prices come from different markets and exclude grippers, welding packages, guarding and integration. Import costs, local taxes and support terms should be included in a full quote.
Payload
The EC612 has the higher rated payload: 12 kg against the FR10's 10 kg. FAIRINO also publishes a 14 kg maximum for the FR10, which gives headroom in reduced-speed or close-to-base poses. For projects that need 12 kg across the full working envelope, the EC612's rating is the safer basis. Payload curves should always be checked against the real tool and center of gravity.
Reach and working envelope
The FR10 reaches 1400 mm, 96 mm more than the EC612's 1304 mm. That is about 7% more reach, which helps with larger machines, wider conveyors and longer weld seams.
The EC612 rotates ±360° on every joint, which gives more freedom in posture, cable routing and approach angles. The FR10 uses narrower ranges on most joints, with ±360° available on wrist 3 as an option.
Speed and cycle time
Elite publishes a 3.2 m/s maximum TCP speed for the EC612, with joint speeds up to 210°/s. FAIRINO publishes a 1.5 m/s typical TCP speed for the FR10, with joint speeds up to 180°/s. These are different measures, but the EC612 has the higher published speed figures. Real cycle time depends on payload, path and safety settings, so trials on the actual part are the best comparison.
Weight and mounting
The EC612 arm weighs 33.5 kg, about 6.5 kg less than the FR10's 40 kg. A lighter arm is easier on mobile carts, pedestals and AMR installations. The FR10 has the slightly smaller base at Ø190 mm against Ø200 mm.
Protection and environment
Both arms are IP54 as standard. FAIRINO offers an IP65 version of the FR10 for wet or dusty areas. The EC612 is rated for 0–50 °C and the FR10 for 0–45 °C.
Controller, I/O and connectivity
FAIRINO FR10
The FR10 is programmed from a 10.1-inch teach pendant or a browser-based web app, with Python, C++ and C# SDKs and ROS/ROS2 support. The controller provides 16 digital inputs, 16 digital outputs, 2 analog inputs, 2 analog outputs and 2 high-speed pulse inputs. Modbus TCP/RTU is standard, and PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and CC-Link are available.
Elite Robots EC612
The EC612 controller provides 16 digital inputs, 20 digital outputs, 2 analog inputs and 4 analog outputs. It supports Modbus TCP/RTU, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and CC-Link as a slave device, plus RS485/RS232. The tool flange offers 24 V at 2 A, digital and analog I/O and RS485 for grippers and sensors. A compact MINI controller is also available for mobile and space-limited cells.
Best applications for the FAIRINO FR10
Cobot welding with long seams
CNC machine tending on larger machines
Material handling and box transfer up to 10 kg
Budget-sensitive multi-cell deployments
Education and research labs that need SDK access
Best applications for the Elite EC612
Machine tending that needs 12 kg rated payload
Faster pick-and-place and handling cycles
Screwdriving and assembly with complex tool orientations
Mobile manipulators and AMR-mounted arms
Lines that rely on PROFINET, EtherNet/IP or CC-Link
FAIRINO FR10 advantages
Listed at $10,199 in the U.S.
1400 mm reach
14 kg maximum payload
Optional IP65 protection
Quiet operation below 65 dB
18-month warranty with U.S.-based support
FAIRINO FR10 limitations
10 kg rated payload
Lower published speed figure
Heavier arm at about 40 kg
Narrower joint ranges on most axes
Elite EC612 advantages
12 kg rated payload
3.2 m/s maximum TCP speed
±360° on every joint
33.5 kg arm
More controller outputs and built-in fieldbus support
0–50 °C operating range
Elite EC612 limitations
About 2.6 times the FR10 price
1304 mm reach
IP54 only
Newer CS-series models may replace it in some markets
Final verdict
Choose the FAIRINO FR10 when reach and budget lead the decision. Its 1400 mm reach, 14 kg maximum payload, optional IP65 and $10,199 price make it a strong value option for welding, machine tending and multi-cell projects.
Choose the Elite EC612 when the application needs a 12 kg rated payload, faster motion, ±360° joints, a lighter arm or native PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and CC-Link support.
Both robots repeat to ±0.05 mm. The decision mostly comes down to reach and price against payload rating, speed and joint freedom.
Read our full FAIRINO FR10 review and Elite Robots EC612 review, or compare the DOBOT CR5A vs Elite EC66.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FAIRINO FR10 or the Elite EC612?
FAIRINO USA lists the FR10 at $10,199. Unchained Robotics lists the EC612 at €23,205 excluding VAT, about $26,060.
Which robot has the higher payload?
The EC612 is rated for 12 kg. The FR10 is rated for 10 kg, with a 14 kg maximum.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The FR10 reaches 1400 mm, 96 mm more than the EC612's 1304 mm.
Do they have the same repeatability?
Yes. Both publish ±0.05 mm repeatability.
Which robot is faster?
The EC612 publishes a 3.2 m/s maximum TCP speed. The FR10 publishes a 1.5 m/s typical TCP speed.
Which robot is lighter?
The EC612 arm weighs 33.5 kg and the FR10 about 40 kg.
Which robot is better for welding?
Both can be used for cobot welding. The FR10 offers more reach for long seams at a lower price, while the EC612 offers ±360° joints for complex torch angles.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the FR10 for lower cost, longer reach and payload headroom. Choose the EC612 for a higher rated payload, more speed, full joint rotation and native fieldbus support.
