FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH vs ABB IRB 1200: Compact Robot Comparison
The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH and the ABB IRB 1200 suit different handling jobs. The LR Mate 4SH is a 5-axis, high-speed arm with ±0.01 mm repeatability and costs about 38% less. The IRB 1200 has six axes, carries 5 to 7 kg and reaches 700 to 900 mm.
Quick verdict. The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH is the better choice for fast pick-and-place of light parts in tight cells, with joint speeds up to 1500°/s, ±0.01 mm repeatability and a listed price about 38% lower. The ABB IRB 1200 is the better choice for heavier parts, larger cells and tasks that need six-axis tool orientation.
LR Mate 200iD/4SH and IRB 1200 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 1200 comes as the 7 kg / 700 mm version or the 5 kg / 900 mm version, with 6 axes and ±0.02–0.025 mm repeatability.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH | ABB IRB 1200 |
Brand | FANUC | ABB |
Listed price | $16,000 | $26,000 |
Payload | 4 kg | 5–7 kg |
Reach | 550 mm | 700–900 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.01 mm | ±0.02–0.025 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 OmniCore or IRC5 |
Price comparison
FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH: listed from $16,000
ABB IRB 1200: listed from $26,000
Difference: $10,000
The LR Mate 4SH costs roughly 38% less
Speed and axes
The LR Mate 4SH 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. Its 5 axes suit fast pick-and-place where full six-axis wrist orientation is not needed.
Payload, reach and orientation
The IRB 1200 carries 5 to 7 kg over 700 to 900 mm and its 6 axes allow full tool orientation. That suits machine tending with heavier grippers and parts that must be presented at angles.
Precision and mounting
FANUC publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability for the LR Mate 4SH, against ±0.02 to ±0.025 mm for the IRB 1200. The LR Mate 4SH weighs 19 kg and mounts on the floor, at an angle or inverted. ABB offers the IRB 1200 on OmniCore or IRC5.
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 1200
Handling up to 7 kg
Machine tending over 700 to 900 mm
Plants standardized on ABB
LR Mate 200iD/4SH advantages
Joint speeds up to 1500°/s
±0.01 mm repeatability
About 38% lower listed price
LR Mate 200iD/4SH limitations
5 axes and 4 kg payload
ABB IRB 1200 advantages
6 axes
5 to 7 kg payload
700 mm or 900 mm reach
ABB IRB 1200 limitations
About $10,000 higher listed price
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH for fast light handling at a lower price. Choose the ABB IRB 1200 for heavier parts and six-axis tasks.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH or the ABB IRB 1200?
The LR Mate 4SH is listed from $16,000 and the IRB 1200 from $26,000, a difference of $10,000.
How many axes do they have?
The LR Mate 4SH has 5 axes and the IRB 1200 6.
Which robot carries more?
The IRB 1200 carries 5 to 7 kg depending on version; the LR Mate 4SH carries 4 kg.
Which robot is more precise?
The LR Mate 4SH publishes ±0.01 mm and the IRB 1200 ±0.02 to ±0.025 mm.
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 light handling. Choose the IRB 1200 for heavier six-axis tasks.
