FANUC M-410iC/500 vs Yaskawa PL500: 500 kg Palletizing Robot Comparison
Updated: 10 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE Both are compared at 500 kg. Yaskawa Motoman PL500 has the longer stated reach, which may help reach separated fixtures; it does not guarantee access at every tool angle. |
→ CONSIDER FANUC M-410iC/500 Consider it when its stated load and reach already cover your task and its controls fit your equipment. This article compares 500 kg with a published reach of 3143 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER Yaskawa Motoman PL500 Consider it when extra reach is useful while the compared load capacity is the same. This article compares 500 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/500 and the Yaskawa Motoman PL500 are near twins: 500 kg four-axis palletizers with about 3.15 m reach and ±0.05 mm. Here FANUC is the cheaper option, listed about 4% lower.
Quick verdict. The FANUC M-410iC/500 is slightly better value, with the same 500 kg class at a listed price $5,000 lower. The Yaskawa PL500 is the better choice for plants on Yaskawa and for internally routed cables and air lines.
M-410iC/500 and PL500 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 Yaskawa Motoman PL500 carries 500 kg over 3159 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs 2390 kg and runs on the YRC1000 controller.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC M-410iC/500 | Yaskawa Motoman PL500 |
Brand | FANUC | Yaskawa Motoman |
Listed price | $120,000 | $125,000 |
Payload | 500 kg | 500 kg |
Reach | 3143 mm | 3159 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 4 | 4 |
Arm weight | 2410 kg (pedestal base, controller included) | 2390 kg |
Controller | R-30iB Plus (A- or B-cabinet) | YRC1000 |
Price comparison
FANUC M-410iC/500: listed from $120,000
Yaskawa PL500: listed from $125,000
Difference: $5,000
The M-410iC/500 costs roughly 4% less
Same class
Both carry 500 kg, use four axes, reach about 3.15 m and publish ±0.05 mm. They suit full-layer palletizing, heavy bags and drum handling at the end of high-volume lines.
Details that differ
Yaskawa routes cables and air lines internally on the PL series. FANUC quotes 2410 kg for the M-410iC/500 including pedestal and controller; Yaskawa lists 2390 kg for the PL500 arm. Both need substantial foundations.
Controllers
FANUC runs the M-410iC/500 on the R-30iB Plus; Yaskawa runs the PL500 on the YRC1000. With nearly identical specs and prices, the controller family a plant already uses is usually the deciding factor.
Best applications for the M-410iC/500
Full-layer palletizing
Heavy bag palletizing
FANUC-standardized lines
Best applications for the Yaskawa PL500
Full-layer palletizing
Heavy drum handling
Yaskawa-standardized lines
M-410iC/500 advantages
About 4% lower listed price
±0.05 mm repeatability
M-410iC/500 limitations
2410 kg with pedestal and controller
Yaskawa PL500 advantages
Internally routed cables and air lines
3159 mm reach
Yaskawa PL500 limitations
About $5,000 higher listed price
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC M-410iC/500 for value. Choose the Yaskawa PL500 for Yaskawa plants.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC M-410iC/500 or the Yaskawa PL500?
The M-410iC/500 is listed from $120,000 and the PL500 from $125,000, a difference of $5,000.
Do both carry 500 kg?
Yes.
Are both four-axis palletizers?
Yes.
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 M-410iC/500 for value. Choose the PL500 for Yaskawa plants.
