Yaskawa Motoman PL500 Review: Specs, Price and Applications of the 500 kg Palletizing Robot
Updated: 2 days ago
The Yaskawa Motoman PL500 is a 4-axis palletizing robot with a maximum payload of 500 kg, a reach of 3159 mm and ±0.05 mm repeatability, listed from USD 125,000. This review covers its full specifications, design, programming options, applications and price, so you can decide whether it fits your automation project.
Quick Verdict
The Yaskawa Motoman PL500 is a 4-axis palletizing robot with a maximum payload of 500 kg, a horizontal reach of 3159 mm and a repeatability of ±0.05 mm. It belongs to Yaskawa's PL series, which is designed for palletizing and pick-and-pack work with internally routed cables and air lines. The arm weighs 2390 kg and is installed on the floor, and it runs on the YRC1000 controller. It is listed from USD 125,000.
Yaskawa Motoman PL500 at a Glance
Maximum payload: 500 kg
Reach: 3159 mm
Axes: 4
Repeatability: ±0.05 mm
Weight: 2390 kg
Controller: YRC1000
Price: from USD 125,000
Yaskawa Motoman PL500 Technical Specifications
The table below lists the published specifications of the Yaskawa Motoman PL500.
Specification | Yaskawa Motoman PL500 |
Manufacturer | Yaskawa Motoman |
Model | PL500 |
Robot type | 4-axis palletizing robot |
Maximum payload | 500 kg |
Reach | 3159 mm |
Axes | 4 |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm |
Controller | YRC1000 |
Interfaces | EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, CC-Link, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, AS-Interface, OPC UA, 2 Ethernet ports, 40 digital inputs / 40 digital outputs |
Starting price | From USD 125,000 |
Detailed Technical Data
4 controlled axes
Max. payload 500 kg
Horizontal reach 3159 mm
Repeatability ±0.05 mm
Mass 2390 kg
Installation floor
Controller YRC1000
Design and Build Quality
The PL500 belongs to the Motoman PL-series. Published build data: mass 2390 kg; installation floor.
Programming and Software
INFORM and MotoSim
The PL500 runs on the YRC1000 controller and is programmed from the teach pendant in Yaskawa's INFORM language. Yaskawa's MotoSim software is available for offline programming and simulation.
Industrial Communication
Published interfaces are EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, CC-Link, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, AS-Interface, OPC UA, 2 Ethernet ports and 40 digital inputs / 40 digital outputs.
Yaskawa Motoman PL500 Applications and Use Cases
Typical applications for the PL500 are material handling, machine tending, assembly, packaging, inspection and dispensing.
Material handling
A 500 kg maximum payload and a 3159 mm reach let the PL500 move parts between stations, fixtures and conveyors.
Machine tending
The PL500 loads and unloads machine tools, presses and moulding machines within its 3159 mm reach.
Assembly
Repeatability of ±0.05 mm supports fitting, inserting and fastening parts in assembly cells.
Yaskawa Motoman PL500 Price and Value
The Yaskawa Motoman PL500 is listed from USD 125,000 on All Things Cobots. The controller, end effectors, safety equipment and integration affect the final price and are quoted separately. Prices are indicative, are not final and may change.
Pros and Cons
Pros
500 kg maximum payload with a 3159 mm reach
±0.05 mm repeatability
Wide choice of industrial fieldbus interfaces
Cons
4 axes limit tool orientation compared with a 6-axis arm
Needs safety fencing or equivalent safeguarding
The 500 kg maximum payload includes the end effector
End effectors, safety equipment and integration are quoted separately
Who Should Buy the Yaskawa Motoman PL500?
The Yaskawa Motoman PL500 fits end-of-line operations that palletize cases, bags or crates.
See the full Yaskawa Motoman PL500 product listing on All Things Cobots.
Yaskawa Motoman PL500 FAQ
How much does the Yaskawa Motoman PL500 cost?
The Yaskawa Motoman PL500 is listed from USD 125,000 on All Things Cobots. The price is indicative and may change, and it does not include end effectors, safety equipment or integration.
What is the payload and reach of the Yaskawa Motoman PL500?
The PL500 has a maximum payload of 500 kg and a reach of 3159 mm.
How accurate is the Yaskawa Motoman PL500?
Its published repeatability is ±0.05 mm.
How many axes does the Yaskawa Motoman PL500 have?
The PL500 has 4 axes.
How is the Yaskawa Motoman PL500 programmed?
It is programmed from the teach pendant in Yaskawa's INFORM language, and MotoSim is available for offline programming and simulation.
Which controller does the Yaskawa Motoman PL500 use?
It runs on the YRC1000 controller.
How much does the Yaskawa Motoman PL500 weigh?
Published mass 2390 kg.
How can the Yaskawa Motoman PL500 be mounted?
Published installation options: floor.
What is the Yaskawa Motoman PL500 used for?
Typical applications are material handling, machine tending, assembly, packaging, inspection and dispensing.
Specifications and prices are based on manufacturer and distributor information. Prices are indicative, are not final and may change.
