Fanuc robots in industrial use
Fanuc robots are used in a wide variety of automation concepts – the key factor is not so much "the robot itself," but rather the interplay between mechanics, control system, software options, and peripherals. On this category page, you will find specific units and assemblies as they are typically procured for industrial applications: complete robot systems, individual control cabinets, or compact application cells.
Fundamentals: Mechanics, axes and control as a system
A Fanuc robot system typically consists of the robot arm (often 6 axes, optionally expandable with external axes), a control cabinet (e.g., R-J3iB or R-30iA/R-30iB), and a teach pendant for commissioning and programming. Depending on the controller class, different user interfaces, diagnostic functions, and integration options are available; for example, the R-30iB Plus generation incorporates several hardware elements andmore than 250 software functionsAs described. For your procurement, it is therefore important that the robot, controller and software packages are compatible and that the required interfaces are specified in the respective offer.
Areas of application: from handling to welding and painting
The range extends from handling and machine tending to assembly tasks and process-specific applications such as arc welding (e.g., Arc-Mate configurations) or coating. Accordingly, this category includes not only individual robots but also combinations such as a compact cell with welding technology, ideal for quickly bringing an application into production. Also relevant in the context ofFANUC RoboticsAre painting solutions relevant? For painting and coating applications, special paint variants are described, which can take into account, among other things, requirements for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Advantages and special features: Standardization, integration and options
From a procurement perspective, standardization and integration capabilities are particularly relevant: Controller generations, teach pendant variants, safety and fieldbus connectivity, as well as optional functions (e.g., vision or force control) influence effort, program reusability, and future expansions. For painting applications, there are also controller variants with a purge unit, designed for paint systems. Therefore, it is crucial that the offered products clearly specify their features and options – rather than making vague promises.
Selection, purchase and comparison: How to make the right decision
Five points are particularly relevant for the selection process: First, the model series and mechanics (e.g., compact LR-Mate class versus larger multi-purpose robots); second, the controller generation; third, the specified scope of delivery (robot, control cabinet, cable set, teach pendant, and any peripherals); fourth, available interfaces/options; and fifth, the condition (new, tested used, or spare control cabinet).Industrial robots from FANUCWhen comparing, also check whether it is a complete system or just a component – such as a single control cabinet for replacement/retrofit scenarios. Many projects fail not because of mechanical issues, but because of incompatible components.FANUC robot controlleror missing options; therefore, nameplate data, control designation and equipment features should be carefully compared before ordering.
Other typical questions
Which control system is suitable for my inventory?
In practice, the generation (e.g., R-J3iB vs. R-30iA/R-30iB) and the specific robot software configuration are the deciding factors. If you provide us with the robot and controller designations as well as the desired options, we can determine compatibility much more quickly than by using general model assumptions.
What does "complete" mean in the offer?
Complete systems typically include a robot arm and control cabinet; whether a teach pendant, cable set, basic software, or additional hardware (e.g., external axis) is included is specified in the respective product description. For integration projects, you should compare the scope of delivery with your planned cell requirements (safety, I/O, fieldbus) beforehand.
Does FANUC offer painting robots suitable for sensitive environments?
For paint applications, models are described that can meet ATEX requirements for defined zones, and controller variants with a flushing unit for paint systems exist. Since such projects depend heavily on the environment, medium, and zone, you should clearly define the requirements (zone/category, process, booth concept) before making a selection.
Is buying used worthwhile?
Used systems can be a sensible option if their condition and features are clearly documented and the integration (controller generation, options, interfaces) is truly compatible. Pay particular attention to fully available documentation/backups, suitable peripherals, and ensuring that the specified configuration precisely matches your application.
