FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S vs ABB IRB 1200: Compact Robot Comparison
The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S and the ABB IRB 1200 are compact six-axis robots of different sizes. The LR Mate 4S is a short-arm, 4 kg robot with ±0.01 mm repeatability and costs about 37% less. The IRB 1200 carries 5 to 7 kg and reaches 700 to 900 mm.
Quick verdict. The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S is the better choice for precise work in very tight cells, with ±0.01 mm repeatability, a 550 mm envelope and a listed price about 37% lower. The ABB IRB 1200 is the better choice when parts or grippers weigh more than 4 kg or the cell needs 700 to 900 mm reach.
LR Mate 200iD/4S and IRB 1200 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 1200 comes as the 7 kg / 700 mm version or the 5 kg / 900 mm version, repeats to ±0.02–0.025 mm and runs on OmniCore or IRC5.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S | ABB IRB 1200 |
Brand | FANUC | ABB |
Listed price | $16,500 | $26,000 |
Payload | 4 kg | 5–7 kg |
Reach | 550 mm | 700–900 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.01 mm | ±0.02–0.025 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Arm weight | 20 kg | Not specified |
Controller | R-30iB Mate Plus | ABB OmniCore or IRC5 |
Price comparison
FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S: listed from $16,500
ABB IRB 1200: listed from $26,000
Difference: $9,500
The LR Mate 4S costs roughly 37% less
Payload and reach
The IRB 1200 carries 5 to 7 kg and reaches 700 to 900 mm, against 4 kg and 550 mm for the LR Mate 4S. Machine tending with heavier grippers and larger parts favors the IRB 1200.
Precision and footprint
FANUC publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability for the LR Mate 4S, against ±0.02 to ±0.025 mm for the IRB 1200. Its short arm suits confined spaces, electronics assembly and small-part loading where every millimetre of cell space counts.
Controllers and mounting
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 controller. ABB offers the IRB 1200 on OmniCore or IRC5. Plants usually favor the brand their technicians already know.
Best applications for the LR Mate 200iD/4S
Electronics and small-part assembly
Machine loading in very tight cells
Plants standardized on FANUC
Best applications for the ABB IRB 1200
Handling up to 7 kg
Machine tending over 700 to 900 mm
Plants standardized on ABB
LR Mate 200iD/4S advantages
About 37% lower listed price
±0.01 mm repeatability
Compact 550 mm envelope
LR Mate 200iD/4S limitations
4 kg payload
ABB IRB 1200 advantages
5 to 7 kg payload
700 mm or 900 mm reach
ABB IRB 1200 limitations
About $9,500 higher listed price
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S for precise work in tight cells at a lower price. Choose the ABB IRB 1200 for more payload and reach.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S or the ABB IRB 1200?
The LR Mate 4S is listed from $16,500 and the IRB 1200 from $26,000, a difference of $9,500.
Which robot carries more?
The IRB 1200 carries 5 to 7 kg depending on version; the LR Mate 4S carries 4 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The IRB 1200 reaches 700 or 900 mm; the LR Mate 4S 550 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The LR Mate 4S publishes ±0.01 mm and the IRB 1200 ±0.02 to ±0.025 mm.
Which robot suits very tight cells?
The LR Mate 4S, with its short 550 mm arm.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the LR Mate 4S for tight precise cells. Choose the IRB 1200 for payload and reach.
