FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH vs ABB IRB 120: Compact Robot Comparison at the Same Price
Updated: 12 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE This is a load-versus-reach trade-off: FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH has the higher stated load capacity, while ABB IRB 120 has the longer stated reach. Start with the constraint your task actually has. FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH has 5 axes, compared with 6 axes for ABB IRB 120. |
→ CONSIDER FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH Consider it when additional load capacity matters more than extra reach. This article compares 4 kg with a published reach of 550 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER ABB IRB 120 Consider it when reaching farther matters more than the higher payload of the alternative. This article compares 3 kg with a published reach of 580 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/4SH and the ABB IRB 120 are both listed from $16,000 and both repeat to ±0.01 mm. The LR Mate 4SH is a 5-axis, high-speed arm that carries 4 kg. The IRB 120 has six axes and reaches a little further.
Quick verdict. The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH is the better choice for fast pick-and-place of parts up to 4 kg, with joint speeds up to 1500°/s. The ABB IRB 120 is the better choice for assembly that needs full six-axis tool orientation, with a 580 mm reach.
LR Mate 200iD/4SH and IRB 120 at a glance
The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH carries 4 kg over 550 mm with 5 axes, repeats to ±0.01 mm, weighs 19 kg and runs on the R-30iB Plus series controller.
The ABB IRB 120 carries 3 kg over 580 mm with 6 axes, or 4 kg with the wrist pointing vertically down, repeats to ±0.01 mm and runs on IRC5.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH | ABB IRB 120 |
Brand | FANUC | ABB |
Listed price | $16,000 | $16,000 |
Payload | 4 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 550 mm | 580 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.01 mm | ±0.01 mm |
Axes | 5 | 6 |
Speed | J1 460°/s; J2 460°/s; J3 520°/s; J4 560°/s; J5 1500°/s | Not specified |
Arm weight | 19 kg | Not specified |
Controller | R-30iB Plus series | ABB IRC5 |
Price comparison
FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH: listed from $16,000
ABB IRB 120: listed from $16,000
Difference: none at list price
At the same listed price, axes, speed and payload decide the comparison.
Axes and speed
The LR Mate 4SH has 5 axes and is the short-arm, high-speed LR Mate, with joint speeds of 460°/s on J1 and J2, 520°/s on J3, 560°/s on J4 and 1500°/s on J5. It suits fast pick-and-place of flat parts where a sixth axis is not needed.
Payload, reach and orientation
The LR Mate 4SH carries 4 kg; the IRB 120 carries 3 kg, or 4 kg wrist-down. The IRB 120 reaches 580 mm, 30 mm more, and its 6 axes allow full tool orientation for assembly from several directions.
Controllers and mounting
The LR Mate 4SH weighs 19 kg and mounts on the floor, at an angle or inverted, running on FANUC's R-30iB Plus series controller. ABB runs the IRB 120 on IRC5. Both repeat to ±0.01 mm.
Best applications for the LR Mate 200iD/4SH
High-speed pick-and-place
Machine loading in confined spaces
Plants standardized on FANUC
Best applications for the ABB IRB 120
Small-part assembly from several angles
Light handling in tight cells
Plants standardized on ABB
LR Mate 200iD/4SH advantages
Joint speeds up to 1500°/s
4 kg in any orientation
±0.01 mm repeatability
LR Mate 200iD/4SH limitations
5 axes
ABB IRB 120 advantages
6 axes
580 mm reach
±0.01 mm repeatability
ABB IRB 120 limitations
3 kg payload except wrist-down
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH for fast handling. Choose the ABB IRB 120 for six-axis assembly.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH or the ABB IRB 120?
Both are listed from $16,000.
How many axes do they have?
The LR Mate 4SH has 5 axes and the IRB 120 6.
Which robot carries more?
The LR Mate 4SH carries 4 kg; the IRB 120 carries 3 kg, or 4 kg wrist-down.
Are they equally precise?
Yes. Both publish ±0.01 mm repeatability.
Which robot is faster?
FANUC publishes joint speeds up to 1500°/s for the LR Mate 4SH, which is built for high-speed handling.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the LR Mate 4SH for fast handling. Choose the IRB 120 for six-axis assembly.
