KUKA, FANUC and ABB, together with Yaskawa, built the industrial robot market. Their arms run in almost every car plant and in thousands of smaller factories. They are reliable, well supported and well known by integrators, but they are rarely the cheapest option, and many small manufacturers now ask whether a newer brand can do the same job for less.
This guide explains what each of the big brands is known for, how their robot arms are priced and which alternatives are worth comparing. Alternative prices are Robots store list prices checked on 16 October 2026; industrial arms from SIASUN are sold on quote.
Contents
The big brands at a glance
| Brand | Home | Typical strengths | Programming language |
|---|---|---|---|
| FANUC | Japan | Huge installed base, reliability, CNC integration | TP (teach pendant) and KAREL |
| ABB | Switzerland and Sweden | Painting, precision, wide portfolio, strong simulation software | RAPID |
| KUKA | Germany (Midea group) | Automotive lines, heavy payloads, strong in Europe | KRL |
| Yaskawa Motoman | Japan | Arc welding, handling, servo technology | INFORM |
KUKA robot arms
KUKA’s best-known lines are the compact KR AGILUS for small parts, KR CYBERTECH for mid payloads, KR QUANTEC and KR FORTEC for heavy loads, and the LBR iiwa and LBR iisy collaborative robots. KUKA is especially strong in German and European automotive plants and has a large integrator network in Europe.
FANUC robot arms
FANUC’s range runs from the small LR Mate series to the M-20, M-710 and R-2000 families and the very large M-2000. Its green CRX cobots made FANUC a major player in collaborative robots. FANUC controllers are familiar to many maintenance teams because the same company builds CNC controls.
ABB robot arms
ABB’s industrial arms are named IRB followed by a number, from the small IRB 1100 to the large IRB 6700 and IRB 8700. Its cobot line includes GoFa, SWIFTI and the dual-arm YuMi. ABB’s RobotStudio software is widely used for offline programming and simulation.
What do big-brand robot arms cost?
Big-brand prices are set through quotes and depend on model, controller, options and region, so published list prices are rare. As a rough guide used by integrators:
| Robot class | Typical new price, arm and controller | Typical complete cell |
|---|---|---|
| Small industrial arm (up to about 20 kg) | €25,000 to €45,000 | €60,000 to €150,000 |
| Medium to heavy arm (50 to 300 kg) | €45,000 to €100,000+ | €150,000 to €400,000+ |
| Big-brand cobot | €25,000 to €50,000 | €50,000 to €100,000 |
| Used or refurbished industrial arm | €8,000 to €30,000 | Plus integration and safety |
Integration, tooling and safety often cost as much as the robot. Our commercial robot costs guide explains the full budget.
Affordable alternatives
1SIASUN industrial arms
One of China’s largest industrial robot makers, with arms from small 4 kg models to 500 kg heavy-payload robots, plus welding, palletising and polishing systems.
SIASUN SR12A (on quote), SR210A (on quote), SR500A (on quote).
2Fairino cobots
Low-priced collaborative robots from 3 to 30 kg with tablet programming and hand guiding. A common choice for first automation projects.
FR5 (€5,134), FR10 (€9,176), FR16 (€11,007), FR30 (€14,677).
4Light research arms
For labs and light tasks: AgileX PiPER (€4,583), Unitree Z1 Pro (€12,755) and myCobot Pro 630 (€6,422).
Compare industrial robot arms and cobots with current prices for your region.
Product links go to Robots stores (Europe, USA and other regions) through our partner link. If you buy through them, Dijipedya may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Big brand or alternative?
| Choose a big brand if… | Consider an alternative if… |
|---|---|
| Your plant already standardises on that brand | This is your first robot or a stand-alone cell |
| You need a specific certified application (automotive, painting) | The task is standard handling, packing or tending |
| Local integrators only support that brand | A local partner supports the alternative |
| Resale value and long-term spare parts are critical | Upfront cost and payback time matter most |
Whatever you choose, check service response time, spare parts stock and training in your country. Our warranty and support checklist helps. For basics on arm types and specs, see robotic arms guide; for the wider market, top robotics companies.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a KUKA robot cost?
KUKA sells through quotes. Small industrial arms with controller typically cost about €25,000 to €45,000 new, and heavy-payload robots €45,000 to €100,000 or more, before integration.
How much does a FANUC robot arm cost?
Similar to KUKA: roughly €25,000 to €45,000 for small arms and more for heavy models, while used FANUC arms can cost €8,000 to €30,000 plus integration.
What is the difference between KUKA, FANUC and ABB?
All three make reliable industrial arms. FANUC is known for its installed base and CNC links, ABB for painting and RobotStudio simulation, and KUKA for automotive lines and a strong European integrator network.
What are cheaper alternatives to KUKA and FANUC?
Chinese makers such as SIASUN for industrial arms and Fairino for cobots offer lower prices. Fairino cobots start at about €4,900 (Robots list prices, October 2026).
Is a used industrial robot a good idea?
It can be for standard tasks if the controller is supported, spare parts are available and a refurbisher or integrator offers a warranty.
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Related guides on Dijipedya
Sources: KUKA, FANUC, ABB and Yaskawa product pages; Robots Europa product catalogue and price list (16 October 2026); SIASUN and Fairino product pages. Big-brand price ranges are typical integrator estimates, not manufacturer list prices.
