FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S vs ABB IRB 1600: Short-Arm vs General-Purpose Robot
Updated: 9 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE This comparison includes family-level ranges: FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S lists 4 kg and 550 mm, while ABB IRB 1600 lists 6–10 kg and 1200–1450 mm. Select an exact variant; maximum payload and maximum reach from different versions cannot be combined. |
→ CONSIDER FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S Consider it when its named configuration already meets the actual load and workspace requirements. This article compares 4 kg with a published reach of 550 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER ABB IRB 1600 Consider it when an exact variant in this family meets the complete tool load and required workspace. This article compares 6–10 kg with a published reach of 1200–1450 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
💡 THE TAKEAWAY Choose exact order codes before comparing capacity or price. Confirm the selected variant’s payload and reach together, then validate the real tool, movement path and controls against the same acceptance test. |
The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S and the ABB IRB 1600 are sized for very different cells. The LR Mate 4S is a short-arm, 4 kg robot with ±0.01 mm repeatability for confined spaces, at about 61% less. The IRB 1600 carries 6 or 10 kg and reaches up to 1450 mm.
Quick verdict. The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S is the better choice for precise small-part work in tight cells, with ±0.01 mm repeatability and a listed price about 61% lower. The ABB IRB 1600 is the better choice for heavier parts and larger working areas, with 6 or 10 kg payload and 1200 or 1450 mm reach.
LR Mate 200iD/4S and IRB 1600 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 1600 carries 6 or 10 kg over 1200 or 1450 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm (±0.05 mm for the 10 kg long-reach version) and runs on IRC5 or OmniCore.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S | ABB IRB 1600 |
Brand | FANUC | ABB |
Listed price | $16,500 | $42,000 |
Payload | 4 kg | 6–10 kg |
Reach | 550 mm | 1200–1450 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.01 mm | ±0.02–0.05 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 1600: listed from $42,000
Difference: $25,500
The LR Mate 4S costs roughly 61% less
Payload and reach
The IRB 1600 carries 6 or 10 kg over 1200 or 1450 mm, against 4 kg over 550 mm for the LR Mate 4S. Machine tending with heavier grippers, or handling between stations, needs the IRB 1600.
Precision and footprint
FANUC publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability for the LR Mate 4S, against ±0.02 to ±0.05 mm for the IRB 1600. Its short arm fits benches, small enclosures and machines with limited access, where a larger robot would not fit.
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 1600 on IRC5 or OmniCore for machine tending, material handling and process applications.
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 1600
Machine tending up to 10 kg
Material handling across 1450 mm
Process applications
LR Mate 200iD/4S advantages
About 61% lower listed price
±0.01 mm repeatability
Compact 550 mm envelope
LR Mate 200iD/4S limitations
4 kg payload
ABB IRB 1600 advantages
6 or 10 kg payload
1200 or 1450 mm reach
ABB IRB 1600 limitations
About $25,500 higher listed price
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S for precise work in tight cells. Choose the ABB IRB 1600 for heavier parts and larger cells.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S or the ABB IRB 1600?
The LR Mate 4S is listed from $16,500 and the IRB 1600 from $42,000, a difference of $25,500.
Which robot carries more?
The IRB 1600 carries 6 or 10 kg; the LR Mate 4S 4 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The IRB 1600 reaches 1200 or 1450 mm; the LR Mate 4S 550 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The LR Mate 4S publishes ±0.01 mm and the IRB 1600 ±0.02 to ±0.05 mm.
Which robot suits 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 1600 for larger cells.
