FANUC R-2000iC/220U vs Yaskawa SP235: Heavy Spot Welding Robot Comparison
The FANUC R-2000iC/220U and the Yaskawa Motoman SP235 both handle heavy spot guns at ±0.05 mm. The 220U mounts upside-down with 220 kg. The SP235 is a floor-mounted spot welder with 235 kg (250 kg without its cabling flange), listed about 35% lower.
Quick verdict. The Yaskawa SP235 is the better value for the heaviest floor-mounted spot guns, with 235 kg and a listed price $39,000 lower. The FANUC R-2000iC/220U is the better choice for overhead welding with a lighter arm.
R-2000iC/220U and SP235 at a glance
The FANUC R-2000iC/220U carries 220 kg over 2518 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs 1020 kg, mounts upside-down and runs on the R-30iB Plus or R-30iB Mate Plus controller.
The Yaskawa Motoman SP235 carries 235 kg over 2710 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs 1345 kg and runs on the YRC1000 controller. Yaskawa's catalog lists 250 kg without the cabling flange.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC R-2000iC/220U | Yaskawa Motoman SP235 |
Brand | FANUC | Yaskawa Motoman |
Listed price | $110,000 | $71,000 |
Payload | 220 kg | 235 kg |
Reach | 2518 mm | 2710 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Arm weight | 1020 kg | 1345 kg |
Controller | R-30iB Plus (A- or B-cabinet) or R-30iB Mate Plus | YRC1000 |
Price comparison
FANUC R-2000iC/220U: listed from $110,000
Yaskawa SP235: listed from $71,000
Difference: $39,000
The SP235 costs roughly 35% less
Payload for heavy guns
The SP235 carries 235 kg, 15 kg more than the 220U, and 250 kg without its cabling flange. That margin suits the largest servo guns, transformers and dress packs on body-in-white lines.
Mounting and reach
The 220U hangs upside-down and welds from above, freeing the floor. The SP235 is floor-mounted with 2710 mm reach, about 192 mm beyond the 2518 mm of the 220U.
Weight and controllers
The 220U weighs 1020 kg, the SP235 1345 kg. Both publish ±0.05 mm. FANUC runs the 220U on the R-30iB Plus or Mate Plus; Yaskawa runs the SP235 on the YRC1000 with an integrated spot harness.
Best applications for the R-2000iC/220U
Overhead spot welding
Dense automotive cells
Inverted press handling
Best applications for the Yaskawa SP235
Heaviest spot guns
Body-in-white lines
Floor-mounted stations
R-2000iC/220U advantages
Upside-down mounting
1020 kg arm
R-2000iC/220U limitations
About $39,000 higher listed price
220 kg payload
Yaskawa SP235 advantages
About 35% lower listed price
235 kg (250 kg without flange)
Integrated spot harness
Yaskawa SP235 limitations
1345 kg arm
Final verdict
Choose the Yaskawa SP235 for the heaviest guns. Choose the FANUC R-2000iC/220U for overhead welding.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC R-2000iC/220U or the Yaskawa SP235?
The SP235 is listed from $71,000 and the R-2000iC/220U from $110,000, a difference of $39,000.
Which robot carries more?
The SP235 carries 235 kg, or 250 kg without its cabling flange; the R-2000iC/220U 220 kg.
How are they mounted?
The R-2000iC/220U upside-down; the SP235 on the floor.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The SP235 reaches 2710 mm; the R-2000iC/220U 2518 mm.
How heavy are they?
The R-2000iC/220U weighs 1020 kg; the SP235 1345 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the SP235 for heavy floor welding. Choose the R-2000iC/220U for overhead welding.
