FAIRINO FR16 vs. KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930: Higher Payload and Longer Reach vs. Premium German Industrial Automation
The FAIRINO FR16 and KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930 are medium-to-high-payload collaborative robots designed for demanding automation applications. Both can be deployed for CNC machine tending, material handling, packaging, assembly, inspection, screwdriving, dispensing, light palletizing and other repetitive industrial processes.
The two cobots are closely matched in nominal payload but differ significantly in reach, repeatability, software ecosystem and acquisition cost.
The FAIRINO FR16 offers a 16 kg rated payload, 1,034 mm reach, ±0.03 mm pose repeatability and a typical TCP speed of 2 m/s. FAIRINO USA publicly lists the robot at $11,699.
The KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930 provides a 15 kg rated payload, 930 mm reach and ±0.05 mm repeatability. It combines KUKA industrial mechanics with integrated joint torque sensing, the KUKA ARGUS safety system, the KR C5 micro-2 controller and the iiQKA.OS2 software ecosystem.
KUKA does not publish one universal global MSRP on its primary product page. However, Unchained Robotics currently lists the LBR iisy 15 R930 at €30,915 excluding VAT. At an indicative exchange rate of approximately $1.137 per euro, that equals approximately $35,149.
The FR16 therefore has several important advantages on paper:
One kilogram more rated payload
104 mm more reach
Better published repeatability
Higher published maximum payload
Lower robot-arm weight
Smaller mounting footprint
Much lower public purchase price
The KUKA’s principal advantages are not found in its basic payload and reach figures. They come from its integrated torque sensors, safety architecture, industrial controller, engineering environment and compatibility with the larger KUKA automation ecosystem.
FAIRINO FR16 vs. KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930: Quick Comparison
Specification | FAIRINO FR16 | KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930 |
Public robot price | $11,699 USD | €30,915 excluding VAT |
Approximate converted price | $11,699 | Approximately $35,149 |
Price source | FAIRINO USA | Unchained Robotics marketplace |
Price type | Public U.S. price | European reseller price; not global MSRP |
Rated payload | 16 kg | 15 kg |
Published maximum payload | 20 kg | 16.41 kg at 0 mm center of mass |
Maximum reach | 1,034 mm | 930 mm |
Degrees of freedom | 6 | 6 |
Pose repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Typical TCP speed | 2 m/s | No directly comparable public TCP figure |
Robot-arm weight | Approximately 40 kg | Approximately 43.2 kg |
Footprint | 190 mm | 275 × 275 mm |
Protection rating | IP54; IP65 optional | IP54 |
Noise | Below 70 dB | Not publicly specified |
Mounting | Any orientation | Floor, wall, ceiling or desired angle |
Operating temperature | 0–45°C | 0–45°C |
Tool power | 24 V / 1.5 A | Configuration dependent |
Robot I/O | 2 DI, 2 DO, 1 AI, 1 AO and 2 high-speed pulse inputs | Controller provides 16 DI and 16 DO |
Controller | FAIRINO control system | KR C5 micro-2 |
Programming | Teach pendant, Web App and drag teaching | iiQKA.OS2, smartPAD pro and hand guiding |
Industrial communication | TCP/IP and integration options | EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT Slave options |
Joint torque sensors | Configuration and application dependent | Integrated torque sensor in every axis |
Safety | Collaborative safety functions; risk assessment required | KUKA ARGUS; Category 3 / PL d documentation |
Manufacturer warranty | 18 months | Regional quotation and contract dependent |
Published expected lifetime | 50,000 hours | No directly comparable public numeric figure |
U.S. availability | Direct through FAIRINO USA | Through KUKA and authorized partners |
Lead time | Confirm when ordering | Quotation and configuration dependent |
Primary advantage | Price, payload, reach and repeatability | Joint sensing and KUKA ecosystem |
Price Comparison
The acquisition-price difference is substantial.
FAIRINO FR16 Price
FAIRINO USA publicly lists the FR16 at:
$11,699 USD
This is a published product price rather than an editorial estimate. Buyers should still obtain a complete quotation confirming which components and services are included.
A production-ready system may also require:
Robot controller
Teach pendant
Safety box
End-of-arm tooling
Tool changer
Vision system
Pedestal or mobile base
Safety scanner
PLC communication
Engineering
Installation
Training
Freight and taxes
The published $11,699 price nevertheless gives buyers a transparent starting point for budget and ROI calculations.
KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930 Price
KUKA typically handles pricing through its regional sales offices, marketplace and authorized partners. Its official product page uses a request-for-quote model.
Unchained Robotics publicly lists the KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930 at:
€30,915 excluding VAT
Using an indicative exchange rate of approximately $1.137 per euro, this equals:
Approximately $35,149 USD excluding VAT
This conversion is provided for comparison and is not a guaranteed U.S. sales price. Currency movements, shipping, import costs, software, controller packages and local support can change the final amount.
Direct Price Difference
Calculation | Amount |
FAIRINO FR16 public price | $11,699 |
KUKA indicative converted price | Approximately $35,149 |
Approximate difference | $23,450 |
FR16 reduction relative to KUKA | Approximately 67% |
The FAIRINO costs roughly one-third of the converted KUKA marketplace price.
The difference of approximately $23,450 could be allocated to the tooling and engineering required to turn the arm into a productive system. Depending on the application, that budget could help cover a gripper, camera, mounting system, safety equipment and integration.
However, buyers should compare quotations with matching scopes. A bare-arm price cannot be fairly compared with a package containing additional software, training or application components.
Purchase-price winner: FAIRINO FR16
Payload Comparison
Payload is one of the FR16’s strongest advantages.
FAIRINO FR16 rated payload: 16 kg
KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930 rated payload: 15 kg
The FAIRINO provides one kilogram more nominal payload.
FAIRINO also publishes a maximum payload of 20 kg. KUKA’s technical documentation specifies a maximum payload of 16.41 kg when the center of mass is positioned at 0 mm.
These maximum figures require careful interpretation. Maximum payload is not necessarily available at every position, speed or center-of-gravity offset.
The total robot load includes:
Gripper
Tool changer
Camera
Brackets
Cables and hoses
Workpiece
Vacuum components
Wrist-mounted sensors
A 5 kg gripper carrying a 10 kg part creates a combined wrist load of at least 15 kg. That fits within both nominal ratings, although center of gravity and inertia still require validation.
A 5 kg gripper carrying an 11 kg part produces a 16 kg load. This fits the FR16’s nominal rating but exceeds the KUKA’s 15 kg rated payload.
The KUKA documentation specifically states that its 16.41 kg maximum applies only when the payload’s center of mass is at 0 mm. KUKA recommends verifying the specific load case using KUKA.Load or KUKA Compose.
Similarly, the FR16’s 20 kg maximum should not be interpreted as a universal 20 kg working capacity. The specific application must be checked against FAIRINO’s payload guidance.
Rated-payload winner: FAIRINO FR16
Reach and Working Envelope
The FR16 provides 1,034 mm of reach, while the KUKA reaches 930 mm.
FAIRINO FR16: 1,034 mm
KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930: 930 mm
Difference: 104 mm
The FR16 offers approximately 11% more maximum reach.
An additional 104 mm can determine whether a robot can:
Reach fully into a CNC machine
Clear a machine door
Access the rear of a fixture
Serve two adjacent stations
Reach all corners of a pallet
Work around a welding fixture
Pick from a conveyor
Inspect a larger component
The KUKA’s shorter reach may be beneficial in compact installations where the robot does not need to reach beyond 930 mm. A shorter arm can sometimes provide greater rigidity or reduce the overall safeguarded space, although this must be evaluated for the actual application.
Maximum reach does not define the complete usable envelope. Robot geometry, joint limits, singularities and tool orientation affect whether a required pose is achievable.
The full process should be simulated before purchasing either robot.
Reach winner: FAIRINO FR16
Repeatability and Precision
The FR16 has a published pose repeatability of ±0.03 mm. The KUKA is specified at ±0.05 mm under ISO 9283.
FAIRINO FR16: ±0.03 mm
KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930: ±0.05 mm
The FR16 has the tighter published repeatability figure.
The numerical difference is 0.02 mm. Whether that difference matters depends on the application.
For general material handling, packaging and palletizing, both figures may be more than adequate. In precision assembly, inspection, dispensing or repeatable machine loading, the FR16’s stronger published specification can be valuable.
Repeatability is not the same as absolute accuracy. Actual process results are also influenced by:
Robot calibration
Base rigidity
Payload
Center of gravity
End-effector deflection
Temperature
Tool-center-point calibration
Fixture tolerances
Vision calibration
Process forces
Both robots may require machine vision, probing or external calibration when parts are not presented in repeatable fixtures.
Repeatability winner: FAIRINO FR16
Speed and Cycle Time
FAIRINO lists a typical TCP speed of 2 m/s for the FR16.
KUKA publishes joint speeds for the LBR iisy 15 R930:
Axis 1: 200°/s
Axis 2: 200°/s
Axis 3: 200°/s
Axis 4: 230°/s
Axis 5: 260°/s
Axis 6: 380°/s
These figures cannot be directly compared because TCP speed and individual joint speed measure different characteristics.
Real cycle time depends on:
Payload
Path length
Acceleration
Tool orientation
Safety settings
Human proximity
Gripper operation
Machine processing time
Vision processing
PLC communication
Required settling time
A robot may be capable of fast movement while operating at a substantially lower speed in a collaborative workspace.
Buyers with a strict production target should ask each supplier to demonstrate the same representative cycle with the actual tool and workpiece.
Robot Weight and Footprint
The FR16 weighs approximately 40 kg. The KUKA weighs approximately 43.2 kg.
FAIRINO FR16: approximately 40 kg
KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930: approximately 43.2 kg
The difference is approximately 3.2 kg.
The FR16 also has a listed footprint of 190 mm. The KUKA technical sheet lists a 275 × 275 mm mounting footprint.
The FR16’s smaller footprint may help in:
Compact machine-tending cells
Mobile robot platforms
Narrow workstations
Wall-mounted applications
Equipment retrofits
Cells with limited mounting space
Both arms require a properly engineered base capable of handling static and dynamic loads. The mounting structure must remain rigid enough to preserve repeatability.
Weight and footprint winner: FAIRINO FR16
Protection Rating
Both standard robot arms are rated IP54.
IP54 provides protection against limited dust ingress and splashing water. It does not mean the robot is waterproof, washdown-rated or suitable for every abrasive, wet or chemically aggressive environment.
FAIRINO offers an optional IP65 configuration for the FR16. If properly specified, this provides stronger protection against dust and water jets.
KUKA also offers a separate cleanroom version called the LBR iisy 15 R930 CR. It is a distinct configuration and should not be assumed to have the same price as the standard robot.
The protection rating must be evaluated across the entire installation. The arm, controller, teach panel, gripper, camera, connectors and cables may have different ratings.
Standard protection: Tie at IP54Optional ingress-protection advantage: FAIRINO FR16
Controller and Programming
FAIRINO FR16
The FR16 supports a 10.1-inch teach pendant or mobile-terminal Web App. Programming options include graphical workflows, point recording and drag teaching.
The approach is designed to lower the barrier to robot deployment for:
Small manufacturers
System integrators
Maintenance technicians
Educational institutions
Research facilities
First-time robot users
The Web App allows users to access robot programming and configuration through a familiar browser-style environment.
FAIRINO also provides TCP/IP communication, Ethernet connectivity and integration options for more advanced automation.
KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930
The KUKA uses the KR C5 micro-2 controller and iiQKA.OS2 operating environment.
KUKA’s platform provides:
Hand-guided teaching
smartPAD pro operation
Guided setup workflows
Programming templates
Diagnostic tools
PLC integration
Offline programming
iiQWorks engineering
iiQWorks.Sim simulation
Virtual commissioning
Integration with the KUKA ecosystem
The KUKA can be particularly attractive to companies already operating KUKA industrial robots. Existing training, software knowledge, engineering standards and service relationships may reduce deployment risk.
The FR16 emphasizes affordability and accessible deployment. The KUKA emphasizes industrial standardization and ecosystem integration.
Torque Sensing and Force-Controlled Applications
KUKA integrates torque sensors into every axis of the LBR iisy platform.
KUKA states that these sensors support:
External-force detection
Hand guiding
Collision detection
Force-controlled assembly
Joining applications
Process optimization
Human-robot collaboration
This is one of the KUKA’s clearest technical advantages.
The FAIRINO FR16 supports collaborative operation, drag teaching and collision-related safety functions. Applications requiring sophisticated force control should compare the precise sensing architecture and available control interfaces.
Force-sensitive processes may include:
Connector insertion
Press-fit assembly
Surface following
Polishing
Sensitive part handling
Controlled contact
Guided joining
An external six-axis force-torque sensor can be added when a process requires specialized wrist-level measurement. Its price and integration should be included in the complete FAIRINO project cost.
Integrated joint-torque-sensing winner: KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930
Safety Systems
KUKA identifies the ARGUS safety system and integrated safety-monitoring functions for the LBR iisy platform. Its technical documentation lists Category 3 and Performance Level d under EN ISO 13849-1.
The FAIRINO FR16 provides collaborative safety functions intended to support operation near people.
Neither robot automatically makes the complete application safe.
A formal risk assessment must consider:
Robot speed
Payload
Tool geometry
Sharp components
Crushing points
Workpiece release
Machine hazards
Hot surfaces
Welding processes
Stopping distance
Human access
Required safety zones
A cobot carrying a sharp workpiece, welding torch or heavy gripper may still require physical guarding, safety scanners or monitored reduced-speed zones.
I/O and Industrial Communication
The FAIRINO FR16 arm specification lists:
2 digital inputs
2 digital outputs
1 analog input
1 analog output
2 high-speed pulse inputs
24 V / 1.5 A tool power
TCP/IP communication
100 Mbps Ethernet
Standard Power over Ethernet
The KUKA marketplace configuration lists:
16 digital inputs
16 digital outputs
EtherCAT
PROFINET
EtherNet/IP
EtherCAT Slave
AC 200–240 V controller supply
Some KUKA interfaces may depend on software licenses or the selected controller configuration. Buyers should confirm the included communication package in writing.
The FAIRINO provides useful tool-side connectivity. The KUKA offers broader integration within conventional industrial PLC and fieldbus environments.
Machine Tending
Both robots are well suited to machine loading and unloading.
FR16 Machine-Tending Advantages
16 kg rated payload
1,034 mm reach
±0.03 mm repeatability
2 m/s published TCP speed
Compact 190 mm footprint
Lower acquisition price
KUKA Machine-Tending Advantages
Integrated joint torque sensing
KR C5 micro-2 controller
Industrial fieldbus options
KUKA safety architecture
Compatibility with existing KUKA systems
The FR16’s 104 mm reach advantage may help it reach deeper into a CNC machine or position parts across multiple fixtures.
The KUKA may be preferable in an established KUKA factory or when joint-level force detection adds value during insertion and part placement.
Best machine-tending value: FAIRINO FR16
Palletizing and Packaging
The FR16’s higher rated payload and longer reach give it an advantage for many palletizing and packaging applications.
A palletizing calculation must include the weight of:
Product
Vacuum gripper
Vacuum generator
Tool changer
Brackets
Hoses and cables
A 4 kg gripper leaves approximately 12 kg of nominal product capacity on the FR16 and approximately 11 kg on the KUKA.
Reach must also be evaluated across the entire pallet, especially at the farthest and highest positions. Neither robot should be selected without checking the full pallet pattern.
For tall pallets, a lifting column or seventh axis may be necessary.
Payload-and-reach winner for light palletizing: FAIRINO FR16
Welding
FAIRINO markets the FR16 for welding, including applications requiring more payload than smaller cobots can provide.
The 16 kg nominal capacity can support a welding torch, cable system and process accessories while maintaining useful payload margin. Its 1,034 mm reach may also cover larger workpieces than the KUKA’s 930 mm envelope.
KUKA positions the LBR iisy platform for industrial and collaborative applications, including welding configurations. Its industrial ecosystem and integrated sensing may be valuable for manufacturers already using KUKA equipment.
The complete welding-cell cost must include:
Welding power source
Torch
Wire feeder
Cable management
Positioner
Welding table
Safety enclosure
Fume extraction
Programming
Process integration
Best welding-arm value: FAIRINO FR16Best KUKA-platform integration: LBR iisy 15 R930
Assembly and Screwdriving
The FR16’s ±0.03 mm repeatability makes it attractive for repetitive assembly, screwdriving and component positioning.
The KUKA’s integrated torque sensors provide an advantage when the process requires force-sensitive insertion, joining or contact detection.
The correct choice depends on whether the application is primarily position-controlled or force-controlled.
Choose the FR16 when repeatable positioning, payload and price dominate the decision. Choose the KUKA when integrated force information adds measurable process value.
Inspection and Quality Control
Both robots can carry cameras, scanners and measurement systems.
The FR16 provides:
Better published repeatability
Longer reach
Lower acquisition price
Higher nominal payload
The KUKA provides:
Integrated joint sensing
Industrial controller architecture
KUKA software and engineering integration
A mature global support network
For non-contact inspection, the camera, optics, lighting, calibration and software may influence final accuracy more than the robot selection.
Total Cost of Ownership
A complete total-cost analysis should include:
Robot and controller
Software licenses
End effector
Vision system
Safety equipment
Pedestal or mobile base
PLC integration
Fixtures
Engineering
Installation
Training
Maintenance
Spare parts
Shipping and taxes
Production downtime
The FR16 begins with an approximate $23,450 price advantage based on the public KUKA marketplace price and indicative currency conversion.
The KUKA can recover some of that premium in factories where existing KUKA knowledge and infrastructure reduce engineering, training and support requirements.
FAIRINO FR16 Advantages
Lower public price
One kilogram more rated payload
Higher published maximum payload
104 mm more reach
Better published repeatability
Higher published TCP speed
Lower robot-arm weight
Smaller mounting footprint
Optional IP65 protection
Direct FAIRINO USA availability
Strong value for small and medium manufacturers
KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930 Advantages
Integrated torque sensors in every axis
KUKA ARGUS safety architecture
Category 3 / Performance Level d documentation
KR C5 micro-2 controller
iiQKA.OS2 software
iiQWorks engineering and simulation
Established industrial fieldbus environment
Global KUKA service ecosystem
Strong fit for existing KUKA facilities
Separate cleanroom version available
FAIRINO FR16 Limitations
Smaller installed base than KUKA
Less standardization benefit in a KUKA factory
Advanced force-control applications may require additional sensing
Published 20 kg maximum is not a universal nominal rating
Optional integrations must be confirmed for the final configuration
KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930 Limitations
Significantly higher public marketplace price
One kilogram lower rated payload
104 mm shorter reach
Lower published repeatability
Heavier robot arm
Larger mounting footprint
No universal public U.S. MSRP
Warranty and delivery depend on the regional quotation
Marketplace price excludes VAT
Final Verdict
The FAIRINO FR16 is the stronger hardware-value choice in this comparison.
It provides a 16 kg nominal payload, 1,034 mm reach, ±0.03 mm repeatability and a published price of $11,699. It outperforms the KUKA’s published figures in rated payload, maximum payload, reach, repeatability, weight and footprint while costing approximately 67% less based on the referenced public prices.
For manufacturers focused on machine tending, packaging, palletizing, welding, handling or general automation, the FR16 presents a compelling combination of capability and cost.
The KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930 remains a strong premium option. Its integrated torque sensing, ARGUS safety architecture, KR C5 controller and iiQKA ecosystem may justify its higher price in force-sensitive applications or facilities already standardized around KUKA automation.
Best payload, reach, repeatability and overall value: FAIRINO FR16
Best integrated torque sensing and premium industrial ecosystem: KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the FAIRINO FR16 cost?
FAIRINO USA publicly lists the FR16 at $11,699. The total system price depends on tooling, safety equipment, integration, shipping and taxes.
How much does the KUKA LBR iisy 15 R930 cost?
Unchained Robotics lists it at €30,915 excluding VAT. At approximately $1.137 per euro, this equals around $35,149. This is a public European reseller price, not a guaranteed U.S. price.
Which robot has a higher rated payload?
The FAIRINO FR16 is rated for 16 kg, compared with 15 kg for the KUKA.
What are the maximum-payload figures?
FAIRINO publishes a 20 kg maximum for the FR16. KUKA specifies 16.41 kg at a 0 mm center of mass. Both maximum figures require load-case verification.
Which robot has longer reach?
The FR16 reaches 1,034 mm, compared with 930 mm for the KUKA. The FAIRINO has a 104 mm advantage.
Which robot has better repeatability?
The FR16 is specified at ±0.03 mm. The KUKA is specified at ±0.05 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The FR16 weighs approximately 40 kg. The KUKA weighs approximately 43.2 kg.
Are both robots IP54 rated?
Yes. Both standard models are IP54. FAIRINO lists IP65 as an optional FR16 configuration.
Which robot has integrated joint torque sensors?
KUKA states that the LBR iisy has torque sensors in every axis.
Which robot is better for machine tending?
The FR16 offers more reach, payload and repeatability at a lower price. The KUKA may be preferable when KUKA ecosystem integration or joint torque sensing is essential.
Which robot is better for palletizing?
The FR16 has the advantage in rated payload and reach. Actual suitability depends on gripper weight, product weight and pallet geometry.
Which robot is better for force-controlled assembly?
The KUKA has an advantage because of its integrated joint torque sensors and force-control capabilities.
Does either price include a complete production cell?
Not necessarily. Obtain a detailed quotation covering the controller, teach device, tooling, safety equipment, mounting, software, engineering, installation, training and freight.
Can these robots work without safety fencing?
Possibly, but only after a formal risk assessment. The tool, payload, speed, workpiece and surrounding equipment determine the required safety measures.
Which robot offers better return on investment?
The FR16 may provide faster ROI because of its substantially lower acquisition price. The KUKA may justify its premium where existing KUKA infrastructure reduces engineering and lifecycle costs.
