FAIRINO FR16 vs. OMRON TM16: Longer Reach, Higher Speed and Better Value vs. Integrated Vision Engineering
- FAIRINO USA
- Aug 11
- 13 min read
The FAIRINO FR16 and OMRON TM16 are direct competitors in the 16 kg collaborative robot category. Both are six-axis cobots designed for heavy component handling, machine tending, assembly, packaging, palletizing, inspection and material transfer.
Because both robots have the same standard payload, this comparison exposes their other differences particularly clearly. The FAIRINO FR16 provides more reach, tighter published repeatability, a substantially higher published speed and a dramatically lower public price. The OMRON TM16 provides a lighter arm, integrated vision, ISO Class 3 cleanroom compatibility and access to OMRON’s TMflow programming and automation ecosystem.
FAIRINO USA officially lists the FR16 with a 16 kg nominal payload, a published 20 kg maximum, 1,034 mm reach, ±0.03 mm pose repeatability, 2 m/s typical TCP speed, approximately 40 kg arm weight and IP54 protection with optional IP65. Its public US price is $11,699. FAIRINO FR16 official product page
OMRON officially specifies the TM16 with a 16 kg maximum payload, 900 mm reach, ±0.1 mm repeatability, 1.1 m/s average speed, 32.2 kg arm weight, IP54 protection, ISO Class 3 cleanroom compatibility, integrated vision and TMflow programming. OMRON TM16 official product page and OMRON TM16 public reseller listing
Main Comparison Table
Specification | FAIRINO FR16 | OMRON TM16 |
Robot type | 6-axis collaborative robot | 6-axis collaborative robot |
Nominal/official payload | 16 kg | 16 kg |
Published maximum payload | 20 kg | 16 kg |
Reach | 1,034 mm | 900 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.1 mm |
TCP/average speed | 2 m/s typical TCP speed | 1.1 m/s average speed |
Robot arm weight | Approx. 40 kg | 32.2 kg |
Controller weight | Depends on selected controller | 14.1 kg |
IP rating | IP54; IP65 optional | IP54 robot arm; IP32 control box; IP40 robot stick |
Cleanroom rating | Not stated on the cited FR16 page | ISO Class 3 |
Integrated vision | External vision can be integrated | Built-in vision system |
Programming | Teach pendant or Web App; graphical programming and drag teaching | TMflow flowchart-based programming and hand guiding |
Communication | TCP/IP and Modbus TCP/RTU; optional industrial fieldbus protocols | RS-232, Ethernet and Modbus TCP/RTU; optional PROFINET and EtherNet/IP |
Mounting | Any orientation | Table, wall or ceiling |
Public price | $11,699 | Approx. $55,642 |
Competitor source price | — | €48,050 excluding VAT |
Price type | FAIRINO USA public product price | Converted public reseller price; not official OMRON MSRP |
Best fit | ROI-focused 16 kg automation requiring reach, speed and precision | Vision-guided 16 kg automation in an OMRON environment |
Important speed note: FAIRINO publishes a “typical TCP speed,” while OMRON publishes an “average speed.” The manufacturers may use different testing procedures, so the figures should be treated as published performance indicators rather than a controlled cycle-time benchmark.
Product Information
FAIRINO FR16 Product Information
Field | Value |
Product name | FAIRINO FR16 Collaborative Robot |
Brand | FAIRINO |
Model | FR16 |
Category | Collaborative robot / robotic arm |
Nominal payload | 16 kg |
Published maximum payload | 20 kg |
Reach | 1,034 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm |
Typical TCP speed | 2 m/s |
Robot arm weight | Approx. 40 kg |
Degrees of freedom | 6 rotating joints |
Standard ingress protection | IP54 |
Optional ingress protection | IP65 |
Noise | Below 70 dB |
Mounting | Any orientation |
Tool I/O | 2 DI, 2 DO, 1 AI and 1 AO |
High-speed pulse inputs | 2 |
Tool power supply | 24 V / 1.5 A |
HMI | 10.1-inch teach pendant or mobile-terminal Web App |
Public price | $11,699 USD |
Price source | FAIRINO USA |
Availability | Public purchasing and quotation path |
Product URL |
OMRON TM16 Product Information
Field | Value |
Product name | OMRON TM16 Collaborative Robot |
Brand | OMRON |
Model | TM16 |
Category | Collaborative robot / robotic arm |
Maximum payload | 16 kg |
Reach | 900 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.1 mm |
Average speed | 1.1 m/s |
Robot arm weight | 32.2 kg |
Controller weight | 14.1 kg |
Degrees of freedom | 6 rotating joints |
Ingress protection | IP54 robot arm; IP32 control box; IP40 robot stick |
Cleanroom classification | ISO Class 3 |
Integrated vision | Built-in vision system |
Programming environment | TMflow |
Mounting | Table, wall or ceiling |
Controller I/O | 16 DI, 16 DO, 2 AI and 1 AO |
Tool I/O | 4 DI, 4 DO and 1 AI |
Communication | RS-232, Ethernet and Modbus TCP/RTU |
Optional fieldbus | PROFINET and EtherNet/IP |
Public reseller price | €48,050 excluding VAT |
Approximate USD reference | $55,642 |
Official product URL | |
Public reseller URL | |
Official product image | |
Additional official image |
Price Comparison
Price factor | FAIRINO FR16 | OMRON TM16 |
Public source price | $11,699 | €48,050 excluding VAT |
Approximate USD reference | $11,699 | $55,642 |
Price source | FAIRINO USA | Unchained Robotics |
Source type | Manufacturer’s public US product price | Public European reseller price |
Official manufacturer MSRP | Public FAIRINO USA price | Not publicly found |
Approximate price difference | — | $43,943 more |
Approximate OMRON price premium | — | Approximately 376% |
FR16 price as share of TM16 reference | Approximately 21% | — |
OMRON does not publish a standalone US MSRP for the TM16 on its official product page. This comparison uses Unchained Robotics’ public reseller price of €48,050 excluding VAT. Using an illustrative exchange rate near 1 EUR = 1.158 USD, the listed price converts to approximately $55,642.
The USD figure is a currency conversion used for comparison and structured data. It is not official OMRON US MSRP, a fixed distributor quotation or a guaranteed transaction price. Final pricing may vary with exchange rates, distributor, country, controller configuration, warranty, availability, shipping, duties, taxes, software, tooling, training, support and integration package. OMRON TM16 public reseller listing
At the cited public references, the OMRON TM16 costs approximately $43,943 more than the FAIRINO FR16. The FAIRINO robot therefore costs approximately 21% of the converted OMRON reseller reference.
This is a particularly important comparison because the two robots have the same standard payload. The buyer is not paying more for a higher OMRON payload rating. The OMRON premium primarily relates to its integrated vision, TMflow environment, OMRON ecosystem, cleanroom compatibility, lighter construction and brand support structure.
The $43,943 difference could potentially fund:
Industrial gripper
External camera and lighting
Force/torque sensor
Safety scanner
Pedestal or mobile base
Tool changer
Fixtures
Integration engineering
Installation
Employee training
Several years of support
Additional FAIRINO robots
A complete commissioned-cell quotation remains necessary because an integrated OMRON vision workflow may reduce third-party engineering costs in applications that require object recognition or inspection.
Main Technical Comparison
Payload
Both robots have the same standard payload rating of 16 kg.
Payload measurement | FAIRINO FR16 | OMRON TM16 |
Nominal/official payload | 16 kg | 16 kg |
Published maximum payload | 20 kg | 16 kg |
Standard payload difference | Equal | Equal |
Maximum published advantage | FAIRINO +4 kg | — |
At their normal headline ratings, neither robot has a payload advantage. Both can carry a combined tool-and-workpiece load of up to 16 kg when the application remains within the manufacturer’s specified center-of-gravity, inertia and motion limits.
FAIRINO also publishes a maximum FR16 payload of 20 kg. This creates potential additional capacity, but the figure should not automatically be interpreted as an unrestricted continuous-duty rating.
A 20 kg FR16 application must be validated against:
Payload curve
Load center
Center of gravity
Tool orientation
Joint position
Moment and inertia
Acceleration
Speed
Duty cycle
Mounting direction
The total payload includes:
Gripper
Tool changer
Force sensor
Camera
Lighting
Cable brackets
Adapter plates
Fasteners
Workpiece
For example, a 12 kg component combined with a 2.5 kg gripper, 1 kg tool changer and 0.5 kg adapter creates a 16 kg total load. That uses the full official capacity of either robot.
If the same cell needs a 15 kg component with identical tooling, the total becomes 19 kg. That exceeds the TM16 rating and the FR16 nominal rating but remains below FAIRINO’s published maximum—subject to engineering validation.
Payload verdict: Equal at the standard 16 kg rating. FAIRINO offers additional published maximum-payload headroom.
Reach
The FAIRINO FR16 provides more reach.
Robot | Reach |
FAIRINO FR16 | 1,034 mm |
OMRON TM16 | 900 mm |
Difference | FAIRINO +134 mm |
The FR16 provides 134 mm more reach, equal to approximately 14.9% additional reach relative to the OMRON robot’s 900 mm specification.
An additional 134 mm can be valuable when the robot needs to:
Reach deeper into a machine
Operate a CNC door
Serve two nearby fixtures
Move between processing and inspection positions
Cover a wider conveyor
Reach across a packaging table
Handle a larger component
Avoid an extended tool adapter
Work around machine obstructions
The difference also increases the theoretical working diameter from approximately 1,800 mm for the TM16 to approximately 2,068 mm for the FR16. Actual usable workspace will be smaller and shaped by joint limits, mounting, singularities, tooling and obstacles.
The TM16’s shorter reach can still be an advantage in extremely compact cells. A shorter arm may remain closer to the base and can be easier to contain within a limited operating envelope.
Reach verdict: FAIRINO FR16 wins.
Repeatability
The FAIRINO FR16 has the stronger published repeatability.
Robot | Published repeatability |
FAIRINO FR16 | ±0.03 mm |
OMRON TM16 | ±0.1 mm |
The FR16’s published variation is 0.03 mm, compared with 0.1 mm for the TM16. On the specifications, the FAIRINO result is more than three times tighter.
This can matter in:
Precision machine loading
Fixture placement
Assembly
Screwdriving
Dispensing
Welding
Sanding and deburring
Repeatable pick-and-place
Inspection positioning
Tool insertion
Repeatability should not be confused with absolute accuracy. Repeatability describes how consistently the robot returns to a previously taught position. Absolute accuracy describes how closely it reaches a coordinate defined in an external reference system.
The OMRON TM16’s integrated vision can compensate for components or fixtures that do not appear in exactly the same position every cycle. In some variable-part applications, vision guidance can be more important than raw robot repeatability.
Repeatability verdict: FAIRINO FR16 wins on the published specification.
Speed
The FR16 also has the higher published motion figure.
Robot | Published motion figure |
FAIRINO FR16 | 2 m/s typical TCP speed |
OMRON TM16 | 1.1 m/s average speed |
The FR16’s published figure is 0.9 m/s higher. Relative to the OMRON specification, the FAIRINO number is approximately 81.8% higher.
This can benefit:
High-throughput machine tending
Material transfer
Packaging
Heavy pick-and-place
Pallet handling
Multi-station automation
Conveyor loading
Automotive component transfer
Short-cycle assembly
The speed values are not necessarily based on identical test methods. FAIRINO reports typical TCP speed, while OMRON reports average speed. Actual application performance depends on:
Payload
Center of gravity
Acceleration
Path length
Joint motion
Collaborative safety settings
Operator proximity
Gripper actuation
Vision-processing time
Machine response
Process dwell time
Manufacturers should ask both suppliers to run the actual cycle or simulate the complete cell.
Speed verdict: FAIRINO FR16 wins on the published figures.
Robot Weight
The OMRON TM16 is considerably lighter.
Robot | Arm weight |
FAIRINO FR16 | Approx. 40 kg |
OMRON TM16 | 32.2 kg |
Difference | OMRON is approximately 7.8 kg lighter |
The TM16 weighs approximately 19.5% less than the FR16.
This can be useful for:
Mobile cobot workstations
Frequent redeployment
Wall mounting
Ceiling mounting
Manual installation
Lightweight support structures
Weight-restricted machinery
Applications using a mobile robot base
The FR16 is not unusually heavy for its payload class, and its 40 kg weight can be entirely suitable for a permanent cell mounted to a rigid pedestal or machine frame.
For mobile use, the complete system weight must include:
Robot arm
Controller
Pedestal
Battery or power system
End effector
Workpiece
Safety equipment
Mobile platform
Robot-weight verdict: OMRON TM16 wins.
IP Rating and Cleanroom Compatibility
Both standard robot arms are rated IP54.
Protection category | FAIRINO FR16 | OMRON TM16 |
Standard arm rating | IP54 | IP54 |
Higher arm protection | IP65 optional | Not listed for standard TM16 |
Cleanroom rating | Not stated on cited FR16 page | ISO Class 3 |
Controller rating | Verify selected controller | IP32 |
Teaching device | FAIRINO pendant specification IP54 | IP40 robot stick |
The FR16 offers an optional IP65 arm configuration, giving it an advantage in environments with greater dust or moisture exposure.
The TM16 has a documented ISO Class 3 cleanroom classification, making it attractive for electronics, medical-device, laboratory and controlled manufacturing applications.
OMRON also states that the TM16 uses food-grade grease. This can support certain food-handling, packaging and palletizing environments, but it does not automatically make the complete system washdown-rated or approved for direct food contact.
The robot arm’s rating does not automatically apply to:
Controller
Connectors
Gripper
Camera
Cables
Safety devices
Tool changer
Other accessories
IP verdict: Equal at standard IP54. FAIRINO offers optional IP65; OMRON has the cleanroom advantage.
Controller, I/O and Communication
The FAIRINO FR16 product page lists the following tool-side interfaces:
2 digital inputs
2 digital outputs
1 analog input
1 analog output
2 high-speed pulse inputs
24 V / 1.5 A tool power
FAIRINO controllers support TCP/IP and Modbus TCP/RTU. Depending on the controller and optional communication board, additional protocols can include:
PROFINET
EtherNet/IP
EtherCAT
CC-Link
FAIRINO also publishes software development options for:
C#
C++
Python
ROS
ROS 2
The OMRON TM16 controller provides:
16 digital inputs
16 digital outputs
2 analog inputs
1 analog output
24 VDC / 2 A I/O power
The TM16 tool connector provides:
4 digital inputs
4 digital outputs
1 analog input
24 V / 1.5 A tool power
OMRON communication options include:
RS-232
Ethernet
Modbus TCP/RTU
Optional PROFINET
Optional EtherNet/IP
The FR16 is attractive for custom development, research and open integration. The TM16 is attractive for manufacturers already standardized around OMRON automation hardware, engineering methods and support.
Programming and Integrated Vision
The FR16 can be programmed through a 10.1-inch teach pendant or mobile-terminal Web App. FAIRINO provides graphical programming, hand guiding, drag teaching and developer interfaces.
The OMRON TM16 uses the TMflow programming environment. TMflow is based on visual flowcharts and predefined functional blocks, allowing many automation routines to be created without conventional robot coding.
The OMRON robot’s major differentiator is its integrated vision system.
OMRON describes support for functions such as:
Pattern recognition
Object positioning
Barcode reading
Inspection
Vision calibration
Landmark-based positioning
Part selection
Visual process verification
Workcell redeployment
The FAIRINO FR16 can be connected to external eye-in-hand or eye-to-hand cameras. This gives the integrator more freedom to choose the:
Camera resolution
Lens
Lighting
Image processor
Vision software
Camera location
Inspection methodology
An external solution can deliver more specialized capability, but it may require additional hardware, wiring, programming, calibration and support coordination.
Programming verdict: FAIRINO offers greater developer flexibility and external-system choice. OMRON offers the more integrated vision and low-code workflow.
Application Fit
FAIRINO FR16 Is Better For
Application or buyer priority | Why the FR16 has the advantage |
ROI-focused 16 kg automation | Public price of $11,699 |
Long-reach heavy handling | 1,034 mm reach versus 900 mm |
High-speed material transfer | 2 m/s published typical TCP speed |
Precision fixture loading | ±0.03 mm published repeatability |
Heavy CNC machine tending | More reach and the same standard payload |
Compact pallet or case handling | 16 kg nominal and 20 kg published maximum |
Welding | Reach, repeatability and higher published speed |
Heavy process tools | Additional published payload headroom |
Multi-cobot deployment | Lower price makes several cells more practical |
Custom software | C#, C++, Python, ROS and ROS 2 support |
External vision standardization | Buyer can select an existing camera platform |
Harsh industrial environments | Optional IP65 arm protection |
OMRON TM16 Is Better For
Application or buyer priority | Why the TM16 has the advantage |
Vision-guided handling | Integrated vision system |
Automated visual inspection | TMflow vision tools and built-in camera |
Barcode-related workflows | OMRON lists barcode-reading capability |
Mobile cobot stations | 32.2 kg arm is approximately 7.8 kg lighter |
Wall or ceiling mounting | Lower arm weight can simplify structural requirements |
Cleanroom automation | ISO Class 3 compatibility |
OMRON-standardized factories | Better fit with existing OMRON architecture |
Frequent redeployment | Landmark positioning supports faster relocation |
Low-code programming | TMflow uses graphical flowcharts |
Variable component presentation | Vision can identify parts that are not perfectly fixtured |
Food-handling support | Food-grade grease is listed by OMRON |
Compact high-load cells | 16 kg payload within a 900 mm reach envelope |
Which Robot Should a Manufacturer Choose?
Choose FAIRINO FR16 When:
The application requires a standard 16 kg payload.
More than 900 mm of reach is necessary.
The process benefits from ±0.03 mm published repeatability.
Higher published speed is important.
The public robot budget is close to $12,000.
A published 20 kg maximum provides useful payload headroom.
Optional IP65 arm protection is required.
The integrator wants Python, ROS, ROS 2, C++ or C# support.
The plant already uses an external vision system.
The business case depends on fast ROI.
Several cobot cells must be deployed.
The manufacturer wants more hardware capability per dollar.
Choose OMRON TM16 When:
A 16 kg payload and 900 mm reach are sufficient.
Integrated vision is central to the task.
The robot must recognize, inspect or position variable parts.
The plant already uses OMRON automation equipment.
ISO Class 3 cleanroom compatibility is required.
A lighter robot arm is valuable.
The cobot will be moved between workstations.
TMflow is preferred for graphical programming.
Landmark-based repositioning can reduce setup time.
OMRON’s support and automation ecosystem justify the premium.
Food-grade grease is relevant to the application.
The manufacturer prioritizes integrated engineering over acquisition cost.
Before selecting either robot, obtain a full system quotation covering:
Robot arm
Controller
Teach pendant or robot stick
Gripper
Tool changer
Force sensor
Camera and lighting
Safety equipment
Pedestal or mobile base
Fixtures
Cabling
Software licenses
Training
Shipping
Duties and taxes
Installation
Commissioning
Warranty
Technical support
A complete quotation reveals whether the OMRON vision system reduces integration costs enough to justify its much higher public price reference.
Final Verdict
The FAIRINO FR16 is the stronger choice for reach, speed, published repeatability and price.
Both robots have the same 16 kg standard payload, but the FR16 provides:
134 mm more reach
Tighter ±0.03 mm repeatability
Higher 2 m/s published typical TCP speed
A published 20 kg maximum payload
Optional IP65 protection
A public US price of $11,699
The OMRON TM16’s converted public reseller reference is approximately $55,642. That makes it approximately $43,943 more expensive than the FR16.
The OMRON TM16 is the stronger choice for integrated vision, low arm weight, cleanroom use and OMRON ecosystem compatibility.
It provides:
Integrated vision
TMflow programming
Landmark-based positioning
ISO Class 3 compatibility
32.2 kg arm weight
Food-grade grease
OMRON automation integration
For a manufacturer seeking maximum 16 kg cobot capability per dollar, the FAIRINO FR16 is the more compelling choice. It is less expensive while offering more reach, tighter published repeatability and a higher published speed.
The OMRON TM16 may justify its premium when vision-guided automation, cleanroom compatibility, lighter construction and OMRON-wide system integration are more important than acquisition cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are the FAIRINO FR16 and OMRON TM16 direct competitors?
Yes. Both are six-axis collaborative robots with a standard payload rating of 16 kg.
This makes them one of the closest payload matches in the FAIRINO and OMRON product ranges.
2. Which robot carries more?
Both robots have a standard 16 kg payload.
FAIRINO additionally publishes a 20 kg maximum for the FR16. That maximum must be validated for center of gravity, inertia, speed, pose and duty cycle.
3. Which robot has more reach?
The FAIRINO FR16 has 1,034 mm of reach, while the OMRON TM16 has 900 mm.
The FR16 therefore provides 134 mm of additional nominal reach.
4. Which cobot has better repeatability?
The FAIRINO FR16 has the tighter published figure at ±0.03 mm.
The OMRON TM16 is specified at ±0.1 mm. Its integrated vision may nevertheless provide an advantage when parts do not arrive in fixed positions.
5. Which robot is faster?
FAIRINO publishes a 2 m/s typical TCP speed for the FR16.
OMRON publishes a 1.1 m/s average speed for the TM16. Because the terms and test procedures may differ, buyers should perform an application-specific cycle test.
6. Which robot is lighter?
The OMRON TM16 is lighter at 32.2 kg.
The FAIRINO FR16 weighs approximately 40 kg, making the OMRON arm approximately 7.8 kg lighter.
7. Does the OMRON TM16 include vision?
Yes. OMRON describes the TM16 as having integrated vision for recognition, positioning, barcode reading and inspection workflows.
The system is connected to the TMflow programming environment.
8. Does the FAIRINO FR16 include a built-in camera?
The cited FAIRINO FR16 page does not list a built-in camera as standard equipment.
The FR16 can be integrated with external eye-in-hand or eye-to-hand vision systems.
9. How much does the FAIRINO FR16 cost?
FAIRINO USA publicly lists the FR16 for $11,699.
Tooling, vision, safety equipment, shipping, fixtures, training and integration may create additional project costs.
10. How much does the OMRON TM16 cost?
OMRON does not publish a standalone US MSRP on its official TM16 page.
Unchained Robotics publicly lists the TM16 for €48,050 excluding VAT. Using an illustrative conversion near 1 EUR to 1.158 USD, that equals approximately $55,642.
11. Which robot is better for machine tending?
The FR16 is stronger when the task needs more reach, tighter published repeatability, higher speed or lower acquisition cost.
The TM16 is stronger when integrated vision must locate parts, recognize fixtures or verify the machine-tending process.
12. Which robot is better for visual inspection?
The OMRON TM16 has the stronger out-of-the-box inspection proposition because vision is integrated into the robot and TMflow environment.
The FR16 can support inspection through an external vision system and provides tighter published robot repeatability.
14. Can the FAIRINO FR16 carry 20 kg continuously?
FAIRINO publishes a maximum payload of 20 kg, but it should not automatically be treated as an unrestricted continuous-duty rating.
The application must be verified against the payload curve, load center, inertia, robot pose, speed and duty cycle.
