FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S vs ABB IRB 120: Compact Robot Comparison
Updated: 10 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE This is a load-versus-reach trade-off: FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S has the higher stated load capacity, while ABB IRB 120 has the longer stated reach. Start with the constraint your task actually has. |
→ CONSIDER FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S Consider it when additional load capacity matters more than extra reach. This article compares 4 kg with a published reach of 550 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER ABB IRB 120 Consider it when reaching farther matters more than the higher payload of the alternative. This article compares 3 kg with a published reach of 580 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 LR Mate 200iD/4S and the ABB IRB 120 are among the most compact six-axis industrial robots of their makers, both with ±0.01 mm repeatability and listed within $500 of each other. The LR Mate 4S carries more. The IRB 120 reaches a little further.
Quick verdict. The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S is the better choice when grippers and parts approach 4 kg in any wrist orientation. The ABB IRB 120 is the better choice for very light parts, a 580 mm reach and ABB-based lines, at a listed price $500 lower.
LR Mate 200iD/4S and IRB 120 at a glance
The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S carries 4 kg over 550 mm, repeats to ±0.01 mm, weighs 20 kg and runs on the R-30iB Mate Plus controller.
The ABB IRB 120 carries 3 kg over 580 mm, or 4 kg with the wrist pointing vertically down, repeats to ±0.01 mm and runs on the IRC5 controller.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S | ABB IRB 120 |
Brand | FANUC | ABB |
Listed price | $16,500 | $16,000 |
Payload | 4 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 550 mm | 580 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.01 mm | ±0.01 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Arm weight | 20 kg | Not specified |
Controller | R-30iB Mate Plus | ABB IRC5 |
Price comparison
FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S: listed from $16,500
ABB IRB 120: listed from $16,000
Difference: $500
The IRB 120 costs roughly 3% less
Payload
The LR Mate 4S is rated for 4 kg in any orientation. The IRB 120 is rated for 3 kg, or 4 kg when the wrist points vertically down. For tools that must tilt while carrying a near-4 kg load, the LR Mate 4S has more margin.
Reach and precision
The IRB 120 reaches 580 mm, 30 mm more than the LR Mate 4S. Both publish ±0.01 mm repeatability and suit small-parts handling, electronics assembly and loading in tight cells.
Controllers and ecosystem
The LR Mate 4S weighs 20 kg, mounts on the floor, upside-down or at an angle and runs on the compact R-30iB Mate Plus. ABB runs the IRB 120 on the IRC5 controller. With performance this close, the brand already in the plant usually decides.
Best applications for the LR Mate 200iD/4S
Small-part handling up to 4 kg
Electronics assembly
Plants standardized on FANUC
Best applications for the ABB IRB 120
Very light small-part handling
Assembly in tight cells
Plants standardized on ABB
LR Mate 200iD/4S advantages
4 kg in any orientation
±0.01 mm repeatability
R-30iB Mate Plus controller
LR Mate 200iD/4S limitations
550 mm reach
ABB IRB 120 advantages
580 mm reach
±0.01 mm repeatability
About $500 lower listed price
ABB IRB 120 limitations
3 kg payload except wrist-down
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S for 4 kg loads in any orientation. Choose the ABB IRB 120 for light parts, slightly more reach and ABB-based lines.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S or the ABB IRB 120?
The IRB 120 is listed from $16,000 and the LR Mate 4S from $16,500, a difference of $500.
Which robot carries more?
The LR Mate 4S carries 4 kg; the IRB 120 carries 3 kg, or 4 kg with the wrist pointing down.
Are they equally precise?
Yes. Both publish ±0.01 mm repeatability.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The IRB 120 reaches 580 mm and the LR Mate 4S 550 mm.
Which controller does each use?
The LR Mate 4S runs on the R-30iB Mate Plus and the IRB 120 on IRC5.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the LR Mate 4S for 4 kg loads. Choose the IRB 120 for light parts and ABB lines.
