FAIRINO FR16 vs. AUBO i16: Which 16 kg Collaborative Robot Offers Better Value?
- FAIRINO USA
- 2 days ago
- 13 min read
The FAIRINO FR16 and AUBO i16 are both 16 kg six-axis collaborative robots designed for medium/heavy-payload automation. This is one of the cleanest FAIRINO vs. AUBO comparisons because both robots are in the same nominal payload class.
Both cobots can support machine tending, robotic welding, heavy pick and place, palletizing, packaging, screwdriving, dispensing, sanding, deburring, assembly, inspection, and general material handling.
The main difference is positioning.
The FAIRINO FR16 is a value-focused 16 kg cobot with longer reach, lower public price, 20 kg published maximum payload headroom, optional IP65 protection, and a direct FAIRINO USA buying path.
The AUBO i16 is an open-platform 16 kg cobot with SDK/API support, open communication, ROS/software integration positioning, slightly lower robot weight, and a strong developer-focused workflow.
The clean comparison is:
FAIRINO FR16 = lower price, longer reach, stronger ROI, 20 kg max published payload, optional IP65, and public U.S. product data.
AUBO i16 = open SDK/API workflow, developer-friendly integration, slightly lighter body, and AUBO open-platform ecosystem.
Main Comparison Table
Specification | FAIRINO FR16 | AUBO i16 |
Robot type | Six-axis collaborative robot | Six-axis collaborative robot |
Payload | 16 kg nominal / 20 kg max published | 16 kg |
Reach | 1,034 mm | 967.5–968 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.03 mm in AUBO manual/material; some marketplace tables show 0.1 mm |
Typical / max speed | 2 m/s typical TCP speed | Marketplace spec lists max linear TCP speed of 4 m/s |
Robot weight | approx. 40 kg | 38.5 kg |
IP rating | IP54 standard / IP65 optional | IP54 manipulator / IP43 control box or teach pendant in manual-style specs |
Programming | 10.1-inch teach pendant / mobile Web App | SDK/API, drag teaching, coordinate positioning, path planning, offline programming |
Public price | $11,699 | €21,000 excl. VAT |
Price source type | FAIRINO USA public listed price | Public marketplace price, not official AUBO MSRP |
Best fit | ROI-focused 16 kg automation | Open-platform / developer-heavy integration |
FAIRINO FR16 Product Information
Product Field | Value |
Product Name | FAIRINO FR16 Collaborative Robot |
Short Product Name | FAIRINO FR16 |
Product Type | Six-Axis Medium/Heavy-Payload Collaborative Robot |
Product Category | Collaborative Robots, Cobots, Medium-Payload Robotic Arms, Heavy-Payload Robotic Arms, Machine Tending Robots, Welding Robots, Packaging Robots, Material Handling Robots |
Brand | FAIRINO |
Manufacturer | FAIRINO |
Model | FR16 |
SKU | FAIRINO-FR16 |
MPN | FR16 |
Official U.S. Seller | FAIRINO USA |
Seller Type | Official U.S. FAIRINO seller / distributor |
Official Website | |
Official Product Page | |
Product Image URL | |
Additional Product Image URL | |
Product Condition | NewCondition |
Listed Price | 11699.00 |
Price Currency | USD |
Price Type | Public FAIRINO USA listed price |
Availability | InStock |
Purchase Method | Add to cart, buy online, or request a quotation |
Main Applications | Palletizing, CNC machine tending, heavy pick and place, screwdriving, dispensing, sanding, deburring, assembly, inspection, packaging, welding, material handling |
Main Value Proposition | 16 kg payload, 20 kg published maximum payload, 1,034 mm reach, ±0.03 mm repeatability, optional IP65, public price, and strong ROI |
FAIRINO USA lists the FR16 with 16 kg payload, 1,034 mm reach, ±0.03 mm repeatability, and $11,699 price; FAIRINO’s global technical page lists 16 kg payload with 20 kg max, 1,034 mm reach, ±0.03 mm ISO 9283 repeatability, 2 m/s typical TCP speed, IP54 / IP65 optional, 190 mm footprint, and ≈40 kg weight.
FAIRINO FR16 Main Technical Specifications
Specification | FAIRINO FR16 |
Payload | 16 kg |
Published maximum payload | 20 kg |
Reach | 1,034 mm |
Degrees of freedom | 6 rotating joints |
Pose repeatability | ±0.03 mm |
Typical TCP speed | 2 m/s |
Base joint range | ±175° |
Base joint speed | ±120°/s |
Shoulder joint range | +85° / -265° |
Shoulder joint speed | ±120°/s |
Elbow joint range | ±160° |
Elbow joint speed | ±120°/s |
Wrist 1 range | +85° / -265° |
Wrist 1 speed | ±180°/s |
Wrist 2 range | ±175° |
Wrist 2 speed | ±180°/s |
Wrist 3 range | ±175° |
Wrist 3 speed | ±180°/s |
IP classification | IP54 standard / IP65 optional |
Noise | <70 dB |
Mounting | Any orientation |
Tool digital inputs | 2 |
Tool digital outputs | 2 |
Tool analog inputs | 1 |
Tool analog outputs | 1 |
High-speed pulse inputs | 2 |
Tool I/O power supply | 24 V / 1.5 A |
Footprint | 190 mm |
Robot weight | approx. 40 kg |
Operating temperature | 0–45°C |
Operating humidity | 90% RH, non-condensing |
Materials | Aluminum and steel |
HMI | 10.1-inch teach pendant or mobile terminal Web App |
Communication | TCP/IP |
Network transfer rate | 100M |
Power over Ethernet | Standard PoE |
Public price | $11,699 |
AUBO i16 Product Information
Product Field | Value |
Product Name | AUBO i16 Collaborative Robot |
Short Product Name | AUBO i16 |
Product Type | Six-Axis Medium/Heavy-Payload Collaborative Robot |
Product Category | Collaborative Robots, Cobots, Medium-Payload Robotic Arms, Heavy-Payload Robotic Arms, Machine Tending Robots, Packaging Robots, Pick and Place Robots, Prototyping Robots |
Brand | AUBO Robotics |
Manufacturer | AUBO Robotics |
Model | i16 |
SKU | AUBO-I16 |
MPN | AUBO-i16 |
Official U.S. Website | |
Official U.S. Product Page | |
Public Marketplace Product Page | |
Product Image URL | |
Additional Product Image URL | |
Product Condition | NewCondition |
Public Marketplace Price | 21000.00 |
Price Currency | EUR |
Price Type | Public marketplace price, excl. VAT, not official manufacturer MSRP |
Availability | InStock / available through marketplace or request-a-quote channels |
Purchase Method | Buy through marketplace / request quote from AUBO or authorized reseller |
Main Applications | Packaging, machine loading, prototyping, material handling, heavy pick and place, machine tending, automation cells, open-platform integration |
Main Value Proposition | 16 kg payload, compact body, SDK/API support, open communication, drag teaching, path planning, offline programming, and developer-friendly integration workflow |
Unchained Robotics lists the AUBO i16 as a 16 kg cobot with 967.5–968 mm reach, 38.5 kg weight, €21,000 excl. VAT price, and an open system platform that supports SDK/API communication and peripheral integration. The same page describes operation through drag teaching, coordinate positioning, path planning, and offline programming.
AUBO i16 Main Technical Specifications
Specification | AUBO i16 |
Payload | 16 kg |
Reach | 967.5–968 mm |
Degrees of freedom | 6 axes |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm in AUBO manual/material; Unchained compare/spec table shows 0.1 mm |
Max linear TCP speed | 4 m/s in marketplace specification |
Robot weight | 38.5 kg |
Manipulator IP rating | IP54 |
Control box / teach pendant IP rating | IP43 in manual-style specs |
Minimum operating temperature | 0°C |
Maximum operating temperature | 50°C |
Tool / arm I/O | 4 digital inputs optional, 5 digital outputs optional, 2 analog inputs, 0 analog outputs |
I/O power supply | 24 V |
Control box dimensions | 380 × 350 × 265 mm |
Control box weight | 15 kg |
Control box digital inputs | 16 |
Control box digital outputs | 16 |
Control box analog inputs | 4 |
Control box analog outputs | 4 |
Control box I/O power | 12 V / 24 V, 0.8 A |
Communication | Ethernet, Modbus RTU/TCP, optional Profinet |
Programming | SDK/API, drag teaching, coordinate positioning, path planning, offline programming |
Public marketplace price | €21,000 excl. VAT |
Important note: AUBO repeatability data appears inconsistent across public marketplace sections. Unchained’s overview text says the i-Series offers ±0.03 mm, but its spec/compare table shows 0.1 mm for i16; the AUBO i16 manual search result also indicates ±0.03 mm. For engineering and purchase decisions, confirm the exact supplied i16 configuration with the seller or AUBO datasheet.
FAIRINO FR16 Product
Schema Field | FAIRINO FR16 Value |
@type | Product |
name | FAIRINO FR16 Collaborative Robot |
image | |
additionalImage | |
description | The FAIRINO FR16 is a six-axis collaborative robot with 16 kg nominal payload, 20 kg published maximum payload, 1,034 mm reach, ±0.03 mm repeatability, 2 m/s TCP speed, IP54/IP65 optional protection, 40 kg robot weight, and public U.S. pricing. |
brand | FAIRINO |
manufacturer | FAIRINO |
model | FR16 |
sku | FAIRINO-FR16 |
mpn | FR16 |
category | Collaborative Robot |
condition | NewCondition |
price | 11699.00 |
priceCurrency | USD |
availability | InStock |
seller | FAIRINO USA |
url |
AUBO i16 Product Snippet Fields
Schema Field | AUBO i16 Value |
@type | Product |
name | AUBO i16 Collaborative Robot |
image | |
additionalImage | |
description | The AUBO i16 is a six-axis collaborative robot with 16 kg payload, 967.5 mm reach, 38.5 kg robot weight, IP54 manipulator protection, SDK/API support, drag teaching, path planning, offline programming, Ethernet, Modbus RTU/TCP, and optional Profinet communication. |
brand | AUBO Robotics |
manufacturer | AUBO Robotics |
model | i16 |
sku | AUBO-I16 |
mpn | AUBO-i16 |
category | Collaborative Robot |
condition | NewCondition |
price | 21000.00 |
priceCurrency | EUR |
availability | InStock |
seller | Unchained Robotics |
url |
Price Comparison
Robot | Public Price | Price Source Type |
FAIRINO FR16 | $11,699 | FAIRINO USA public listed price |
AUBO i16 | €21,000 excl. VAT | Public marketplace price |
Currency note | USD vs. EUR | Do not treat as direct 1:1 without exchange rate, VAT, shipping, duties, and quote terms |
Price conclusion | FAIRINO FR16 is clearly lower | Based on public listed prices |
The FAIRINO FR16 has a major price advantage because it is publicly listed at $11,699, while the AUBO i16 is publicly listed by Unchained Robotics at €21,000 excl. VAT. The currencies are different, and the AUBO listing excludes VAT, so final delivered pricing should be checked by quote. Still, as a public price comparison, FAIRINO has the stronger ROI story.
Main Technical Comparison
Payload
Robot | Payload |
FAIRINO FR16 | 16 kg nominal / 20 kg max published |
AUBO i16 | 16 kg |
Both robots are 16 kg-class collaborative robots.
The difference is that FAIRINO publishes a 20 kg maximum payload figure for the FR16. This does not automatically mean every FR16 application can run at 20 kg; it should be validated for load center, robot pose, speed, end-effector weight, and duty cycle. But it gives FAIRINO a stronger payload-headroom story.
Payload verdict: Equal at nominal payload; FAIRINO FR16 wins on published maximum payload headroom.
Reach
Robot | Reach |
FAIRINO FR16 | 1,034 mm |
AUBO i16 | 967.5–968 mm |
The FAIRINO FR16 has around 66 mm more reach than the AUBO i16.
This is useful in machine tending, packaging, palletizing, welding cells, conveyor transfer, and heavy pick-and-place applications where the robot must cover a wider area from one base position.
Reach verdict: FAIRINO FR16 wins.
Repeatability
Robot | Repeatability |
FAIRINO FR16 | ±0.03 mm |
AUBO i16 | ±0.03 mm in manual/material; 0.1 mm shown in some marketplace tables |
FAIRINO’s public product page and FAIRINO global technical page both show ±0.03 mm for FR16. AUBO’s public data is less clean because Unchained’s overview mentions ±0.03 mm for the i-Series, while its product spec/compare area shows 0.1 mm for i16. The AUBO i16 manual search result also points to ±0.03 mm.
Repeatability verdict: Equal if AUBO i16 is confirmed at ±0.03 mm; FAIRINO has the cleaner public product-page consistency.
Speed
Robot | Speed |
FAIRINO FR16 | 2 m/s typical TCP speed |
AUBO i16 | 4 m/s max linear TCP speed in marketplace spec |
The AUBO i16 has the higher published maximum linear TCP speed in the marketplace specification. FAIRINO lists a 2 m/s typical TCP speed for FR16. Real production speed depends on payload, acceleration, path design, gripper timing, safety configuration, risk assessment, and whether the robot is operating in collaborative or safeguarded mode.
Speed verdict: AUBO i16 wins on published maximum linear speed; FAIRINO has a clear official typical TCP speed.
Robot Weight
Robot | Robot Weight |
FAIRINO FR16 | approx. 40 kg |
AUBO i16 | 38.5 kg |
The AUBO i16 is slightly lighter. The difference is small, but it may matter for pedestal design, mobile platforms, and cells with weight-sensitive mounting structures.
Weight verdict: AUBO i16 wins slightly.
IP Rating
Robot | IP Rating |
FAIRINO FR16 | IP54 standard / IP65 optional |
AUBO i16 | IP54 manipulator; IP43 control box / teach pendant in manual-style specs |
The FAIRINO FR16 has the stronger protection option because it is listed as IP54 standard with IP65 optional. AUBO i16 is listed with an IP54 manipulator, while the control box / teach pendant are shown as IP43 in manual-style public specs.
IP rating verdict: FAIRINO FR16 wins if optional IP65 is required.
Programming and Workflow
Category | FAIRINO FR16 | AUBO i16 |
Main programming method | 10.1-inch teach pendant / mobile Web App | SDK/API, drag teaching, coordinate positioning, path planning, offline programming |
Developer workflow | Integration-friendly | Strong open-platform positioning |
Communication | TCP/IP | Ethernet, Modbus RTU/TCP, optional Profinet |
Offline programming | Supported through integration tools / robot software workflow | Publicly promoted in marketplace page |
Drag teaching | Collaborative workflow | Publicly promoted |
Best workflow advantage | Low-cost deployment and clear U.S. product data | Open SDK/API and developer-heavy integration |
Best buyer profile | ROI-focused factories and integrators | Engineering teams needing open integration |
AUBO’s strongest advantage is the open-platform workflow. Unchained describes the AUBO i16 as supporting SDK/API communication, drag teaching, coordinate positioning, path planning, and offline programming.
FAIRINO’s strongest workflow advantage is that it combines high payload, longer reach, public pricing, optional IP65, and a direct U.S. product page.
Programming verdict: AUBO i16 wins for open SDK/API workflow; FAIRINO FR16 wins for price transparency and ROI.
Tool I/O and Connectivity
FAIRINO FR16 I/O
FAIRINO FR16 Interface | Value |
Tool digital inputs | 2 |
Tool digital outputs | 2 |
Tool analog inputs | 1 |
Tool analog outputs | 1 |
High-speed pulse inputs | 2 |
Tool power | 24 V / 1.5 A |
Communication | TCP/IP |
Network transfer rate | 100M |
Power over Ethernet | Standard PoE |
AUBO i16 I/O
AUBO i16 Interface | Value |
Arm / tool digital inputs | 4 optional |
Arm / tool digital outputs | 5 optional |
Arm / tool analog inputs | 2 |
Arm / tool analog outputs | 0 |
I/O power | 24 V |
Control box digital inputs | 16 |
Control box digital outputs | 16 |
Control box analog inputs | 4 |
Control box analog outputs | 4 |
Communication | Ethernet, Modbus RTU/TCP, optional Profinet |
AUBO has a strong control-box I/O and communication story, especially for teams using Modbus or Profinet-based environments. FAIRINO provides clear tool-side I/O, high-speed pulse inputs, and 24 V / 1.5 A tool power.
I/O verdict: AUBO is stronger for open communication and control-box I/O; FAIRINO is strong for tool-side high-speed pulse and simple integration.
Application Fit
FAIRINO FR16 Is Better For
Application | Why FR16 Fits Better |
Cost-sensitive 16 kg automation | $11,699 public price supports faster ROI |
CNC machine tending | 16 kg payload and longer 1,034 mm reach |
Robotic welding | Payload, reach, and low acquisition cost |
Heavy pick and place | 16 kg payload with 20 kg max published headroom |
Packaging | More reach and strong payload-to-price ratio |
Palletizing | Payload headroom and ROI-friendly price |
Screwdriving | Repeatability and payload capacity |
Dispensing | Tool I/O and repeatability |
Sanding / deburring | Payload headroom and optional IP65 |
Multi-robot deployment | Lower unit cost matters across several cells |
The FAIRINO FR16 is the better choice when the buyer needs a 16 kg cobot with strong reach, lower public price, and better ROI.
AUBO i16 Is Better For
Application | Why AUBO i16 Fits Better |
SDK/API-heavy integration | Open system platform supports SDK/API workflow |
Modbus / Profinet environments | Ethernet, Modbus RTU/TCP, optional Profinet |
Custom software projects | Developer-friendly workflow |
Offline programming workflows | Publicly promoted on marketplace page |
Drag-teaching applications | Publicly promoted |
Prototyping | Listed as a use-case combination |
Machine loading | Listed as a use-case combination |
Packaging with integrated peripherals | Marketplace page shows packaging combinations |
Facilities using AUBO | Easier ecosystem continuity |
Weight-sensitive cells | Slightly lighter robot arm |
The AUBO i16 is the better choice when open integration, SDK/API access, and developer workflow matter more than purchase price.
Which Robot Should a Manufacturer Choose?
Choose FAIRINO FR16 When:
Choose the FAIRINO FR16 if the application needs a 16 kg cobot with longer reach, public U.S. pricing, strong payload headroom, and lower acquisition cost.
The FR16 is especially strong for machine tending, robotic welding, palletizing, packaging, heavy pick and place, screwdriving, dispensing, sanding, deburring, assembly, inspection, and general material handling.
For buyers calculating payback period, the FR16 is the stronger commercial choice because it gives the same nominal 16 kg payload class at a much lower public listed price.
Choose AUBO i16 When:
Choose the AUBO i16 if the project depends on SDK/API access, open communication, Modbus, optional Profinet, offline programming, drag teaching, or an existing AUBO ecosystem.
AUBO i16 is especially attractive for engineering teams building custom software-driven automation cells where open-platform integration matters more than the lowest hardware acquisition cost.
Final Verdict
The FAIRINO FR16 and AUBO i16 are both credible 16 kg collaborative robots. They serve a similar payload class, but they are aimed at different buyer priorities.
The FAIRINO FR16 wins on:
Much lower public price
Longer 1,034 mm reach
20 kg published maximum payload headroom
Optional IP65 configuration
Public U.S. seller and buying path
Stronger ROI positioning
Better payload-to-price ratio
Cleaner product schema fields with USD price
Strong fit for machine tending, welding, packaging, and heavy handling
The AUBO i16 wins on:
SDK/API workflow
Open-platform integration
Drag teaching
Coordinate positioning
Path planning
Offline programming
Ethernet, Modbus RTU/TCP, optional Profinet
Slightly lower robot weight
Strong fit for developer-heavy automation projects
The honest article angle is:
FAIRINO FR16 vs. AUBO i16: 16 kg Value vs. Open SDK Workflow
For buyers who need a 16 kg collaborative robot with longer reach, lower price, payload headroom, and stronger ROI, the FAIRINO FR16 is the stronger value-focused choice.
For buyers who need open SDK/API access, Modbus / Profinet integration, offline programming, and developer-focused workflow, the AUBO i16 is the stronger open-platform choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest AUBO model to the FAIRINO FR16?
The closest AUBO model to the FAIRINO FR16 is the AUBO i16. Both robots are 16 kg six-axis collaborative robots designed for medium/heavy-payload automation.
Is the AUBO i16 a direct equivalent to the FAIRINO FR16?
Yes. The AUBO i16 is a direct equivalent to the FAIRINO FR16 because both are 16 kg-class collaborative robots. The main differences are reach, price, payload headroom, IP options, programming workflow, robot weight, and integration ecosystem.
What is the payload of the FAIRINO FR16?
The FAIRINO FR16 has a 16 kg nominal payload and a published maximum payload of 20 kg. The 20 kg maximum should be validated for load center, tool weight, robot pose, speed, and duty cycle before final engineering use.
What is the payload of the AUBO i16?
The AUBO i16 has a 16 kg payload. It is designed for medium/heavy-payload collaborative automation tasks such as packaging, machine loading, material handling, prototyping, and industrial integration.
Which robot has more reach, FAIRINO FR16 or AUBO i16?
The FAIRINO FR16 has more reach. It reaches 1,034 mm, while the AUBO i16 is listed around 967.5–968 mm. FAIRINO has roughly 66 mm more reach.
Which robot has better repeatability?
FAIRINO FR16 is listed at ±0.03 mm. AUBO i16 is also shown as ±0.03 mm in AUBO manual/material, but some marketplace tables show 0.1 mm. The safest answer is that they can be equal if the supplied AUBO i16 is confirmed at ±0.03 mm.
Which robot is faster?
AUBO i16 has a higher published maximum linear TCP speed in the marketplace specification at 4 m/s. FAIRINO FR16 lists a 2 m/s typical TCP speed. Real cycle time depends on payload, acceleration, safety settings, path design, tooling, and gripper timing.
Which robot is lighter?
AUBO i16 is slightly lighter. It is listed at 38.5 kg, while FAIRINO FR16 is listed at approximately 40 kg.
Which robot has better IP protection?
FAIRINO FR16 has the stronger protection option because it is IP54 standard with optional IP65. AUBO i16 is listed with an IP54 manipulator, while manual-style specs show the control box / teach pendant as IP43.
Which robot is better for machine tending?
FAIRINO FR16 is better for ROI-focused machine tending because it has longer reach, public U.S. pricing, and lower acquisition cost. AUBO i16 is better when the machine-tending cell depends on open SDK/API integration, Modbus, Profinet, or AUBO ecosystem compatibility.
Which robot is better for robotic welding?
FAIRINO FR16 is stronger for cost-sensitive welding automation because it offers 16 kg payload, 1,034 mm reach, optional IP65, and lower public pricing. AUBO i16 can also be used in welding-related automation if the integrator prefers AUBO’s open-platform workflow.
Which robot is better for packaging?
Both robots can support packaging. FAIRINO FR16 is stronger when lower cost, longer reach, and ROI matter. AUBO i16 is stronger when packaging automation depends on open communication, offline programming, or custom software integration.
Which robot is better for heavy pick and place?
Both robots are suitable for heavy pick and place. FAIRINO FR16 has the advantage of longer reach and published 20 kg max payload headroom. AUBO i16 has a slightly lighter robot body and open integration workflow.
Which robot is better for open SDK projects?
AUBO i16 is stronger for open SDK/API projects because its public positioning emphasizes an open system platform, SDK/API communication, and integration with multiple peripherals.
Which robot is better for ROI planning?
FAIRINO FR16 is better for ROI planning because it has a lower public price, longer reach, and a direct FAIRINO USA product page. AUBO i16 can still make sense when SDK/API integration reduces engineering effort or fits an existing AUBO-based automation environment.
How much does the FAIRINO FR16 cost?
FAIRINO USA lists the FR16 at $11,699.
How much does the AUBO i16 cost?
Unchained Robotics lists the AUBO i16 at €21,000 excl. VAT. This should be treated as a public marketplace price, not official AUBO manufacturer MSRP.
Which robot is cheaper, FAIRINO FR16 or AUBO i16?
FAIRINO FR16 is cheaper based on public listed pricing. FAIRINO FR16 is listed at $11,699, while AUBO i16 is listed at €21,000 excl. VAT.
What is the main conclusion of FAIRINO FR16 vs. AUBO i16?
The main conclusion is that FAIRINO FR16 is the stronger value-focused 16 kg cobot, while AUBO i16 is the stronger open-platform workflow cobot. FAIRINO wins on price, reach, payload headroom, optional IP65, and ROI. AUBO wins on SDK/API workflow, open communication, offline programming, and developer-focused integration.
