Comparing the FANUC LR Mate 200i Robots
Several years ago the robotic industry recognized the need for more small and compact industrial robots. The development of small industrial robots has filled the void for the automation of applications involving small workpieces and confined workspaces. Small industrial robots are able to operate in spaces that are too small for large industrial robot arms and also offer greater versatility with more mounting options. FANUC was one of the robotic manufacturers to meet the need for small robotic manipulators with the development of their LR Mate 200i robots.
The FANUC LR Mate 200i robots feature several compact material handling models. The FANUC LR Mate 200i robot series has been one of their most successful with multiple generations of six axis robot models. There are three generations of LR Mate 200i robots available. These are the LR Mate 200iB, LR Mate 200iC, and the LR Mate 200iD with several additional variations.
The FANUC LR Mate 200iB is one of the older LR Mate robots. It features six axes, a payload of 5 kg, and a reach of 700 mm. The LR Mate 200iB is paired with FANUC’s RJ3iB controller. The LR Mate 200iB allows for ultimate flexibility with various mounting options including tabletop, floor, overhead, and angle. It also features the ability to flip backwards, expanding its work envelope. The LR Mate 200iB features additional variations including a cleanroom option, a pressure washing option, the extended reach LR Mate 200iB/3L, and a high speed variation. The FANUC LR Mate 200iB and its variations can still be found on the used robot market.
FANUC built upon the success of the LR Mate 200iB with the release of its successor, the FANUC LR Mate 200iC. Like the LR Mate 200iB, the 200iC features a 6 axes and a 5 kg payload. However, it’s reach was slightly improved to 704 mm. The LR Mate 200iC kept the ability to bend completely backwards for an expanded work envelope along with tabletop, floor, inverted, and angled mounting options. There are multiple variations of the LR Mate 200iC, offering more than the LR Mate 200iB. These include the extended reach LR Mate 200iC/5L, a food grade option, a cleanroom variation, a 5-axis model, and a high speed variation. The LR Mate 200iC is paired with the R-30iA controller.
The FANUC LR Mate 200iD is the latest generation of LR Mate 200i robots. Like its predecessors, it features 6 axes. However, the LR Mate 200iD has received upgrades for both payload and reach. This articulated robots features two more kilograms of payload capacity at 7 kg and has a longer reach of 717 mm. It also features a lighter mass than the previous LR Mate robot manipulators. FANUC kept the backwards operation capability as well as the various mounting options with the LR Mate 200iD. Upgrades to the industrial robotic arm include complete IP67 protection, faster accelerations, and a smoother operation thanks to more powerful servo motors and a rigid arm design. With the LR Mate 200iD cycle times can significantly decrease. The LR Mate 200iD also features the most variations of the LR Mate 200i robots. These include the short-arm LR Mate 200id/4S, the extended reach LR Mate 200id/7L, a cleanroom option, a 5-axis variation, a wash proof option, and the higher payload FANUC LR Mate 200id/14L. The FANUC LR Mate 200iD is compatible with the R-30iB and R-30iB Plus controllers.