FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S vs DENSO VP-6242: Small 6-Axis Robot Comparison
The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S and the DENSO VP-6242 are both compact six-axis robots. The LR Mate 200iD/4S carries 4 kg over 550 mm, repeats to ±0.01 mm and is listed about 18% lower. The VP-6242 carries 2.5 kg over 432 mm and weighs 15 kg.
Quick verdict. The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S is the better choice for most small-part assembly and tending, with more payload, more reach, IP67 and a listed price $3,500 lower. The DENSO VP-6242 is the better choice for very light parts where a 15 kg arm helps.
LR Mate 200iD/4S and VP-6242 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-6242 carries 2.5 kg (2 kg when the wrist tilts beyond ±45°) over 432 mm with six axes, repeats to ±0.02 mm, weighs 15 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-6242 |
Brand | FANUC | DENSO |
Listed price | $16,500 | $20,000 |
Payload | 4 kg | 2.5 kg |
Reach | 550 mm | 432 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.01 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
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 | 15 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-6242: listed from $20,000
Difference: $3,500
The LR Mate 200iD/4S costs roughly 18% less
Payload and reach
The LR Mate 200iD/4S carries 4 kg, 1.5 kg more, over 550 mm, about 118 mm beyond the 432 mm of the VP-6242. That leaves margin for grippers with cameras or screwdrivers and reaches a little further into fixtures.
Precision and protection
FANUC publishes ±0.01 mm against ±0.02 mm from DENSO. FANUC rates the LR Mate IP67, so it can work near coolant and washdown. We found no official IP rating for the VP-6242, so it is best treated as a clean-environment robot.
Weight and installation
The VP-6242 weighs 15 kg, 5 kg less than the 20 kg LR Mate 200iD/4S. Both are small enough for benches, enclosures and machine interiors, and both have six axes for angled approaches.
Best applications for the LR Mate 200iD/4S
Small-part assembly
Machine tending near coolant
Precision inspection
Best applications for the DENSO VP-6242
Very light pick-and-place
Lab automation
Compact benchtop cells
LR Mate 200iD/4S advantages
About 18% lower listed price
4 kg payload
±0.01 mm repeatability
IP67 protection
LR Mate 200iD/4S limitations
20 kg arm
DENSO VP-6242 advantages
15 kg arm
DENSO VP-6242 limitations
2.5 kg payload
432 mm reach
No published IP rating
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S for most small-part work. Choose the DENSO VP-6242 for very light parts.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S or the DENSO VP-6242?
The LR Mate 200iD/4S is listed from $16,500 and the VP-6242 from $20,000, a difference of $3,500.
Which robot carries more?
The LR Mate 200iD/4S carries 4 kg; the VP-6242 2.5 kg.
Which robot is more precise?
The LR Mate 200iD/4S publishes ±0.01 mm and the VP-6242 ±0.02 mm.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The LR Mate 200iD/4S reaches 550 mm; the VP-6242 432 mm.
How heavy are they?
The LR Mate 200iD/4S weighs 20 kg; the VP-6242 15 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the LR Mate 200iD/4S for most small-part work. Choose the VP-6242 for very light parts.
