FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S vs DENSO VP-5243: Small Robot Comparison
Updated: 10 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S has the higher stated load capacity and longer stated reach. Those figures help shortlist it for heavier loads or wider layouts, but do not prove a faster production cycle. FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S has 6 axes, compared with 5 axes for DENSO VP-5243. |
→ CONSIDER FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S Consider it when additional load capacity and reach matter. This article compares 4 kg with a published reach of 550 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER DENSO VP-5243 Consider it when its stated load and reach already cover your task and its controls fit your equipment. This article compares 3 kg with a published reach of 430 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
💡 THE TAKEAWAY Check the required tool angles and approach path: different axis counts change movement options. Choose only after both suppliers demonstrate the loaded task and quote the same complete installation. |
The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S and the DENSO VP-5243 are compact robots for benchtop assembly. The LR Mate 200iD/4S has six axes, carries 4 kg over 550 mm, repeats to ±0.01 mm and is listed about 8% lower. The VP-5243 has five axes, carries 3 kg and weighs 13 kg.
Quick verdict. The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S is the better choice for most small-part assembly, with six axes, ±0.01 mm, IP67 and a listed price $1,500 lower. The DENSO VP-5243 is the better choice for simple five-axis pick-and-place where a 13 kg arm helps.
LR Mate 200iD/4S and VP-5243 at a glance
The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S carries 4 kg over 550 mm with six axes, repeats to ±0.01 mm, weighs 20 kg, is rated IP67 and runs on the R-30iB Plus or R-30iB Mate Plus controller.
The DENSO VP-5243 carries 3 kg (2.5 kg when the wrist tilts beyond ±45°) over 430 mm with five axes, repeats to ±0.02 mm, weighs 13 kg and lists a 0.99 s cycle time. DENSO does not publish an IP rating for it.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S | DENSO VP-5243 |
Brand | FANUC | DENSO |
Listed price | $16,500 | $18,000 |
Payload | 4 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 550 mm | 430 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.01 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 5 |
Speed | J1 460°/s; J2 460°/s; J3 520°/s; J4 560°/s; J5 560°/s; J6 900°/s | Cycle time 0.99 s |
Arm weight | 20 kg | 13 kg |
IP rating | IP67 | Not specified |
Controller | R-30iB Mate Plus | Not specified |
Price comparison
FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S: listed from $16,500
DENSO VP-5243: listed from $18,000
Difference: $1,500
The LR Mate 200iD/4S costs roughly 8% less
Axes and envelope
The LR Mate 200iD/4S has six axes, so it can tilt parts and approach from angles. The VP-5243 has five axes, enough for vertical pick-and-place and simple insertion. The FANUC reaches 550 mm against 430 mm and carries 4 kg against 3 kg.
Precision and protection
FANUC publishes ±0.01 mm against ±0.02 mm from DENSO. FANUC rates the LR Mate IP67, which allows use near coolant and washdown. We found no official IP rating for the VP-5243, so treat it as a clean-environment robot unless DENSO confirms otherwise.
Weight and installation
The VP-5243 weighs 13 kg, 7 kg less than the 20 kg LR Mate 200iD/4S, so it fits on light benches and inside machines. Both mount on the floor or upside-down for compact cells.
Best applications for the LR Mate 200iD/4S
Small-part assembly
Machine tending near coolant
Precision inspection
Best applications for the DENSO VP-5243
Simple pick-and-place
Light benchtop handling
Lab automation
LR Mate 200iD/4S advantages
About 8% lower listed price
Six axes
±0.01 mm repeatability
IP67 protection
LR Mate 200iD/4S limitations
20 kg arm
DENSO VP-5243 advantages
13 kg arm
DENSO VP-5243 limitations
Five axes
3 kg payload
No published IP rating
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S for most small-part work. Choose the DENSO VP-5243 for light five-axis pick-and-place.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S or the DENSO VP-5243?
The LR Mate 200iD/4S is listed from $16,500 and the VP-5243 from $18,000, a difference of $1,500.
How many axes do they have?
The LR Mate 200iD/4S has six axes; the VP-5243 five.
Which robot is more precise?
The LR Mate 200iD/4S publishes ±0.01 mm and the VP-5243 ±0.02 mm.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The LR Mate 200iD/4S reaches 550 mm; the VP-5243 430 mm.
How heavy are they?
The LR Mate 200iD/4S weighs 20 kg; the VP-5243 13 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the LR Mate 200iD/4S for most small-part work. Choose the VP-5243 for light pick-and-place.
