FAIRINO FR3 vs. Kawasaki CL103N: 3 kg Cobot Value vs. Japanese Industrial Cobot Engineering

FAIRINO USA
Jul 27
10 min read

The FAIRINO FR3 and Kawasaki CL103N are both compact 3 kg six-axis collaborative robots. This is a clean comparison because both robots target small-payload automation such as pick and place, light assembly, inspection, machine tending, sealing, electronics handling, and compact workcell automation.

The FAIRINO FR3 is a value-focused compact cobot with 3 kg payload, 5 kg published maximum payload, 622 mm reach, ±0.02 mm repeatability, 1 m/s typical TCP speed, IP54 / IP65 optional protection, ≈15 kg robot weight, and a public U.S. listed price of $6,799. FAIRINO USA lists the FR3 payload, reach, repeatability, price, specifications, IP rating, mounting options, I/O, footprint, and weight directly on the product page.

The Kawasaki CL103N is a compact CL Series collaborative robot with 3 kg payload, 590 mm reach, 6 axes, ±0.02 mm repeatability, IP66 protection, and an official CL Series controller with TCP/IP, GPIO, Modbus TCP, and USB 3.0. Kawasaki’s official CL Series PDF lists the CL103N alongside the CL105N, CL108N, and CL110N and confirms the CL103N’s payload, reach, repeatability, mass, mounting, controller, and interface data.

For price: I did not find a clean public official Kawasaki CL103N MSRP. Because you asked not to leave price blank, this comparison uses $30,000 as an estimated low-end Kawasaki compact-robot public price reference, based on a 2026 Kawasaki price guide that places compact Kawasaki robots from around $30,000–$42,000 and Kawasaki robots generally from $35,000–$150,000+. This is not an official CL103N MSRP and must be shown clearly on the page as an estimated public reference.

Main Comparison Table

Specification	FAIRINO FR3	Kawasaki CL103N
Robot type	Six-axis collaborative robot	Six-axis collaborative robot
Payload	3 kg nominal / 5 kg max published	3 kg
Reach	622 mm	590 mm
Axes	6	6
Repeatability	±0.02 mm	±0.02 mm
TCP speed	1 m/s typical TCP speed	Joint speeds published; no direct TCP-speed value found
Robot weight	≈15 kg	18 kg official CL Series PDF / 17 kg Robotec listing
IP rating	IP54 / IP65 optional	IP66
Mounting	Any orientation	Any direction, including wall or ceiling mounting
Controller	FAIRINO controller / teach pendant / mobile Web App	Kawasaki CL controller / teach pendant
Communication	TCP/IP; I/O; tool I/O	TCP/IP, GPIO, Modbus TCP, USB 3.0
Public / estimated price	$6,799	$30,000 estimated low-end public price reference
Price type	FAIRINO USA public listed price	Estimated Kawasaki compact-robot reference, not official CL103N MSRP
Best fit	Low-cost compact cobot automation	Premium compact cobot with Kawasaki industrial ecosystem and IP66

FAIRINO FR3 Product Information

Product Field	Value
Product Name	FAIRINO FR3 Collaborative Robot
Brand	FAIRINO
Manufacturer	FAIRINO
Model	FR3
SKU	FAIRINO-FR3
MPN	FR3
Product Type	Six-Axis Collaborative Robot
Category	Collaborative Robot
Payload	3 kg nominal / 5 kg max published
Reach	622 mm
Repeatability	±0.02 mm
TCP Speed	1 m/s typical TCP speed
IP Rating	IP54 / IP65 optional
Robot Weight	approx. 15 kg
Footprint	128 mm
Price	$6,799
Price Currency	USD
Seller	FAIRINO USA
Product URL	https://www.fairino.us/collaborative-robot/fairino/fr3
Image URL	https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5d8a82_a6785344e3bd418692ec333447285266~mv2.webp
Additional Image URL	https://static.wixstatic.com/media/098838_746d275187734d50bf80237610d0085f7~mv2.png

FAIRINO USA lists the FR3 with 3 kg payload, 622 mm reach, ±0.02 mm repeatability, and a public price of $6,799. The detailed specification section also lists 3 kg payload / 5 kg max, 6 rotating joints, 1 m/s typical TCP speed, IP54 / IP65 optional, any-orientation mounting, 128 mm footprint, and ≈15 kg robot weight.

Kawasaki CL103N Product Information

Product Field	Value
Product Name	Kawasaki CL103N Collaborative Robot
Brand	Kawasaki Robotics
Manufacturer	Kawasaki Robotics
Model	CL103N
SKU	KAWASAKI-CL103N
MPN	CL103N
Product Type	Six-Axis Collaborative Robot
Category	Collaborative Robot
Payload	3 kg
Reach	590 mm
Repeatability	±0.02 mm
Axes	6
Robot Weight	18 kg official CL Series PDF / 17 kg Robotec listing
IP Rating	IP66
Mounting	Any direction, including wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted
Controller	Kawasaki CL Series controller
Controller Mass	25 kg
Controller Interface	TCP/IP, GPIO, Modbus TCP, USB 3.0
Price	$30,000
Price Currency	USD
Price Type	Estimated low-end public price reference, not official CL103N MSRP
Seller	Kawasaki Robotics / authorized distributor
Official Product URL	https://kawasakirobotics.com/products-robots/cl103n/
Official CL Series PDF	https://kawasakirobotics.com/uploads/2025/03/CL_EN_240912.pdf
Image URL	https://kawasakirobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CL103N.png

Kawasaki’s official CL Series PDF lists the CL103N as a 6-axis articulated robot with 3 kg payload, 590 mm max reach, ±0.02 mm position repeatability, 18 kg mass, any-direction mounting, and IP66 or equivalent protection. The controller section lists AC100V–AC240V, 1.5 kW, and interfaces including TCP/IP, GPIO, Modbus TCP, and USB 3.0.

Price Comparison

Robot	Public / Estimated Price	Price Source Type
FAIRINO FR3	$6,799	FAIRINO USA public listed price
Kawasaki CL103N	$30,000	Estimated low-end Kawasaki compact-robot public price reference
Difference	$23,201	Kawasaki estimated reference is about 4.41× higher than FAIRINO FR3
Price conclusion	FAIRINO wins clearly	Kawasaki is premium / estimated low-end priced

The price gap is the strongest commercial point in this comparison. FAIRINO FR3 is publicly listed at $6,799, while Kawasaki CL103N does not show a clean public MSRP in the sources found. To avoid leaving the price blank, the comparison uses $30,000 as an estimated low-end public price reference based on published Kawasaki robot price-range data.

Visible price sentence to put near the table:

Kawasaki CL103N exact public MSRP was not found. This comparison uses $30,000 as an estimated low-end public price reference based on published Kawasaki compact robot price guidance. Final pricing may vary by distributor, controller configuration, shipping, taxes, support, and integration package.

Main Technical Comparison

Payload

Robot	Payload
FAIRINO FR3	3 kg nominal / 5 kg max published
Kawasaki CL103N	3 kg

Both robots are 3 kg collaborative robots. FAIRINO has an advantage because it publishes a 5 kg maximum payload figure for the FR3, while Kawasaki CL103N is listed as a 3 kg model. For final engineering, maximum payload should always be checked against tool weight, load center, robot pose, speed, and duty cycle.

Payload verdict: Equal at nominal payload; FAIRINO wins on published max-payload headroom.

Reach

Robot	Reach
FAIRINO FR3	622 mm
Kawasaki CL103N	590 mm

FAIRINO FR3 has a small reach advantage: 622 mm vs. 590 mm. The difference is 32 mm, so both robots are best understood as compact cobots for tight workcells rather than long-reach automation.

Reach verdict: FAIRINO FR3 wins slightly.

Repeatability

Robot	Repeatability
FAIRINO FR3	±0.02 mm
Kawasaki CL103N	±0.02 mm

Both robots publish the same repeatability figure: ±0.02 mm. This makes both suitable for light assembly, inspection, precise pick and place, testing, electronics handling, dispensing, and small-part manipulation.

Repeatability verdict: Equal.

Speed

Robot	Speed
FAIRINO FR3	1 m/s typical TCP speed
Kawasaki CL103N	Joint speeds listed; no direct TCP-speed figure found

FAIRINO publishes a clear 1 m/s typical TCP speed for the FR3. Kawasaki publishes joint-speed values for the CL Series, including high joint speeds for the CL103N, but the public CL Series PDF does not present the value as a direct linear TCP-speed figure.

Speed verdict: FAIRINO has the clearer public TCP-speed value; Kawasaki has strong published joint-speed data.

Robot Weight

Robot	Robot Weight
FAIRINO FR3	approx. 15 kg
Kawasaki CL103N	18 kg official PDF / 17 kg Robotec listing

FAIRINO FR3 is lighter. The difference is small, but it can matter for benchtop mounting, pedestal design, light automation carts, small workstations, and educational or laboratory setups. FAIRINO lists the FR3 at approximately 15 kg, while Kawasaki’s official PDF lists CL103N mass at 18 kg.

Weight verdict: FAIRINO FR3 wins.

IP Rating

Robot	IP Rating
FAIRINO FR3	IP54 standard / IP65 optional
Kawasaki CL103N	IP66 or equivalent

Kawasaki CL103N wins on standard protection. Kawasaki’s CL Series PDF lists IP66 or equivalent, while FAIRINO FR3 is listed as IP54 with IP65 optional. If a buyer needs higher standard protection in dusty or splash-prone environments, Kawasaki has the stronger published rating.

IP rating verdict: Kawasaki CL103N wins.

Controller and Programming

Category	FAIRINO FR3	Kawasaki CL103N
Controller ecosystem	FAIRINO controller	Kawasaki CL Series controller
HMI	10.1-inch teach pendant or mobile terminal Web App	Teach pendant with 2,560 × 1,600 resolution
Programming	Teach pendant, mobile Web App, drag-and-drop workflow	Intuitive GUI with 3D visualization and Simulation mode
Interfaces	TCP/IP; digital/analog tool I/O	TCP/IP, GPIO, Modbus TCP, USB 3.0
Mounting	Any orientation	Any direction, including wall or ceiling
Best workflow advantage	Low-cost deployment and compact ROI	Kawasaki industrial ecosystem, IP66, strong controller and safety architecture

Kawasaki’s CL Series PDF highlights an intuitive GUI with 3D visualization and Simulation mode on the teach pendant. FAIRINO’s FR3 page highlights a 10.1-inch teach pendant or mobile Web App, intuitive programming, flexible mounting, and compact collaborative deployment.

Workflow verdict: Kawasaki wins on premium industrial-cobot positioning and IP66; FAIRINO wins on price and ROI.

Application Fit

FAIRINO FR3 Is Better For

Application	Why FR3 Fits Better
Cost-sensitive compact automation	Public $6,799 price supports fast ROI
Light pick and place	3 kg payload, 622 mm reach, compact 15 kg body
Electronics handling	±0.02 mm repeatability and compact size
Small-part inspection	Same repeatability as Kawasaki at much lower price
Benchtop automation	Low weight and small 128 mm footprint
Education and labs	Lower price makes deployment easier
Multi-robot deployment	Lower unit cost matters across several small cells
Assembly	3 kg payload with 5 kg max published headroom
Compact machine tending	Slightly longer reach than CL103N
ROI-driven automation	Clear public price enables payback calculation

FAIRINO FR3 is the stronger choice when the buyer needs lower public price, compact size, equal repeatability, slightly longer reach, and better ROI transparency.

Kawasaki CL103N Is Better For

Application	Why CL103N Fits Better
Harsh compact workcells	IP66 or equivalent protection
Kawasaki-standardized factories	Fits Kawasaki Robotics ecosystem
Compact industrial cobot deployment	CL Series is designed as industrial-performance cobots
Applications needing stronger standard protection	IP66 beats FAIRINO’s standard IP54
Assembly	Kawasaki lists assembly as a CL Series application example
Sealing	Kawasaki lists sealing as a CL Series application example
Machine tending	Kawasaki lists machine tending as an application example
Controller-driven environments	TCP/IP, GPIO, Modbus TCP, USB 3.0
Premium Japanese robotics procurement	Kawasaki brand and industrial legacy
Safety-sensitive collaborative cells	CL Series highlights safety positions, speed, torque, zones, limits, and collision detection

Kawasaki CL103N is the stronger choice when the buyer values IP66, Kawasaki’s industrial ecosystem, premium Japanese robotics, controller features, and harsh-environment readiness more than the lowest acquisition cost.

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 a low public price, small footprint, low robot weight, equal repeatability, and faster ROI.

The FR3 is especially strong for light pick and place, small-part assembly, electronics handling, inspection, testing, benchtop automation, light machine tending, and multi-robot deployment.

The strongest commercial point is simple:

FAIRINO FR3: $6,799 public price.Kawasaki CL103N: $30,000 estimated low-end public price reference.

Choose Kawasaki CL103N When:

Choose the Kawasaki CL103N if the application needs a compact collaborative robot from a major Japanese industrial robotics brand with IP66 protection, Kawasaki CL Series safety architecture, strong controller interface options, any-direction mounting, and premium factory-automation support.

The CL103N is especially attractive for manufacturers already using Kawasaki robots, plants that prefer Japanese robot OEMs, harsh compact workcells, and applications where IP66 is more important than acquisition cost.

Final Verdict

The FAIRINO FR3 and Kawasaki CL103N are both strong 3 kg compact cobots. Technically, they are close: both have 3 kg payload, 6 axes, and ±0.02 mm repeatability. The differences are price, reach, robot weight, and IP protection.

The FAIRINO FR3 wins on:

Public price transparency
Much lower acquisition cost
Slightly longer reach: 622 mm vs. 590 mm
Published 5 kg maximum payload headroom
Lighter robot body
Equal repeatability
Clear 1 m/s TCP-speed figure
Strong ROI positioning
FAIRINO USA buying path

The Kawasaki CL103N wins on:

IP66 standard protection
Kawasaki Robotics industrial brand strength
Premium Japanese robotics ecosystem
Strong CL Series safety architecture
Integrated cable design
Intuitive teach pendant with 3D visualization and simulation
Strong fit for harsh compact workcells

For buyers who need a lower-cost compact cobot with public pricing, slightly longer reach, equal repeatability, and strong ROI, the FAIRINO FR3 is the stronger value-focused choice.

For buyers who need IP66 protection, Kawasaki’s industrial robotics ecosystem, premium Japanese engineering, and harsh-environment compact cobot deployment, the Kawasaki CL103N is the stronger premium-platform choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest Kawasaki model to the FAIRINO FR3?

The closest Kawasaki model to the FAIRINO FR3 is the Kawasaki CL103N. Both are 3 kg six-axis collaborative robots. Kawasaki’s CL Series PDF lists CL103N with 3 kg payload and 590 mm reach, while FAIRINO FR3 is listed with 3 kg payload and 622 mm reach.

Is Kawasaki CL103N a direct equivalent to FAIRINO FR3?

Yes. It is a clean direct comparison because both robots have 3 kg nominal payload, 6 axes, and ±0.02 mm repeatability. The biggest differences are price, reach, weight, IP rating, and brand ecosystem.

Which robot has more payload?

Both robots have a 3 kg nominal payload. FAIRINO FR3 also publishes a 5 kg maximum payload figure, giving it payload headroom in the public spec.

Which robot has more reach?

FAIRINO FR3 has slightly more reach: 622 mm compared with 590 mm for Kawasaki CL103N.

Which robot has better repeatability?

They are equal on published repeatability. Both FAIRINO FR3 and Kawasaki CL103N list ±0.02 mm repeatability.

Which robot is cheaper?

FAIRINO FR3 is cheaper based on public / estimated pricing. FAIRINO FR3 is publicly listed at $6,799, while this comparison uses $30,000 as the Kawasaki CL103N estimated low-end public price reference.

How much does the FAIRINO FR3 cost?

FAIRINO FR3 is publicly listed at $6,799 on FAIRINO USA.

How much does the Kawasaki CL103N cost?

A clean exact public Kawasaki CL103N MSRP was not found. This comparison uses $30,000 as an estimated low-end public price reference based on published Kawasaki compact robot price guidance.

Which robot has better IP protection?

Kawasaki CL103N has better standard IP protection. Kawasaki’s CL Series PDF lists IP66 or equivalent, while FAIRINO FR3 lists IP54 with IP65 optional.

Which robot is better for ROI planning?

FAIRINO FR3 is better for ROI planning because it has a real public listed price and a much lower acquisition-cost story. Kawasaki CL103N may justify its higher estimated price when IP66 protection, Kawasaki ecosystem compatibility, or Japanese industrial-brand preference matters more than upfront cost.

Which robot is better for small-part assembly?

Both robots are suitable for small-part assembly. FAIRINO FR3 is better when price and ROI are the main factors. Kawasaki CL103N is better when IP66 protection, Kawasaki controller workflow, or existing Kawasaki factory standards are important.

Which robot is better for compact machine tending?

FAIRINO FR3 is better for cost-sensitive compact machine tending because it has slightly more reach and a lower public price. Kawasaki CL103N is better where IP66 protection and Kawasaki industrial support are more important.

What is the main conclusion?

FAIRINO FR3 is the stronger value choice because it has public pricing, slightly longer reach, equal repeatability, lower robot weight, and a much lower acquisition-cost story. Kawasaki CL103N is the stronger premium compact-cobot choice because it offers IP66 protection, Kawasaki industrial robotics branding, and a strong CL Series safety/controller ecosystem.