FANUC M-410iC/315 vs Yaskawa PL320: Palletizing Robot Comparison
Updated: 12 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE Yaskawa Motoman PL320 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. |
→ CONSIDER FANUC M-410iC/315 Consider it when its stated load and reach already cover your task and its controls fit your equipment. This article compares 315 kg with a published reach of 3143 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER Yaskawa Motoman PL320 Consider it when additional load capacity and reach matter. This article compares 320 kg with a published reach of 3159 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
💡 THE TAKEAWAY Choose the robot that handles your actual tool and part through the required path, with controls and support your team can use. Compare complete installation quotes, rather than arm-only prices. |
The FANUC M-410iC/315 and the Yaskawa Motoman PL320 are direct competitors: heavy four-axis palletizers with about 3.15 m reach and ±0.05 mm. The PL320 carries 5 kg more and is listed about 11% lower.
Quick verdict. The Yaskawa PL320 is the better value for heavy palletizing, with 320 kg and a listed price $10,000 lower. The FANUC M-410iC/315 is the natural choice for plants standardized on FANUC.
M-410iC/315 and PL320 at a glance
The FANUC M-410iC/315 carries 315 kg over 3143 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm and runs on the R-30iB Plus (A- or B-cabinet) controller. It weighs 1600 kg on the pedestal base, controller included.
The Yaskawa Motoman PL320 carries 320 kg over 3159 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs 1680 kg and runs on the YRC1000 controller.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC M-410iC/315 | Yaskawa Motoman PL320 |
Brand | FANUC | Yaskawa Motoman |
Listed price | $95,000 | $85,000 |
Payload | 315 kg | 320 kg |
Reach | 3143 mm | 3159 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 4 | 4 |
Arm weight | 1600 kg (pedestal base, controller included) | 1680 kg |
Controller | R-30iB Plus (A- or B-cabinet) | YRC1000 |
Price comparison

FANUC M-410iC/315: listed from $95,000
Yaskawa PL320: listed from $85,000
Difference: $10,000
The PL320 costs roughly 11% less
Same class

Both use four axes, reach about 3.15 m and publish ±0.05 mm. At 315 kg and 320 kg, both handle full layer grippers, multi-case picks and heavy bags.
Cable routing and installation
Yaskawa routes cables and air lines internally in the PL series, which protects gripper supplies during fast rotations. FANUC quotes 1600 kg for the M-410iC/315 including pedestal and controller; Yaskawa lists 1680 kg for the PL320 arm.
Controllers

FANUC runs the M-410iC/315 on the R-30iB Plus; Yaskawa runs the PL320 on the YRC1000. Plants already running one brand usually stay with it for spare parts and training.
Best applications for the M-410iC/315

Layer palletizing in FANUC plants
Heavy bag palletizing
Depalletizing
Best applications for the Yaskawa PL320
Layer palletizing
Multi-case picks
Pick-and-pack
M-410iC/315 advantages
±0.05 mm repeatability
FANUC ecosystem
M-410iC/315 limitations
About $10,000 higher listed price
Yaskawa PL320 advantages
About 11% lower listed price
320 kg payload
Internally routed cables
Yaskawa PL320 limitations
1680 kg arm
Final verdict
Choose the Yaskawa PL320 for value. Choose the FANUC M-410iC/315 for FANUC plants.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC M-410iC/315 or the Yaskawa PL320?
The PL320 is listed from $85,000 and the M-410iC/315 from $95,000, a difference of $10,000.
Are both four-axis palletizers?
Yes.
Which robot carries more?
The PL320 carries 320 kg; the M-410iC/315 315 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
They are almost equal: 3159 mm and 3143 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
Both publish ±0.05 mm.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the PL320 for value. Choose the M-410iC/315 for FANUC plants.


