FANUC ARC Mate 120iD/12L vs Yaskawa GP12: 12 kg Robot Comparison
Updated: 7 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE Both are compared at 12 kg. FANUC ARC Mate 120iD/12L has the longer stated reach, which may help reach separated fixtures; it does not guarantee access at every tool angle. |
→ CONSIDER FANUC ARC Mate 120iD/12L Consider it when extra reach is useful while the compared load capacity is the same. This article compares 12 kg with a published reach of 2272 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER Yaskawa Motoman GP12 Consider it when its stated load and reach already cover your task and its controls fit your equipment. This article compares 12 kg with a published reach of 1440 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
💡 THE TAKEAWAY Choose the robot that handles your actual tool and part through the required path, with controls and support your team can use. Compare complete installation quotes, rather than arm-only prices. |
The FANUC ARC Mate 120iD/12L and the Yaskawa Motoman GP12 both carry 12 kg, but serve different cells. The ARC Mate is a long-reach welder with 2272 mm. The GP12 is a compact handling robot with 1440 mm and ±0.02 mm, listed at about a third of the price.
Quick verdict. The Yaskawa GP12 is the better value for compact handling, machine tending and assembly, with ±0.02 mm and a listed price $38,000 lower. The FANUC ARC Mate 120iD/12L is the better choice for welding large parts that need 2.27 m reach.
ARC Mate 120iD/12L and GP12 at a glance
The FANUC ARC Mate 120iD/12L carries 12 kg over 2272 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm, weighs 250 kg and runs on the R-30iB Plus or R-30iB Mate Plus controller.
The Yaskawa Motoman GP12 carries 12 kg over 1440 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm, weighs 150 kg and runs on the YRC1000 or YRC1000micro controller.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC ARC Mate 120iD/12L | Yaskawa Motoman GP12 |
Brand | FANUC | Yaskawa Motoman |
Listed price | $58,000 | $20,000 |
Payload | 12 kg | 12 kg |
Reach | 2272 mm | 1440 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Arm weight | 250 kg | 150 kg |
Controller | R-30iB Plus (A- or B-cabinet) or R-30iB Mate Plus | YRC1000 / YRC1000micro |
Price comparison

FANUC ARC Mate 120iD/12L: listed from $58,000
Yaskawa GP12: listed from $20,000
Difference: $38,000
The GP12 costs roughly 66% less
Process and reach

The ARC Mate 120iD/12L is listed for arc welding, spot welding and cutting and reaches 2272 mm for large parts. The GP12 is a general-purpose robot for material handling, machine tending, assembly, packaging and dispensing with 1440 mm reach.
Precision and weight
Yaskawa publishes ±0.02 mm for the GP12, against ±0.03 mm for the ARC Mate 120iD/12L. The GP12 weighs 150 kg, against 250 kg, and can run on the compact YRC1000micro.
Installation

The ARC Mate 120iD/12L mounts on the floor, upside-down or at an angle on the R-30iB Plus or R-30iB Mate Plus. The GP12 installs on the floor, wall, ceiling or tilted. Both fit common industrial cells; the application decides.
Best applications for the ARC Mate 120iD/12L
Welding of large parts
Long seams
Cutting
Best applications for the Yaskawa GP12

Machine tending
Assembly and packaging
Dispensing
ARC Mate 120iD/12L advantages
2272 mm reach
Built for welding
ARC Mate 120iD/12L limitations
About $38,000 higher listed price
250 kg arm
Yaskawa GP12 advantages
About 66% lower listed price
±0.02 mm repeatability
150 kg arm
Yaskawa GP12 limitations
1440 mm reach
Final verdict
Choose the Yaskawa GP12 for compact handling. Choose the FANUC ARC Mate 120iD/12L for welding large parts.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC ARC Mate 120iD/12L or the Yaskawa GP12?
The GP12 is listed from $20,000 and the ARC Mate 120iD/12L from $58,000, a difference of $38,000.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The ARC Mate 120iD/12L reaches 2272 mm; the GP12 1440 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The GP12 publishes ±0.02 mm and the ARC Mate 120iD/12L ±0.03 mm.
Which robot is built for welding?
The ARC Mate 120iD/12L.
Do both carry 12 kg?
Yes.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the GP12 for handling. Choose the ARC Mate 120iD/12L for welding large parts.



