FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S vs ABB IRB 1520ID: 4 kg Robot Comparison
The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S and the ABB IRB 1520ID both carry 4 kg but are built for different jobs. The LR Mate 4S is a compact, precise handling robot that costs less than half as much. The IRB 1520ID is a dedicated arc welding robot with 1500 mm reach and its hose package routed through the upper arm.
Quick verdict. The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S is the better choice for small-part handling and assembly, with ±0.01 mm repeatability and a listed price about 57% lower. The ABB IRB 1520ID is the better choice for arc welding, with 1500 mm reach and an integrated hose package that protects the welding cables.
LR Mate 200iD/4S and IRB 1520ID 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 1520ID carries 4 kg over 1500 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm and runs on IRC5 or OmniCore.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S | ABB IRB 1520ID |
Brand | FANUC | ABB |
Listed price | $16,500 | $38,000 |
Payload | 4 kg | 4 kg |
Reach | 550 mm | 1500 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.01 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Arm weight | 20 kg | Not specified |
Controller | R-30iB Mate Plus | ABB IRC5 or OmniCore |
Price comparison
FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S: listed from $16,500
ABB IRB 1520ID: listed from $38,000
Difference: $21,500
The LR Mate 4S costs roughly 57% less
Purpose
The IRB 1520ID is a dedicated arc welding robot. Its welding hose package is routed through the upper arm, which protects it and keeps its movement predictable for offline programming. The LR Mate 4S is a compact handling and assembly robot.
Reach and precision
Both carry 4 kg. The IRB 1520ID reaches 1500 mm, almost three times the LR Mate 4S's 550 mm. FANUC publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability for the LR Mate 4S, against ±0.05 mm for the IRB 1520ID, which is ample for welding but not for precise assembly.
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. ABB runs the IRB 1520ID on IRC5 or OmniCore with its welding software packages.
Best applications for the LR Mate 200iD/4S
Electronics and small-part assembly
Machine loading in tight cells
Precise pick-and-place
Best applications for the ABB IRB 1520ID
Arc welding
Welding cells with offline programming
Larger welded parts
LR Mate 200iD/4S advantages
About 57% lower listed price
±0.01 mm repeatability
Compact footprint
LR Mate 200iD/4S limitations
550 mm reach
ABB IRB 1520ID advantages
1500 mm reach
Integrated welding hose package
ABB IRB 1520ID limitations
±0.05 mm repeatability
About $21,500 higher listed price
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S for compact handling and assembly. Choose the ABB IRB 1520ID for arc welding.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S or the ABB IRB 1520ID?
The LR Mate 4S is listed from $16,500 and the IRB 1520ID from $38,000, a difference of $21,500.
Do both robots carry 4 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 4 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The IRB 1520ID reaches 1500 mm and the LR Mate 4S 550 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The LR Mate 4S publishes ±0.01 mm and the IRB 1520ID ±0.05 mm.
What is the IRB 1520ID designed for?
Arc welding, with the hose package routed through the upper arm.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the LR Mate 4S for handling. Choose the IRB 1520ID for welding.
