FANUC M-410iC/500 vs ABB IRB 8700: Heavy Robot Comparison
The FANUC M-410iC/500 and the ABB IRB 8700 are both very heavy robots, but they do different work. The M-410iC/500 is a four-axis palletizer and costs about a quarter less. The IRB 8700 is a six-axis robot with 550 to 800 kg for large, heavy parts on lines that run around the clock.
Quick verdict. The FANUC M-410iC/500 is the better choice for heavy palletizing, with 500 kg and a listed price $40,000 lower. The ABB IRB 8700 is the better choice for heavy six-axis handling of car bodies, chassis and large parts, with up to 800 kg and 4200 mm reach.
M-410iC/500 and IRB 8700 at a glance
The FANUC M-410iC/500 carries 500 kg over 3143 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm and runs on the R-30iB Plus (A- or B-cabinet) controller. It weighs 2410 kg on the pedestal base, controller included.
The ABB IRB 8700 comes as 800 kg / 3500 mm at ±0.05 mm or 550 kg / 4200 mm at ±0.08 mm, weighs 4527 to 4575 kg and runs on IRC5 or OmniCore.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC M-410iC/500 | ABB IRB 8700 |
Brand | FANUC | ABB |
Listed price | $120,000 | $160,000 |
Payload | 500 kg | 550–800 kg |
Reach | 3143 mm | 3500–4200 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.05–0.08 mm |
Axes | 4 | 6 |
Arm weight | 2410 kg (pedestal base, controller included) | 4527–4575 kg |
Controller | R-30iB Plus (A- or B-cabinet) | ABB IRC5 or OmniCore |
Price comparison
FANUC M-410iC/500: listed from $120,000
ABB IRB 8700: listed from $160,000
Difference: $40,000
The M-410iC/500 costs roughly 25% less
Four axes against six
The M-410iC/500 uses four axes to keep layers and cases level, which is all palletizing needs. The IRB 8700 uses six axes, so it can turn, tilt and present heavy parts such as car bodies and chassis frames to welding, assembly or machining stations.
Payload and reach
The IRB 8700 carries 800 kg over 3500 mm or 550 kg over 4200 mm; with LeanID dressing the figures are 630 and 475 kg. The M-410iC/500 carries 500 kg over 3143 mm. Both publish ±0.05 mm in their main versions.
Installation
The IRB 8700 weighs 4527 to 4575 kg, almost twice the 2410 kg FANUC quotes for the M-410iC/500 with its pedestal and controller. Both need substantial foundations. ABB designs the IRB 8700 for lines where downtime on a heavy-lift station stops the whole line.
Best applications for the M-410iC/500
Full-layer palletizing
Heavy depalletizing
Plants standardized on FANUC
Best applications for the ABB IRB 8700
Car body and chassis handling
Heavy material transfer
Large parts on 24/7 lines
M-410iC/500 advantages
About 25% lower listed price
Dedicated palletizer
M-410iC/500 limitations
Four axes only
ABB IRB 8700 advantages
Up to 800 kg
Up to 4200 mm reach
Six axes
ABB IRB 8700 limitations
About $40,000 higher listed price
Over 4.5 t arm weight
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC M-410iC/500 for heavy palletizing. Choose the ABB IRB 8700 for heavy six-axis handling.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC M-410iC/500 or the ABB IRB 8700?
The M-410iC/500 is listed from $120,000 and the IRB 8700 from $160,000, a difference of $40,000.
Which robot carries more?
The IRB 8700 carries up to 800 kg; the M-410iC/500 500 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The IRB 8700 reaches up to 4200 mm; the M-410iC/500 3143 mm.
How many axes do they have?
The M-410iC/500 has four axes; the IRB 8700 six.
How heavy is the IRB 8700?
It weighs 4527 to 4575 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the M-410iC/500 for palletizing. Choose the IRB 8700 for heavy six-axis handling.
