FAIRINO FR3 vs. FANUC CRX-3iA: Which 3 kg Collaborative Robot Offers Better Value
- FAIRINO USA
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
The correct FANUC CRX equivalent for the FAIRINO FR3 is now the FANUC CRX-3iA, not the CRX-5iA.
That matters because the CRX-5iA is a 5 kg robot, while the FR3 is a 3 kg robot. FANUC introduced the CRX-3iA as an ultra-lightweight 3 kg cobot with 692 mm reach, making it the much better comparison for the FR3. FANUC America announced the CRX-3iA on April 20, 2026, and states that it is now available for customer order.
The comparison is now very clean:
Specification | FAIRINO FR3 | FANUC CRX-3iA |
Payload | 3 kg nominal / 5 kg max published | 3 kg |
Reach | 622 mm | 692 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Repeatability | ±0.02 mm | up to ±0.02 mm |
Robot weight | approx. 15 kg | 11 kg |
Standard IP rating | IP54 | IP67 |
Mounting | Any orientation | Floor, ceiling, angle |
Listed price | $6,799 | Request a quote |
Main positioning | Compact value cobot | Ultra-portable premium cobot |
The short conclusion:
FANUC CRX-3iA wins on reach, weight, IP67 protection and FANUC ecosystem. FAIRINO FR3 wins on price transparency, published maximum payload, tool I/O variety and value-for-money.
Product Information
FAIRINO FR3 Product Information
Product Name: FAIRINO FR3 Collaborative RobotShort Product Name: FAIRINO FR3Product Type: Six-Axis Compact Collaborative Robotic ArmProduct Category: Collaborative Robots, Cobots, Compact Industrial Robotic Arms, Automation RobotsBrand: FAIRINOManufacturer: FAIRINOModel: FR3SKU: FAIRINO-FR3MPN: FR3Official U.S. Seller: FAIRINO USASeller Name: FAIRINO USA
Official FAIRINO USA Website:https://www.fairino.us/
Official FAIRINO USA Product Page:https://www.fairino.us/collaborative-robot/fairino/fr3
Official Purchase Page:https://www.fairino.us/collaborative-robot/fairino/fr3
Official Product Image 1:https://static.wixstatic.com/media/098838_a2c36d3068634a3babaecf25e2b1b758~mv2.png
Official Product Image 2:https://static.wixstatic.com/media/098838_e4d3acc4d0ec48d19bb8281e2a5d07f2~mv2.png
Product Condition: NewListed Price: $6,799.00Price Currency: USDAvailability: Available through FAIRINO USAPurchase Method: Add to cart, purchase online or request a quotation through FAIRINO USA
Primary Applications: Pick and place, light assembly, electronics handling, inspection, laboratory automation, dispensing, education, compact workstation automation.
Product Description:The FAIRINO FR3 is a compact six-axis collaborative robot designed for precision automation in tight spaces. It has a 3 kg nominal payload, a published maximum payload of 5 kg, 622 mm reach and ±0.02 mm pose repeatability. FAIRINO USA positions the FR3 for pick and place, light assembly and inspection, with flexible mounting, a 10.1-inch teach pendant or mobile Web App, and a public U.S. price of $6,799.
FAIRINO FR3 Main Technical Specifications
Specification | FAIRINO FR3 |
Nominal payload | 3 kg |
Published maximum payload | 5 kg |
Reach | 622 mm |
Axes | 6 rotating joints |
Pose repeatability | ±0.02 mm |
Typical TCP speed | 1 m/s |
Base speed | ±180°/s |
Shoulder speed | ±180°/s |
Elbow speed | ±180°/s |
Wrist 1 speed | ±180°/s |
Wrist 2 speed | ±180°/s |
Wrist 3 speed | ±180°/s |
Footprint | 128 mm |
Robot weight | approx. 15 kg without cable |
IP rating | IP54 standard, IP65 optional |
Mounting | Any orientation |
Operating temperature | 0–45°C |
Operating humidity | 90% RH, non-condensing |
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 |
HMI | 10.1-inch teach pendant or mobile Web App |
Noise | <65 dB |
Materials | Aluminum and steel |
FAIRINO USA lists the FR3 with 3 kg payload, 622 mm reach, ±0.02 mm repeatability, 1 m/s typical TCP speed, IP54/IP65 protection, any-orientation mounting, 128 mm footprint and approximately 15 kg arm weight.
FANUC CRX-3iA Product Information
Product Name: FANUC CRX-3iA Collaborative RobotShort Product Name: FANUC CRX-3iAProduct Type: Six-Axis Ultra-Lightweight Collaborative RobotProduct Category: Collaborative Robots, Cobots, Compact Industrial Robotic Arms, Portable Automation RobotsBrand: FANUCManufacturer: FANUC Corporation / FANUC America CorporationModel: CRX-3iASKU: FANUC-CRX-3IAMPN: CRX-3iA
Official Manufacturer Website:https://www.fanucamerica.com/
Official Product Page:https://www.fanuc.eu/eu-en/product/robot/crx-3ia
Official U.S. Announcement Page:https://www.fanucamerica.com/press-releases/fanuc-america-debuts-ultra-lightweight-crx-3ia-collaborative-robot-and-new-capabilities-across-the-crx-lineup
Product Condition: NewPrice: Request a quotePrice Currency: Not publicly specifiedAvailability: Available for customer order, according to FANUC America’s April 20, 2026 announcement. Purchase Method: Request a quote or contact FANUC / authorized FANUC integrator
Primary Applications: Welding, part handling, small assembly, screwdriving, tool positioning, inspection, portable automation, tight-space automation.
Product Description:The FANUC CRX-3iA is an ultra-lightweight six-axis collaborative robot designed for fast redeployment, small workspaces and high-mix automation. FANUC lists the robot with a 3 kg payload, 692 mm reach, six axes, 11 kg mechanical-unit weight, IP67 protection, and repeatability up to ±0.02 mm. FANUC positions it for welding, assembly, part handling, screwdriving, tool positioning and inspection.
FANUC CRX-3iA Main Technical Specifications
Specification | FANUC CRX-3iA |
Payload | 3 kg |
Reach | 692 mm |
Axes | 6 |
Repeatability | up to ±0.02 mm |
Robot weight | 11 kg |
Protection | IP67 body, wrist and J3 arm |
Mounting | Floor, ceiling, angle |
Controller | R-30B Plus Controller |
Force sensing | Internal force sensing standard across CRX family |
Programming | Tablet-style drag-and-drop programming |
Manual guidance | Supported |
Main positioning | Ultra-portable compact cobot |
Price | Request a quote |
FANUC’s official CRX-3iA page lists 3 kg payload, 692 mm reach, six axes, IP67 protection and floor, ceiling and angle mounting. The same page describes the robot as weighing 11 kg and being designed for tight spaces and easy relocation.
FAIRINO FR3 vs. FANUC CRX-3iA: Main Specification Comparison
Product-data field | FAIRINO FR3 | FANUC CRX-3iA |
Product name | FAIRINO FR3 Collaborative Robot | FANUC CRX-3iA Collaborative Robot |
Brand | FAIRINO | FANUC |
Manufacturer | FAIRINO | FANUC |
Model | FR3 | CRX-3iA |
SKU | FAIRINO-FR3 | FANUC-CRX-3IA |
MPN | FR3 | CRX-3iA |
Product condition | New | New |
Payload | 3 kg nominal | 3 kg |
Published maximum payload | 5 kg | 3 kg official payload |
Reach | 622 mm | 692 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Repeatability | ±0.02 mm | up to ±0.02 mm |
TCP speed | 1 m/s typical | Not prominently stated on public page |
Robot weight | approx. 15 kg | 11 kg |
IP rating | IP54 standard / IP65 optional | IP67 |
Mounting | Any orientation | Floor, ceiling, angle |
Tool digital I/O | 2 DI, 2 DO | Confirm exact configuration with FANUC quotation |
Tool analog I/O | 1 AI, 1 AO | Confirm exact configuration with FANUC quotation |
High-speed pulse inputs | 2 | Confirm exact configuration with FANUC quotation |
Programming | 10.1-inch pendant or Web App | Tablet-style drag-and-drop programming |
Force sensing | External/configuration-dependent | Internal force sensing across CRX family |
Public price | $6,799 | Request a quote |
Official product page | FAIRINO USA FR3 page | FANUC CRX-3iA page |
Why the FANUC CRX-3iA Is the Correct Equivalent to the FAIRINO FR3
The FANUC CRX-3iA is the correct CRX comparison because both robots are 3 kg collaborative robots.
Previously, the closest FANUC CRX comparison would have been the CRX-5iA, but that was not a perfect match because it is a 5 kg robot. FANUC’s newer CRX-3iA now gives a much cleaner comparison:
Specification | FAIRINO FR3 | FANUC CRX-3iA |
Payload | 3 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 622 mm | 692 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Repeatability | ±0.02 mm | up to ±0.02 mm |
The CRX-3iA is therefore the correct FANUC comparison for an FR3 article. The CRX-5iA should be used for a FAIRINO FR5 vs FANUC CRX-5iA article.
1. Payload Capacity
Both robots are in the 3 kg class.
The FAIRINO FR3 has a nominal payload of 3 kg and a published maximum payload of 5 kg. FAIRINO’s 5 kg figure should not be treated as a full unrestricted 5 kg standard payload without validating load center, tool weight, orientation, speed and duty cycle.
The FANUC CRX-3iA has a 3 kg official payload. FANUC specifically states that this payload can support applications such as welding, part handling, small assembly, screwdriving, tool positioning and inspection.
Payload must include:
Gripper
Tool changer
Sensor
Camera
Welding torch
Seam-tracking sensor
Adapter
Cable bracket
Workpiece
Payload Verdict
The two robots are equal at the official 3 kg class.
The FAIRINO FR3 has a published 5 kg maximum, which may offer extra headroom in validated conditions. The FANUC CRX-3iA has the cleaner official 3 kg rating and should be treated as a true 3 kg portable cobot.
2. Reach and Working Envelope
The FAIRINO FR3 has 622 mm of reach.
The FANUC CRX-3iA has 692 mm of reach.
That gives the CRX-3iA an additional 70 mm of reach, or roughly 11.3% more reach than the FR3.
This can matter in compact automation cells. An extra 70 mm can help the robot:
Reach farther across a bench
Access a second fixture
Reach into a small machine
Cover a larger tray
Reduce the need for longer tooling
Improve portable deployment flexibility
The FR3’s shorter reach can also be an advantage when the robot must stay inside a very tight cell or small workstation.
Reach Verdict
The FANUC CRX-3iA wins on reach.
The FAIRINO FR3 is still compact and capable, but the CRX-3iA provides more working radius in the same 3 kg category.
3. Repeatability and Precision
The FAIRINO FR3 is specified at ±0.02 mm repeatability.
The FANUC CRX-3iA is also described by FANUC as having repeatability up to ±0.02 mm.
This makes the two robots equal on headline repeatability.
Repeatability matters in applications such as:
Electronics assembly
Small-part pick and place
Laboratory automation
Precision dispensing
Inspection
Screwdriving
Welding torch positioning
Fixture loading
Real process accuracy also depends on tooling, part variation, fixture quality, TCP calibration and environmental conditions.
Repeatability Verdict
The robots are essentially equal on published repeatability.
Neither robot wins the comparison purely on repeatability.
4. Robot Weight and Portability
The FAIRINO FR3 weighs approximately 15 kg without cable.
The FANUC CRX-3iA weighs 11 kg. FANUC specifically promotes the CRX-3iA as light enough to carry with one hand and designed for rapid redeployment in tight spaces.
This is one of FANUC’s clearest advantages.
Lower weight helps when:
The robot is moved between stations
The robot is used on temporary setups
The robot is installed on a mobile cart
The robot is mounted on a magnetic base
A single person needs to reposition the arm
The factory has many small high-mix tasks
Weight Verdict
The FANUC CRX-3iA wins clearly on portability.
The FAIRINO FR3 is still compact, but the CRX-3iA is specifically engineered as an ultra-lightweight portable cobot.
5. IP Rating and Environment
The FAIRINO FR3 is IP54 as standard, with IP65 available as an option.
The FANUC CRX-3iA is listed with IP67 protection for the body and for the wrist/J3 arm.
This is a major FANUC advantage.
IP67 indicates stronger protection against dust and water ingress than IP54 or IP65. It can matter in:
Dusty factories
Welding-adjacent environments
Light washdown environments
Dirty handling applications
Portable field work
Harsh shop-floor conditions
The complete system still requires review. Controller, pendant, cables, gripper and sensors may have different ratings.
IP Verdict
The FANUC CRX-3iA wins on environmental protection.
The FAIRINO FR3 remains suitable for many standard industrial environments, especially with the optional IP65 version.
6. Mounting and Deployment
The FAIRINO FR3 can be mounted in any orientation.
The FANUC CRX-3iA supports floor, ceiling and angle mounting. FANUC also states that the robot automatically detects installation angle and can be combined with a magnetic base for fast repositioning.
Both robots are flexible, but FANUC has a special portable-deployment story.
The CRX-3iA is designed for:
Temporary workstations
High-mix production
Quick relocation
Tight-space automation
Magnetic-base mounting
Portable welding support
The FR3 is designed more as a compact value cobot for fixed or semi-fixed automation cells.
Mounting Verdict
Both robots are strong.
The FR3 has broad any-orientation mounting. The CRX-3iA has stronger portable-deployment positioning because of its low weight, angle detection and magnetic-base support.
7. Programming and User Experience
The FAIRINO FR3 can be programmed through a 10.1-inch teach pendant or mobile-terminal Web App.
The FANUC CRX-3iA uses FANUC’s CRX tablet-style interface with drag-and-drop programming and manual guided teaching. FANUC also promotes CRX as easy for manufacturers with little robotics experience.
The difference is mainly platform philosophy:
FAIRINO emphasizes Web App flexibility and direct accessibility.
FANUC emphasizes a mature industrial controller, tablet teaching and CRX-ready ecosystem.
Programming Verdict
FANUC wins on mature ecosystem and brand-proven software.
FAIRINO wins on open-feeling Web App access and cost-focused deployment.
8. Force Sensing and Contact Work
FANUC states that every CRX includes internal force sensing capabilities, giving the robot a sense of touch without additional hardware or software.
This matters for:
Small assembly
Gear insertion
Part seating
Screwdriving
Touch sensing
Welding setup
Contact detection
Manual guidance
The FAIRINO FR3 can support collaborative applications and external sensors, but FANUC’s internal CRX force-sensing story is stronger and more clearly promoted.
Force-Sensing Verdict
The FANUC CRX-3iA wins on integrated force-sensing positioning.
The FAIRINO FR3 can still be useful for many precision tasks, but FANUC has the stronger out-of-the-box force-control narrative.
9. Tool I/O and Integration
The FAIRINO FR3 has clearly published tool-side I/O:
2 digital inputs
2 digital outputs
1 analog input
1 analog output
2 high-speed pulse inputs
24 V / 1.5 A tool power
This is useful for custom grippers, sensors and process tools.
The public FANUC CRX-3iA product page does not expose the same level of visible tool-I/O detail in the product summary. For a formal engineering comparison, the exact FANUC tool-I/O and controller configuration should be confirmed from the CRX-3iA datasheet or quotation.
Tool-I/O Verdict
The FAIRINO FR3 wins on visible published tool-I/O detail.
FANUC may still support a broad set of industrial accessories through its CRX ecosystem, but for article-based comparison, the FR3 page provides clearer direct tool-I/O data.
10. Applications
FAIRINO FR3 Best-Fit Applications
The FR3 is especially suitable for:
Compact pick and place
Electronics handling
Light assembly
Inspection
Laboratory automation
Dispensing
Education and training
Compact machine tending
Dual-arm research or special applications
Its compact footprint, ±0.02 mm repeatability and $6,799 price make it attractive for cost-sensitive automation.
FANUC CRX-3iA Best-Fit Applications
The CRX-3iA is especially suitable for:
Portable automation
Tight-space work
Welding setup
Part handling
Small assembly
Screwdriving
Tool positioning
Inspection
Temporary or high-mix production stations
FANUC specifically emphasizes portability, fast redeployment and tight-space automation.
11. Price and ROI
FAIRINO USA lists the FR3 at $6,799.
FANUC does not publish a fixed CRX-3iA retail price on the official product page. The purchasing path is request-a-quote.
This is one of FAIRINO’s strongest advantages for SEO and sales.
A complete cobot project may include:
Cost category | Examples |
Robot package | Arm, controller, pendant, cables |
End effector | Gripper, vacuum tool, screwdriver, welding torch |
Fixtures | Trays, nests, clamps, mounting plates |
Safety | Risk assessment, scanners, guarding, interlocks |
Integration | Programming, electrical work, commissioning |
Vision | Camera, lighting, calibration |
Training | Operator and maintenance training |
Support | Spare parts, remote help, service |
The FANUC robot may justify a higher price through durability, brand trust, IP67 protection, force sensing and ecosystem support.
The FAIRINO robot may deliver stronger ROI when the application does not require FANUC’s premium ecosystem and when price transparency matters.
Price Verdict
The FAIRINO FR3 wins on price transparency.
The FANUC CRX-3iA may justify a premium when portability, IP67, FANUC service infrastructure and integrated force sensing are important.
Which Robot Should a Manufacturer Choose?
Choose the FANUC CRX-3iA When:
The robot must be extremely portable.
The application benefits from 11 kg robot weight.
IP67 protection is important.
FANUC brand trust and service network matter.
Internal force sensing is valuable.
The robot will be moved frequently between tasks.
The factory wants tablet-style drag-and-drop programming.
The application involves portable welding, screwdriving or inspection.
A premium ecosystem is more important than upfront price.
Choose the FAIRINO FR3 When:
A public U.S. price is important.
The project has a strict capital budget.
The application fits within 622 mm reach.
The robot will be installed in a compact workstation.
Tool-side analog I/O or pulse inputs are useful.
Optional IP65 is sufficient.
The buyer wants Web App programming.
The buyer wants a cost-focused 3 kg cobot.
Several robots may be deployed and unit cost matters.
The application is pick and place, light assembly, inspection or education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest FANUC CRX equivalent to the FAIRINO FR3?
The closest FANUC CRX equivalent to the FAIRINO FR3 is the FANUC CRX-3iA. Both robots have a 3 kg payload and six axes. The CRX-3iA has 692 mm reach, while the FAIRINO FR3 has 622 mm reach.
Is the FANUC CRX-5iA the correct equivalent to the FAIRINO FR3?
No. The FANUC CRX-5iA is a 5 kg cobot, so it is a better comparison for the FAIRINO FR5. The correct comparison for the FAIRINO FR3 is the FANUC CRX-3iA.
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.
What is the payload of the FANUC CRX-3iA?
The FANUC CRX-3iA has a 3 kg payload.
Which robot has more reach, the FAIRINO FR3 or FANUC CRX-3iA?
The FANUC CRX-3iA has more reach. It has 692 mm reach, while the FAIRINO FR3 has 622 mm reach.
Which robot has better repeatability?
Both robots are in the ±0.02 mm repeatability class. FAIRINO lists the FR3 at ±0.02 mm, and FANUC describes the CRX-3iA as having repeatability up to ±0.02 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The FANUC CRX-3iA is lighter. FANUC lists the CRX-3iA at 11 kg, while FAIRINO lists the FR3 at approximately 15 kg without cable.
Which robot has better IP protection?
The FANUC CRX-3iA has better published IP protection, with IP67 listed for the body, wrist and J3 arm. The FAIRINO FR3 is IP54 standard and IP65 optional.
How much does the FAIRINO FR3 cost?
FAIRINO USA lists the FR3 at $6,799.
How much does the FANUC CRX-3iA cost?
FANUC does not publish a fixed retail price on the public CRX-3iA product page. The buying process is request-a-quote.
Which robot is better for portable automation?
The FANUC CRX-3iA is better for portable automation because it weighs only 11 kg and is specifically designed for rapid redeployment in tight spaces.
Which robot is better for cost-sensitive automation?
The FAIRINO FR3 is better for cost-sensitive automation because it has a public U.S. price of $6,799 and strong specifications for compact pick and place, assembly and inspection.
Which robot is better for welding?
The FANUC CRX-3iA has a strong welding story because FANUC specifically promotes it for portable welding and states that its 3 kg payload can carry a welding torch and seam-tracking sensor. The FAIRINO FR3 may support light tooling, but FANUC’s CRX-3iA is more clearly positioned for portable welding.
Which robot is better for electronics assembly?
Both robots are suitable for electronics and small-part assembly. The FR3 offers strong value and tool-I/O visibility, while the CRX-3iA offers FANUC’s premium ecosystem, force sensing and portability.
Which robot offers better value for money?
The FAIRINO FR3 is likely to offer better value for buyers who need a compact 3 kg cobot at a transparent price. The FANUC CRX-3iA may offer better value when portability, IP67 protection, internal force sensing and FANUC’s ecosystem justify a higher investment.
Should a manufacturer choose the FAIRINO FR3 or FANUC CRX-3iA?
Choose the FANUC CRX-3iA for premium portable automation, IP67 protection, FANUC support and internal force sensing. Choose the FAIRINO FR3 when price transparency, compact precision, flexible Web App programming and return on investment are more important.
