FANUC CRX-5iA vs Elite Robots CS66: 5–6 kg Cobot Comparison
The FANUC CRX-5iA and the Elite Robots CS66 both repeat to ±0.03 mm over a similar envelope: 994 mm and 914 mm. The CS66 carries 6 kg, weighs 20 kg and is listed about 48% lower. The CRX-5iA is rated IP67 and runs on FANUC's controller.
Quick verdict. The Elite Robots CS66 is the better value for 5–6 kg tending and assembly, with 1 kg more payload and a listed price $20,800 lower. The FANUC CRX-5iA is the better choice for FANUC-standard plants and slightly longer reach.
CRX-5iA and CS66 at a glance
The FANUC CRX-5iA carries 5 kg over 994 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm, weighs 25 kg, is rated IP67 and runs on the R-30iB Mini Plus controller. FANUC lists 1000 mm/s in collaborative mode and 2000 mm/s in high-speed mode.
The Elite Robots CS66 carries 6 kg over 914 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm, weighs 20 kg and lists a 2.8 m/s maximum TCP speed. Elite's 2026 cobot catalog lists IP65 for the arm, with IP68 as an option.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC CRX-5iA | Elite Robots CS66 |
Brand | FANUC | Elite Robots |
Listed price | $43,200 | $22,400 |
Payload | 5 kg | 6 kg |
Reach | 994 mm | 914 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.03 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 1000 mm/s (collaborative mode); 2000 mm/s (high-speed mode) | 2.8 m/s |
Arm weight | 25 kg | 20 kg |
IP rating | IP67 | IP65 (IP68 optional) |
Controller | R-30iB Mini Plus | Standard AC control cabinet, 505 × 257 × 462 mm, 14 kg, IP44; OEM DC/AC controller optional |
Price comparison
FANUC CRX-5iA: listed from $43,200
Elite Robots CS66: listed from $22,400
Difference: $20,800
The CS66 costs roughly 48% less
Payload, reach and precision
The CS66 carries 6 kg, 1 kg more. The CRX-5iA reaches 994 mm, about 80 mm beyond the 914 mm of the CS66. Both publish ±0.03 mm, so the envelopes and precision are effectively matched.
Protection and weight
FANUC rates the CRX-5iA IP67 for the body, wrist and J3 arm; Elite's catalog lists IP65 for the CS66, with an IP68 option. Both can work near coolant. The CS66 weighs 20 kg, 5 kg less than the 25 kg CRX-5iA.
Programming and controllers
The CRX-5iA uses drag-and-drop tablet programming and hand guiding on the R-30iB Mini Plus, with FANUC's vision and safety options. The CS66 runs on Elite's standard AC control cabinet, with an OEM DC/AC controller as an option.
Best applications for the CRX-5iA
FANUC-standard plants
Small machine tending with FANUC options
Cells needing FANUC service contracts
Best applications for the Elite Robots CS66
Machine tending
Small-part assembly
Mobile and AGV-mounted arms
CRX-5iA advantages
994 mm reach
IP67 as standard
FANUC service network
CRX-5iA limitations
About $20,800 higher listed price
Elite Robots CS66 advantages
About 48% lower listed price
6 kg payload
20 kg arm
Elite Robots CS66 limitations
914 mm reach
Final verdict
Choose the Elite Robots CS66 for value and payload. Choose the FANUC CRX-5iA for FANUC plants.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC CRX-5iA or the Elite Robots CS66?
The CS66 is listed from $22,400 and the CRX-5iA from $43,200, a difference of $20,800.
Which cobot carries more?
The CS66 carries 6 kg; the CRX-5iA 5 kg.
Which cobot has the longer reach?
The CRX-5iA reaches 994 mm; the CS66 914 mm.
Which cobot is more precise?
Both publish ±0.03 mm.
How heavy are they?
The CRX-5iA weighs 25 kg; the CS66 20 kg.
Which cobot should I buy?
Choose the CS66 for value. Choose the CRX-5iA for FANUC plants.
