FAIRINO FR3 vs. AUBO i3: Compact 3 kg Cobot Value Comparison
- FAIRINO USA
- 1 day ago
- 13 min read
The FAIRINO FR3 and AUBO i3 are both compact six-axis collaborative robots designed for small workspaces, light assembly, small-part pick and place, machine loading, inspection, education, research, dispensing, and compact automation cells.
This is a clean comparison because both robots are in the 3 kg payload class and have very similar reach.
The FAIRINO FR3 is a value-focused compact cobot with a lower public U.S. price, better published repeatability, 5 kg published maximum payload headroom, optional IP65 protection, and complete Product structured data with a numeric price.
The AUBO i3 is a compact open-platform cobot with open SDK support, TCP/IP and Modbus communication, ROS / Linux / Windows integration, 625 mm reach, and a public European marketplace price of €18,100 excl. VAT.
The clean comparison is:
FAIRINO FR3 = lower price, better repeatability, stronger ROI, 5 kg max published payload, and public U.S. buying path.
AUBO i3 = open SDK, open communication, slightly longer reach, and open-platform integration workflow.
Main Comparison Table
Specification | FAIRINO FR3 | AUBO i3 |
Robot type | Six-axis compact collaborative robot | Six-axis compact collaborative robot |
Payload | 3 kg nominal / 5 kg max published | 3 kg |
Reach | 622 mm | 625 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Repeatability | ±0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
TCP speed | 1 m/s typical TCP speed | 1.9 m/s max linear TCP speed |
Robot weight | approx. 15 kg | 16 kg |
IP rating | IP54 / IP65 optional | Robot arm spec shown by reseller; teach panel IP43 |
Footprint | 128 mm | Not the main public comparison point |
Tool I/O power | 24 V / 1.5 A | 24 V |
Programming | 10.1-inch teach pendant / mobile Web App | Open SDK, drag-and-drop teaching, coordinate positioning, path planning, offline programming |
Public price | $6,799 | €18,100 excl. VAT |
Price source type | FAIRINO USA public listed price | Public marketplace price |
Best fit | Compact 3 kg automation with strong ROI | Compact open-platform automation and SDK-driven integration |
FAIRINO FR3 Product Information
Product Field | Value |
Product Name | FAIRINO FR3 Collaborative Robot |
Short Product Name | FAIRINO FR3 |
Product Type | Six-Axis Compact Collaborative Robot |
Product Category | Collaborative Robots, Cobots, Compact Robotic Arms, Pick and Place Robots, Assembly Robots, Inspection Robots, Screwdriving Robots |
Brand | FAIRINO |
Manufacturer | FAIRINO |
Model | FR3 |
SKU | FAIRINO-FR3 |
MPN | FR3 |
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 | 6799.00 |
Price Currency | USD |
Price Type | Public FAIRINO USA listed price |
Availability | InStock |
Purchase Method | Add to cart, buy online, or request a quotation |
Manufacturer Warranty | 18 months |
Expected Lifetime | 50,000 hours |
U.S. After-Sales Support | 5 years U.S.-based support |
Main Applications | Pick and place, light assembly, inspection, screwdriving, dispensing, electronics assembly, compact machine tending, education, research, small-part automation |
Main Value Proposition | 3 kg compact cobot, 5 kg published maximum payload, 622 mm reach, ±0.02 mm repeatability, public price, and strong ROI |
FAIRINO FR3 Main Technical Specifications
Specification | FAIRINO FR3 |
Payload | 3 kg |
Published maximum payload | 5 kg |
Reach | 622 mm |
Degrees of freedom | 6 rotating joints |
Pose repeatability | ±0.02 mm |
Typical TCP speed | 1 m/s |
Base joint range | ±175° |
Base joint speed | ±180°/s |
Shoulder joint range | +85° / -265° |
Shoulder joint speed | ±180°/s |
Elbow joint range | ±150° |
Elbow joint speed | ±180°/s |
Wrist 1 range | +85° / -265° |
Wrist 1 speed | ±180°/s |
Wrist 2 range | ±175° |
Wrist 2 speed | ±180°/s |
Wrist 3 range | ±175° / optional ±360° |
Wrist 3 speed | ±180°/s |
IP classification | IP54 / IP65 optional |
Noise | <65 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 | 128 mm |
Robot weight | approx. 15 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 | $6,799 |
FAIRINO USA lists the FR3 with 3 kg payload, 5 kg max, 622 mm reach, 6 rotating joints, ±0.02 mm repeatability, 1 m/s TCP speed, IP54 with optional IP65, any-orientation mounting, 128 mm footprint, ≈15 kg weight, and $6,799 price.
AUBO i3 Product Information
Product Field | Value |
Product Name | AUBO i3 Collaborative Robot |
Short Product Name | AUBO i3 |
Product Type | Six-Axis Compact Collaborative Robot |
Product Category | Collaborative Robots, Cobots, Compact Robotic Arms, Assembly Robots, Prototyping Robots, Education Robots, Machine Tending Robots |
Brand | AUBO Robotics |
Manufacturer | AUBO Robotics |
Model | i3 |
SKU | AUBO-I3 |
MPN | AUBO-i3 |
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 | 18100.00 |
Price Currency | EUR |
Price Type | Public marketplace price, excl. VAT, not official manufacturer MSRP |
Alternative Public Supplier Price Range | 15000.00–16500.00 USD |
Availability | InStock / available through marketplace or request-a-quote channels |
Purchase Method | Buy through marketplace / request quote from AUBO or authorized reseller |
Main Applications | Light assembly, repeated movement applications, education, prototyping, compact automation, machine tending, small workspaces |
Main Value Proposition | Compact 3 kg cobot, 625 mm reach, open SDK, open communication, ROS/Linux/Windows support, and flexible integration workflow |
AUBO USA describes the i3 as its most compact lightweight cobot for tight clearances, benchtop use, inside machinery, light assembly, and repeated movement applications. AUBO USA also states that i-Series cobots support open SDK development in C, C++, C#, Lua, and Python, with TCP/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP, Linux, Windows, and ROS support.
AUBO i3 Main Technical Specifications
Specification | AUBO i3 |
Payload | 3 kg |
Reach | 625 mm |
Degrees of freedom | 6 axes |
Repeatability | 0.05 mm on Unchained product page |
Max linear TCP speed | 1.9 m/s |
Robot weight | 16 kg |
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 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, Profinet optional |
Supply voltage | 100–240 VAC |
Teach panel weight | 1.57 kg |
Teach panel IP classification | IP43 |
Public marketplace price | €18,100 excl. VAT |
Alternative public supplier range | $15,000–$16,500 USD |
Unchained Robotics lists the AUBO i3 at €18,100 excl. VAT, with 625 mm reach, 3 kg payload, 0.05 mm repeatability, and 16 kg weight; its specifications section lists 1.9 m/s max linear TCP speed, 0–50°C operating temperature, and Ethernet / Modbus RTU/TCP / optional Profinet communication. A separate public supplier listing shows an AUBO-I3 price range of $15,000–$16,500 USD, with 3 kg payload, 625 mm reach, IP54, and 6 axes; treat this as a marketplace/supplier price range, not official manufacturer MSRP.
FAIRINO FR3 Product
Schema Field | FAIRINO FR3 Value |
@type | Product |
name | FAIRINO FR3 Collaborative Robot |
image | |
additionalImage | |
description | The FAIRINO FR3 is a compact six-axis collaborative robot with 3 kg nominal payload, 5 kg published maximum payload, 622 mm reach, ±0.02 mm repeatability, 1 m/s TCP speed, IP54/IP65 optional protection, 15 kg robot weight, and public U.S. pricing. |
brand | FAIRINO |
manufacturer | FAIRINO |
model | FR3 |
sku | FAIRINO-FR3 |
mpn | FR3 |
category | Collaborative Robot |
condition | NewCondition |
price | 6799.00 |
priceCurrency | USD |
availability | InStock |
seller | FAIRINO USA |
url |
AUBO i3 Product Snippet Fields
Schema Field | AUBO i3 Value |
@type | Product |
name | AUBO i3 Collaborative Robot |
image | |
additionalImage | |
description | The AUBO i3 is a compact six-axis collaborative robot with 3 kg payload, 625 mm reach, 0.05 mm repeatability, 1.9 m/s max linear TCP speed, 16 kg robot weight, open SDK support, open communication, and ROS/Linux/Windows integration. |
brand | AUBO Robotics |
manufacturer | AUBO Robotics |
model | i3 |
sku | AUBO-I3 |
mpn | AUBO-i3 |
category | Collaborative Robot |
condition | NewCondition |
price | 18100.00 |
priceCurrency | EUR |
availability | InStock |
seller | Unchained Robotics |
url |
Price Comparison
Robot | Public Price | Price Source Type |
FAIRINO FR3 | $6,799 | FAIRINO USA public listed price |
AUBO i3 | €18,100 excl. VAT | Public marketplace price |
AUBO i3 alternative supplier range | $15,000–$16,500 | Public supplier range, not official MSRP |
The FAIRINO FR3 has the clearer and lower public U.S. price. AUBO i3 pricing appears in public marketplace/supplier listings, but it is not a single official manufacturer MSRP. The strongest comparable public number from a European marketplace is €18,100 excl. VAT, while a separate public supplier listing shows a $15,000–$16,500 USD range.
Even using the lower USD supplier range, the FAIRINO FR3 remains significantly less expensive than AUBO i3.
Main Technical Comparison
Payload
Robot | Payload |
FAIRINO FR3 | 3 kg nominal / 5 kg max published |
AUBO i3 | 3 kg |
Both robots are 3 kg-class collaborative robots.
The difference is that FAIRINO publishes a 5 kg maximum payload figure for the FR3. That maximum should be validated for load center, tool weight, robot pose, speed, and duty cycle before final engineering use.
Payload verdict: Equal at nominal payload; FAIRINO FR3 has more published maximum payload headroom.
Reach
Robot | Reach |
FAIRINO FR3 | 622 mm |
AUBO i3 | 625 mm |
The AUBO i3 has 3 mm more reach than the FAIRINO FR3. This is technically an advantage, but it is too small to change most automation layouts.
Reach verdict: AUBO i3 wins slightly, but the difference is minimal.
Repeatability
Robot | Repeatability |
FAIRINO FR3 | ±0.02 mm |
AUBO i3 | 0.05 mm |
FAIRINO FR3 has the stronger published repeatability. This matters for small-part pick and place, dispensing, light assembly, screwdriving, inspection positioning, and electronics-related automation.
Repeatability verdict: FAIRINO FR3 wins.
Speed
Robot | Speed |
FAIRINO FR3 | 1 m/s typical TCP speed |
AUBO i3 | 1.9 m/s max linear TCP speed |
The AUBO i3 has the higher published maximum linear TCP speed in the marketplace specifications. FAIRINO publishes a typical TCP speed of 1 m/s. Real production cycle time depends on payload, path design, acceleration, gripper timing, safety configuration, and operator proximity.
Speed verdict: AUBO i3 wins on published maximum speed.
Robot Weight
Robot | Robot Weight |
FAIRINO FR3 | approx. 15 kg |
AUBO i3 | 16 kg |
FAIRINO FR3 is slightly lighter based on the listed values.
Weight verdict: FAIRINO FR3 wins slightly.
IP Rating
Robot | IP Rating |
FAIRINO FR3 | IP54 standard / IP65 optional |
AUBO i3 | IP54 appears in supplier listing; teach panel IP43 in marketplace spec |
FAIRINO has the stronger protection story because FR3 is listed as IP54 with optional IP65. AUBO i3 supplier listings show IP54, while the Unchained Robotics page lists the teach panel as IP43.
IP rating verdict: FAIRINO FR3 wins if optional IP65 is required.
Programming and Workflow
Category | FAIRINO FR3 | AUBO i3 |
Main programming method | 10.1-inch teach pendant / mobile Web App | Open SDK, drag-and-drop teaching, coordinate positioning, path planning, offline programming |
SDK / developer support | FAIRINO SDK / Web App ecosystem | Open SDK: C, C++, C#, Lua, Python |
OS / ROS positioning | Integration-friendly | ROS, Linux, Windows support |
Communication | TCP/IP, PoE | TCP/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP, optional Profinet |
Best workflow advantage | Simple Web App and strong price transparency | Open architecture and developer-friendly integration |
Best buyer profile | ROI-focused compact automation | Open-platform engineering teams and SDK-heavy projects |
AUBO’s strongest advantage is its open-platform positioning. AUBO USA emphasizes open SDK support and open communication, including TCP/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP, Linux, Windows, and ROS integration.
FAIRINO’s strongest workflow advantage is that it combines a compact cobot with a low public U.S. price, Web App / teach pendant operation, and complete product data for buyers who want faster ROI.
Programming verdict: AUBO i3 wins for open SDK and developer workflow; FAIRINO FR3 wins for value and purchase transparency.
Tool I/O and Connectivity
FAIRINO FR3 I/O
FAIRINO FR3 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 i3 I/O
AUBO i3 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 i3 has a strong control-box I/O and communication story. FAIRINO FR3 has clear tool-side I/O, high-speed pulse inputs, and PoE support.
I/O verdict: AUBO i3 is stronger for open communication and control-box I/O; FAIRINO FR3 is strong for tool-side high-speed pulse detail and simple integration.
Application Fit
FAIRINO FR3 Is Better For
Application | Why FR3 Fits Better |
Cost-sensitive compact automation | $6,799 public price supports faster ROI |
Small-part pick and place | 3 kg payload and ±0.02 mm repeatability |
Light assembly | Compact footprint and better published repeatability |
Inspection positioning | Strong ±0.02 mm repeatability |
Dispensing | Precision and tool I/O support |
Screwdriving | Repeatability and compact reach |
Education and research | Lower price makes deployment easier |
Compact machine tending | 622 mm reach and 3 kg payload |
Multi-robot deployment | Lower unit cost matters across several cells |
ROI-driven automation | Much lower public acquisition cost |
The FAIRINO FR3 is the better choice when the buyer needs a precise compact 3 kg cobot at a much lower public price.
AUBO i3 Is Better For
Application | Why AUBO i3 Fits Better |
Open SDK projects | Supports C, C++, C#, Lua, Python |
ROS-based integration | AUBO USA lists ROS support |
Linux / Windows integration | Useful for custom engineering teams |
Developer-heavy automation | Open architecture is a core positioning point |
Prototyping | Unchained lists AUBO i3 for prototyping |
Education | Unchained lists AUBO i3 for education use |
Compact repeated movement tasks | AUBO USA positions i3 for repeated movement applications |
Tight spaces / benchtop use | AUBO USA describes i3 as suitable for tight clearances and benchtop use |
Machine-inside workspaces | AUBO USA mentions use inside machinery |
Teams already using AUBO | Easier ecosystem continuity |
The AUBO i3 is the better choice when open SDK, open communication, ROS/Linux/Windows support, and custom software integration matter more than upfront price.
Which Robot Should a Manufacturer Choose?
Choose FAIRINO FR3 When:
Choose the FAIRINO FR3 if the application needs a compact 3 kg collaborative robot with strong repeatability, public pricing, optional IP65, and a much lower acquisition cost.
The FR3 is the better fit for small-part pick and place, inspection, dispensing, light assembly, compact machine tending, education, research, and cost-sensitive automation.
It is also the stronger option when the buyer wants complete Product structured data with a real public price, official seller, product URL, image URL, price, availability, warranty, and ROI-friendly positioning.
Choose AUBO i3 When:
Choose the AUBO i3 if the application benefits from open SDK access, open communication, ROS/Linux/Windows support, Modbus integration, and AUBO’s open-platform architecture.
The AUBO i3 is especially attractive for engineering teams building custom software workflows, research cells, prototyping systems, and automation projects where developer access matters more than the lowest possible hardware price.
Final Verdict
The FAIRINO FR3 and AUBO i3 are both credible compact 3 kg collaborative robots. The AUBO i3 has strong open-platform positioning and a slightly longer reach, while the FAIRINO FR3 has better published repeatability, lower weight, optional IP65, and a much lower public price.
The FAIRINO FR3 wins on:
Much lower public price
Stronger ROI positioning
Public U.S. seller and buying path
Better published repeatability
5 kg published maximum payload headroom
Optional IP65 configuration
Slightly lower robot weight
Clear product schema fields with numeric price
Better value for compact 3 kg automation
The AUBO i3 wins on:
Open SDK
C, C++, C#, Lua, Python support
ROS / Linux / Windows positioning
TCP/IP and Modbus RTU/TCP communication
Slightly longer reach
Higher max linear TCP speed
Open-platform workflow
Strong fit for developer-heavy automation projects
The honest article angle is:
FAIRINO FR3 vs. AUBO i3: Compact 3 kg Cobot Value vs. Open SDK Workflow
For buyers who need a compact 3 kg cobot with stronger repeatability, lower price, and faster ROI, the FAIRINO FR3 is the stronger value-focused choice.
For buyers who need an open SDK, open communication, ROS/Linux/Windows support, and custom software integration, the AUBO i3 is the stronger open-platform workflow choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest AUBO model to the FAIRINO FR3?
The closest AUBO model to the FAIRINO FR3 is the AUBO i3. Both robots are compact 3 kg six-axis collaborative robots designed for small workspaces, light assembly, education, prototyping, inspection, and compact automation.
Is the AUBO i3 a direct equivalent to the FAIRINO FR3?
Yes. The AUBO i3 is a direct equivalent to the FAIRINO FR3 because both robots are 3 kg-class compact six-axis cobots with similar reach and similar application targets.
What is the payload of the FAIRINO FR3?
The FAIRINO FR3 has a 3 kg nominal payload and a published maximum payload of 5 kg. The 5 kg maximum should be validated for the exact load center, tool weight, robot pose, speed, and duty cycle before final engineering use.
What is the payload of the AUBO i3?
The AUBO i3 has a 3 kg payload. It is designed for compact automation, education, prototyping, light assembly, and repeated movement applications.
Which robot has more reach, FAIRINO FR3 or AUBO i3?
The AUBO i3 has slightly more reach. It reaches 625 mm, while the FAIRINO FR3 reaches 622 mm. The difference is only 3 mm, so it is unlikely to affect most automation layouts.
Which robot has better repeatability?
The FAIRINO FR3 has better published repeatability. FAIRINO lists the FR3 at ±0.02 mm, while Unchained Robotics lists the AUBO i3 at 0.05 mm.
Which robot is faster?
The AUBO i3 has a higher published maximum linear TCP speed at 1.9 m/s. FAIRINO FR3 lists a typical TCP speed of 1 m/s. Real cycle time depends on payload, path design, acceleration, safety settings, tooling, and gripper timing.
Which robot is lighter?
The FAIRINO FR3 is slightly lighter. FAIRINO lists the FR3 at approximately 15 kg, while AUBO i3 is listed at 16 kg.
Which robot has better IP protection?
The FAIRINO FR3 has the stronger protection option because it is IP54 standard with optional IP65. AUBO i3 supplier listings show IP54, while the Unchained Robotics page lists the teach panel as IP43.
Which robot is better for small-part pick and place?
The FAIRINO FR3 is stronger for small-part pick and place when repeatability, lower price, and ROI matter most. The AUBO i3 is stronger when the project depends on open SDK integration or custom communication workflows.
Which robot is better for light assembly?
Both robots can support light assembly. FAIRINO FR3 offers better published repeatability and a lower public price. AUBO i3 offers open SDK support and open communication for custom integration.
Which robot is better for education and research?
Both robots can work for education and research. FAIRINO FR3 is stronger when the budget matters. AUBO i3 is stronger when the class or lab needs open SDK access, ROS/Linux/Windows integration, and custom programming.
Which robot is better for prototyping?
AUBO i3 is strong for prototyping because of its open SDK and open-platform workflow. FAIRINO FR3 is strong for prototyping when the buyer wants lower hardware cost and stronger repeatability.
Which robot is better for machine tending?
Both robots can support compact machine tending. FAIRINO FR3 is better when the machine-tending task needs lower price and better repeatability. AUBO i3 is better when the integration requires Modbus, open SDK, or ROS/Linux/Windows development.
How much does the FAIRINO FR3 cost?
FAIRINO USA lists the FR3 at $6,799.
How much does the AUBO i3 cost?
A public marketplace listing from Unchained Robotics shows the AUBO i3 at €18,100 excl. VAT. A separate supplier listing shows a public USD range of $15,000–$16,500. These should be treated as marketplace or supplier prices, not official manufacturer MSRP.
Which robot is cheaper, FAIRINO FR3 or AUBO i3?
The FAIRINO FR3 is cheaper based on available public pricing. FAIRINO FR3 is listed at $6,799, while AUBO i3 appears at €18,100 excl. VAT on Unchained Robotics and $15,000–$16,500 in a separate supplier listing.
Which robot is better for ROI planning?
The FAIRINO FR3 is better for ROI planning because it has a much lower public price and a direct FAIRINO USA buying path. AUBO i3 can still be a good choice when open SDK, open communication, and custom software integration reduce engineering time or match the buyer’s technical standard.
Which robot offers better value for money?
The FAIRINO FR3 offers better value for buyers who need a compact 3 kg cobot with strong repeatability, public price, and lower acquisition cost. The AUBO i3 may offer better value when the application specifically needs open SDK access, ROS/Linux/Windows support, and open communication protocols.
Should a manufacturer choose FAIRINO FR3 or AUBO i3?
A manufacturer should choose the FAIRINO FR3 when it wants a compact 3 kg cobot with stronger repeatability, lower price, optional IP65, and better ROI. It should choose the AUBO i3 when open SDK, ROS/Linux/Windows integration, Modbus communication, and custom developer workflow are more important than upfront cost.
What is the main conclusion of FAIRINO FR3 vs. AUBO i3?
The main conclusion is that FAIRINO FR3 is the stronger value-focused compact cobot, while AUBO i3 is the stronger open-SDK workflow cobot. FAIRINO wins on price, repeatability, payload headroom, and ROI. AUBO wins on open SDK, open communication, ROS/Linux/Windows support, and developer-focused integration.
