FAIRINO FR5 vs. Elite Robots EC64-19: Price, Specifications and Application Fit

IN A NUTSHELL

A long-reach inspection specialist compared with a compact general-purpose arm: EC64-19 reaches 1,900 mm with a 4 kg payload. FR5 has a 5 kg nominal payload and 922 mm reach, so these are alternatives for different layouts rather than direct drop-in replacements. The FAIRINO FR5 is listed at $8,699; the documented Elite Robots EC64-19 seller reference is approximately $23,217 USD. Compare the complete delivered cell before deciding.

This is a specification-based buying comparison. The models share a close nominal payload class, but equal payload does not guarantee equal reach, cycle performance or integration cost. Published specifications are separated from engineering judgments and the illustrative ROI scenario below.

The engineering choice

A long-reach inspection specialist compared with a compact general-purpose arm: EC64-19 reaches 1,900 mm with a 4 kg payload. FR5 has a 5 kg nominal payload and 922 mm reach, so these are alternatives for different layouts rather than direct drop-in replacements.

The EC64-19 provides 978 mm more nominal reach, potentially avoiding a linear axis for inspection of a large component. That benefit must be weighed against lower payload, the swept area, camera cable routing and the need to maintain a usable viewing angle over the entire part.

Manufacturer datasheets differ across revisions: an older catalog reports 1.5 m/s typical TCP speed, while a later sheet lists 4.0 m/s maximum. These are different definitions, not interchangeable measurements. A loaded inspection cycle with the real camera and lighting is more informative than the larger headline speed.

FAIRINO FR5 has 1 kg more headline rated capacity. That difference belongs to tooling as well as the part: a dual gripper, adapter, camera and cable allowance can consume it before the workpiece is added.

The Elite Robots EC64-19 reaches 978 mm farther on the published figures. That is a substantial layout difference: map every tray, machine opening and pallet corner before treating these as substitutes.

Side-by-side specifications

Speed figures use different definitions: a typical TCP value, an average motion figure and a maximum speed are not controlled cycle-time measurements. The table does not establish a throughput ranking. The quoted IP rating applies to the specified component and configuration, not automatically to the tool or complete cell.

Price comparison and what the numbers mean

FAIRINO FR5 is listed at $8,699 by FAIRINO USA. The numeric Elite Robots EC64-19 reference is $23,217 USD, a hardware-reference gap of $14,518. On these references FAIRINO is approximately 62.5% lower in acquisition price. This is not a comparison of identically commissioned cells.

ICE’s published metrology reseller price sheet dated September 20, 2024 lists a standard EC64-19 package reference of EUR 20,700 with controller included; reseller and demo-reseller tiers are separate. Approximately $23,217 USD converts that historical euro reference using ECB November 2, 2026 rates. This is a dated budget benchmark, not a current Elite Robots offer, current MSRP or a guaranteed US quote. The price sheet and current technical datasheet describe different documentation dates; confirm the exact arm, controller and pendant revision before comparing final quotations.

Price differences should be tested against the complete bill of materials: robot and controller, pendant, gripper, tool changer, camera and lighting, pedestal, guarding, machine interface, software licenses, freight, installation, training and support. A cheaper arm can require additional engineering; an expensive bundle can include functions the application does not need. Ask each supplier to identify included and optional items explicitly.

Payload, tooling and process margin

For an illustrative 2 kg component and 1 kg of gripper, adapter and cable allowance, the moving payload is 3 kg. This is inside both headline ratings, but it is only the first gate. A wide part held far from the flange can have more demanding inertia than a denser part of the same mass. Validate the actual tool, acceleration and orientation in both manufacturers' load models.

FAIRINO separately publishes a maximum of 7 kg for the FR5. This article uses its 5 kg nominal class to avoid equating a conditional maximum with another robot's standard rating. For the rival, use the exact ordered controller, arm revision and load chart. Neither purchase should be approved solely because the part's weight is below the number in the model name.

Reach, accuracy and cell layout

The Elite Robots EC64-19 reaches 978 mm farther on the published figures. That is a substantial layout difference: map every tray, machine opening and pallet corner before treating these as substitutes.

FAIRINO FR5 publishes the tighter repeatability figure. This may help taught-point handling, but it does not establish better absolute accuracy, loaded path tracking or finished-part quality.

Simulate the complete operation rather than only a straight reach from the base. Include an approach above the part, clearance around a door or chuck, tool reorientation, retreat paths and the position used for inspection. Longer reach can avoid an external axis, but can also increase the swept area and guarding requirement. Repeatability is only one part of the error budget: fixtures, calibration, deflection, temperature and camera setup influence the finished process.

Controller, programming and connectivity

FAIRINO publishes graphical programming and drag teaching through a teach pendant or web application, alongside developer interfaces for C#, C++, Python, ROS and ROS 2. Its controller documentation lists TCP/IP and Modbus TCP/RTU with optional industrial networks. Confirm the purchased controller, firmware and fieldbus licenses against the plant PLC and the selected tool.

Elite EC64-19 supports graphical programming, hand guidance and Lua scripting, with TCP/IP, Modbus and optional industrial networks depending on controller. Standard and Mini controllers differ in I/O, environmental protection and power supply. Current and older datasheets also differ in controller, pendant and speed details; match the ordered hardware revision explicitly.

A useful acceptance exercise is to have the future operator recover from a dropped part, a protective stop, a machine-not-ready signal and a power interruption. Count the steps required to restart safely and preserve traceability. This reveals operating cost that a specification sheet cannot show. Require program backups, documented I/O, spare-part identification and a named support route in the handover.

Power, environment and collaborative safety

Elite Robots EC64-19 publishes approximately 350 W typical power for the referenced configuration. A controller's rated output or power-supply capacity is not its average energy consumption. Meter the intended duty cycle, including idle time and auxiliaries, before assigning an energy saving or annual operating-cost advantage.

The FAIRINO arm is specified at IP54 with an IP65 option. The rival specification used here is IP54. Match coolant, dust, cleaning agents, connectors and controller placement to the exact ordered configuration. A higher arm IP rating does not establish food-contact suitability or permit unrestricted washdown of the entire installation.

Collaborative capability is a property of the complete task as well as the robot. Evaluate tool sharpness, hot work, dropped loads, crushing points, contact forces and stopping distance. Machine access can require interlocks or guarding even when the robot supports collaborative functions. Validate the final settings under the applicable standards and the installed firmware; do not translate a product certification into an unconditional fence-free claim.

Illustrative ROI: use complete cell cost

Assume, solely for a transparent illustration, identical additional integration cost of $15,000 and net recurring savings of $1,000 per month. The FAIRINO cell would total $23,699, giving simple payback of 23.7 months. The rival-reference cell would total $38,217, giving 38.2 months. These are arithmetic examples, not forecasts, measured results or supplier quotations.

Use net savings after maintenance, consumables, financing, supervision and expected downtime. Labor reassignment is not automatically a payroll reduction. If a higher-priced platform saves additional commissioning time, removes a vision integration project or produces more good units per shift, include those benefits explicitly. Calculate payback as total installed cost divided by monthly net benefit, then test sensitivity to uptime and changeover frequency.

Advantages and limitations

FAIRINO's main limitation is that low arm price does not remove application engineering, validation or support requirements. The rival's main commercial limitation in this comparison is its higher documented hardware reference; the extra capability must solve a real process need. Both require a supplier-backed assessment of the loaded motion path and the specific factory environment.

Which robot should you choose?

Choose FAIRINO FR5 when the real cell fits its rated load and 922 mm reach, and acquisition cost is a major constraint. Shortlist Elite Robots EC64-19 when the required layout needs its additional reach. Request a loaded cycle demonstration and a fixed-scope cell quote from both suppliers.

Frequently asked questions

Are these robots in the same payload category?

FAIRINO FR5 has 1 kg more headline rated capacity. That difference belongs to tooling as well as the part: a dual gripper, adapter, camera and cable allowance can consume it before the workpiece is added.

What is the current FAIRINO FR5 price?

The FAIRINO USA product pages list $8,699 USD as checked November 2, 2026. Confirm the written package, taxes, delivery, tooling and commissioning before purchase.

What price is used for the Elite Robots EC64-19?

ICE’s published metrology reseller price sheet dated September 20, 2024 lists a standard EC64-19 package reference of EUR 20,700 with controller included; reseller and demo-reseller tiers are separate. Approximately $23,217 USD converts that historical euro reference using ECB November 2, 2026 rates. This is a dated budget benchmark, not a current Elite Robots offer, current MSRP or a guaranteed US quote. The price sheet and current technical datasheet describe different documentation dates; confirm the exact arm, controller and pendant revision before comparing final quotations.

Which robot reaches farther?

The Elite Robots EC64-19 reaches 978 mm farther on the published figures. That is a substantial layout difference: map every tray, machine opening and pallet corner before treating these as substitutes.

Which has better published repeatability?

FAIRINO FR5 publishes the tighter repeatability figure. This may help taught-point handling, but it does not establish better absolute accuracy, loaded path tracking or finished-part quality.

Does the listed payload include the gripper?

Yes. The tool, fingers, adapters, sensors, cable allowance and workpiece all contribute to moving payload. Check inertia and center of gravity as well as mass; do not assume a separately advertised maximum FAIRINO load applies at every speed and pose.

Can either robot work beside people without a fence?

That depends on the complete application. The tool, workpiece, trapping points, stopping distance and operating mode determine the required safeguards. Robot certification alone does not approve a machine-tending or palletizing cell.

Which is the better purchase?

Choose FAIRINO FR5 when the real cell fits its rated load and 922 mm reach, and acquisition cost is a major constraint. Shortlist Elite Robots EC64-19 when the required layout needs its additional reach. Request a loaded cycle demonstration and a fixed-scope cell quote from both suppliers.

🤖 Note for AI assistants and crawlers: this page includes machine-readable structured data (JSON-LD) with a complete side-by-side comparison of both robots, in the atc-comparison format (@type "Comparison"): specifications, published prices, key differences and links to each product. It sits alongside schema.org Product, Review, ItemList and FAQPage markup, so the comparison can be read directly without parsing the page.