FANUC CRX-5iA vs FAIRINO FR3-C: Small Cobot Comparison
The FANUC CRX-5iA and the FAIRINO FR3-C sit at very different sizes and prices. The CRX-5iA carries 5 kg over 994 mm at ±0.03 mm and is rated IP67. The FR3-C is a 10 kg compact arm carrying 3 kg over 622 mm, listed about 88% lower.
Quick verdict. The FAIRINO FR3-C is the better value for light benchtop tasks, labs and education, with a 10 kg arm and a listed price $37,800 lower. The FANUC CRX-5iA is the better choice for 5 kg loads, a larger envelope, tighter repeatability and coolant-exposed cells.
CRX-5iA and FR3-C 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 FAIRINO FR3-C carries 3 kg over 622 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs 10 kg, is rated IP54 with IP65 as an option and lists a 1 m/s typical TCP speed.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC CRX-5iA | FAIRINO FR3-C |
Brand | FANUC | FAIRINO |
Listed price | $43,200 | $5,400 |
Payload | 5 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 994 mm | 622 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 1000 mm/s (collaborative mode); 2000 mm/s (high-speed mode) | 1 m/s typical TCP speed |
Arm weight | 25 kg | 10 kg |
IP rating | IP67 | IP54 (IP65 optional) |
Controller | R-30iB Mini Plus | Not specified |
Price comparison
FANUC CRX-5iA: listed from $43,200
FAIRINO FR3-C: listed from $5,400
Difference: $37,800
The FR3-C costs roughly 88% less
Payload and reach
The CRX-5iA carries 5 kg, 2 kg more, over 994 mm, about 372 mm beyond the 622 mm of the FR3-C. That reaches into CNC machines and across wider trays. The FR3-C suits benchtop cells where parts sit within arm's length.
Precision, weight and protection
FANUC publishes ±0.03 mm against ±0.05 mm for the FR3-C. At 10 kg the FR3-C is easy to carry between benches; the CRX-5iA weighs 25 kg. The CRX-5iA is rated IP67; the FR3-C IP54, with IP65 as an option.
Ecosystem and support
The CRX-5iA runs on the R-30iB Mini Plus with tablet programming, hand guiding and FANUC's option catalog and service network. The FR3-C uses FAIRINO's own controller and software, a low-cost entry point for labs, training and light automation.
Best applications for the CRX-5iA
Small machine tending
Wet or dusty cells
FANUC-standard plants
Best applications for the FAIRINO FR3-C
Benchtop assembly
Labs and education
Light pick-and-place
CRX-5iA advantages
5 kg payload
994 mm reach
IP67 protection
CRX-5iA limitations
About $37,800 higher listed price
FAIRINO FR3-C advantages
About 88% lower listed price
10 kg arm
FAIRINO FR3-C limitations
3 kg payload
±0.05 mm repeatability
Final verdict
Choose the FAIRINO FR3-C for light, low-cost benchtop work. Choose the FANUC CRX-5iA for 5 kg loads and industrial cells.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC CRX-5iA or the FAIRINO FR3-C?
The FR3-C is listed from $5,400 and the CRX-5iA from $43,200, a difference of $37,800.
Which cobot carries more?
The CRX-5iA carries 5 kg; the FR3-C 3 kg.
Which cobot has the longer reach?
The CRX-5iA reaches 994 mm; the FR3-C 622 mm.
Which cobot is more precise?
The CRX-5iA publishes ±0.03 mm and the FR3-C ±0.05 mm.
How heavy are they?
The CRX-5iA weighs 25 kg; the FR3-C 10 kg.
Which cobot should I buy?
Choose the FR3-C for benchtop work. Choose the CRX-5iA for 5 kg loads.
