Robotics in Manufacturing

Head to head

Comau NJ-165 vs KUKA KR 300 R2500

A specification duel across payload, reach, precision, and footprint, with a plain read on which arm suits which job.

Comau1 of 5 categories
Comau NJ-165

Heavy duty robot for handling and press tending

KUKA3 of 5 categories
KUKA KR 300 R2500

High payload robot for heavy parts and tooling

Specification duel

Green marks the stronger figure. Unconfirmed specs are shown but not scored.

165 kg
Payload
300 kg
3,000 mm
Reach
2,496 mm
±0.09 mm
Repeatability
±0.06 mm
6
Axes
6
1,240 kg
Robot mass
1,120 kg

The verdict

The specs separate them here: the KUKA KR 300 R2500 carries more, 300 kg to the Comau NJ-165's 165 kg. If precision drives the job, the KUKA KR 300 R2500 holds the tighter repeatability at ±0.06 mm. They run different controllers, the Comau NJ-165 on the C5G and the KUKA KR 300 R2500 on the KR C4, so whichever platform your team already programs and stocks parts for is a real tiebreaker.

Choose this one when

Job fit first, then the controller and cell constraints that decide which arm you can actually install.

Choose the Comau NJ-165 when

  • High payload for large part transfer
  • Stiff arm holds accuracy under heavy load
  • Proven in press tending and foundry lines
  • Broad tooling compatibility

Watch for

  • Large footprint and mass need dedicated foundation work
  • Not suited to light or high speed tasks

Choose the KUKA KR 300 R2500 when

  • High payload with a manageable footprint
  • Rigid arm structure for heavy tooling
  • Good repeatability given its load class
  • Established support network

Watch for

  • Requires a reinforced foundation
  • Cycle times drop as payload approaches rated maximum

Controller ecosystem

Programming habits, spare parts, and pendant familiarity often decide the pick when payloads are close.

Comau NJ-165
Brand
Comau
Controller
C5G
Class
6-axis industrial

Service, spares, and pendant training for the Comau NJ-165 run through Comau's C5G stack.

KUKA KR 300 R2500
Brand
KUKA
Controller
KR C4
Class
6-axis industrial

Service, spares, and pendant training for the KUKA KR 300 R2500 run through KUKA's KR C4 stack.

These arms run different controllers (C5G vs KR C4). If your team already programs one of them, retraining programmers and stocking a second set of spares usually costs more than a small payload or reach advantage on paper.

Mounting, footprint, and mass

How the arm can be oriented in the cell, and how much mass you have to mount.

FieldComau NJ-165KUKA KR 300 R2500
MountingFloor and CeilingFloor and Ceiling
Robot mass1,240 kg1,120 kg
Protection (IP)IP65 / IP67IP65 (robot & in-line wrist); IP67 foundry in-line wrist

Heavier arms want stiffer bases and more clearance around the swept volume, and they push freight and rigging costs up on the install. IP ratings only cover the section they name, so a wrist-only rating protects the wrist and nothing else; check the body rating separately before you commit the arm to a washdown or dusty cell.

Application fit

Where each arm is aimed, based on the applications listed on its robot page.

Both pages list material handling, press tending, palletizing, and machine tending.

Speed and cycle-time planning

Speed is rarely a single datasheet number across brands. Use payload, reach, and class as the planning frame, then confirm cycle time in a path study.

The Comau NJ-165 is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 165 kg at 3000 mm with ±0.09 mm repeatability. The KUKA KR 300 R2500 is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 300 kg at 2496 mm with ±0.06 mm. Class changes how speed shows up in a cell: collaborative arms slow down near people and can speed up in a guarded mode, while industrial arms run at rated speed inside a fence or scanner field. Which arm cycles faster on your part depends on the path, the payload, and the safeguarding, so confirm the takt with a path study before you quote it.

Common questions

Which has more payload, the Comau NJ-165 or the KUKA KR 300 R2500?
The KUKA KR 300 R2500 has more payload at 300 kg versus 165 kg.
Which reaches farther?
The Comau NJ-165 has more reach at 3000 mm versus 2496 mm.
Which is more precise?
The KUKA KR 300 R2500 holds tighter repeatability at ±0.06 mm.
Should I choose the Comau NJ-165 or the KUKA KR 300 R2500?
Match the pick to the job. The Comau NJ-165 is a 6-axis industrial arm at 165 kg and 3000 mm. The KUKA KR 300 R2500 is a 6-axis industrial arm at 300 kg and 2496 mm.
Do the Comau NJ-165 and KUKA KR 300 R2500 use the same controller?
No. The Comau NJ-165 uses C5G and the KUKA KR 300 R2500 uses KR C4.
How do the IP ratings compare?
The Comau NJ-165 is rated IP65 / IP67. The KUKA KR 300 R2500 is rated IP65 (robot & in-line wrist); IP67 foundry in-line wrist. Check wrist versus body coverage before washdown or dusty cells.