Head to head
ABB IRB 1600 vs Comau Racer-5
A specification duel across payload, reach, precision, and footprint, with a plain read on which arm suits which job.
Compact fast arm tuned for arc welding cells
Compact fast arm for assembly and light handling
Specification duel
Green marks the stronger figure. Unconfirmed specs are shown but not scored.
The verdict
The specs separate them here: the ABB IRB 1600 carries more, 10 kg to the Comau Racer-5's 5 kg, and the ABB IRB 1600 reaches farther, 1450 mm to 809 mm. If precision drives the job, the Comau Racer-5 holds the tighter repeatability at ±0.03 mm. They run different controllers, the ABB IRB 1600 on the IRC5 and the Comau Racer-5 on the R1C, so whichever platform your team already programs and stocks parts for is a real tiebreaker. For a tight or overhead cell, the ABB IRB 1600 lists Shelf and Tilted mounting while the Comau Racer-5 lists Ceiling mounting, which the other does not. Both are aimed at machine tending, with the ABB IRB 1600 stretching to arc welding and material handling and the Comau Racer-5 to assembly and dispensing.
- High acceleration for short-cycle welding
- Compact envelope for tight fixture layouts
- Reliable in multi-shift welding duty
- Strong integrator familiarity
- Low weight for flexible mounting orientations
- Fast cycle times for light-payload tasks
- Slim arm profile for tight fixtures
- Simple to relocate between cells
Common questions
- Which has more payload, the ABB IRB 1600 or the Comau Racer-5?
- The ABB IRB 1600 has more payload at 10 kg versus 5 kg.
- Which reaches farther?
- The ABB IRB 1600 has more reach at 1450 mm versus 809 mm.
- Which is more precise?
- The Comau Racer-5 holds tighter repeatability at ±0.03 mm.
- Should I choose the ABB IRB 1600 or the Comau Racer-5?
- Match the pick to the job. The ABB IRB 1600 is a 6-axis industrial arm at 10 kg and 1450 mm. The Comau Racer-5 is a 6-axis industrial arm at 5 kg and 809 mm.