FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH vs ABB IRB 1600: High-Speed vs General-Purpose Robot
Updated: 8 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE This comparison includes family-level ranges: FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH 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. FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH has 5 axes, compared with 6 axes for ABB IRB 1600. |
→ CONSIDER FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH 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/4SH and the ABB IRB 1600 suit different handling tasks. The LR Mate 4SH is a 5-axis, high-speed arm for light parts in tight cells at about 62% less. The IRB 1600 is a 6-axis general-purpose robot with 6 or 10 kg payload and up to 1450 mm reach.
Quick verdict. The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH is the better choice for fast pick-and-place of light parts, with joint speeds up to 1500°/s, ±0.01 mm repeatability and a listed price about 62% lower. The ABB IRB 1600 is the better choice for heavier parts, larger cells and tasks that need full six-axis orientation.
LR Mate 200iD/4SH and IRB 1600 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 1600 carries 6 or 10 kg over 1200 or 1450 mm with 6 axes, repeats to ±0.02 to ±0.05 mm and runs on IRC5 or OmniCore.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH | ABB IRB 1600 |
Brand | FANUC | ABB |
Listed price | $16,000 | $42,000 |
Payload | 4 kg | 6–10 kg |
Reach | 550 mm | 1200–1450 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.01 mm | ±0.02–0.05 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 or OmniCore |
Price comparison
FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH: listed from $16,000
ABB IRB 1600: listed from $42,000
Difference: $26,000
The LR Mate 4SH costs roughly 62% 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 a sixth axis is not needed; the IRB 1600's 6 axes allow full tool orientation.
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 4SH. Machine tending with heavier grippers and handling between stations need the IRB 1600.
Precision and mounting
FANUC publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability for the LR Mate 4SH, against ±0.02 to ±0.05 mm for the IRB 1600. The LR Mate 4SH weighs 19 kg and mounts on the floor, at an angle or inverted. ABB runs the IRB 1600 on IRC5 or OmniCore.
Best applications for the LR Mate 200iD/4SH
High-speed pick-and-place
Machine loading in confined spaces
Light handling up to 4 kg
Best applications for the ABB IRB 1600
Machine tending up to 10 kg
Material handling across 1450 mm
Process applications
LR Mate 200iD/4SH advantages
Joint speeds up to 1500°/s
±0.01 mm repeatability
About 62% lower listed price
LR Mate 200iD/4SH limitations
5 axes and 4 kg payload
ABB IRB 1600 advantages
6 axes
6 or 10 kg payload and up to 1450 mm reach
ABB IRB 1600 limitations
About $26,000 higher listed price
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH for fast light handling. Choose the ABB IRB 1600 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 1600?
The LR Mate 4SH is listed from $16,000 and the IRB 1600 from $42,000, a difference of $26,000.
How many axes do they have?
The LR Mate 4SH has 5 axes and the IRB 1600 6.
Which robot carries more?
The IRB 1600 carries 6 or 10 kg; the LR Mate 4SH 4 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The IRB 1600 reaches 1200 or 1450 mm; the LR Mate 4SH 550 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The LR Mate 4SH publishes ±0.01 mm and the IRB 1600 ±0.02 to ±0.05 mm.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the LR Mate 4SH for fast light handling. Choose the IRB 1600 for heavier six-axis work.
