Head to head
Epson VT6 vs Mitsubishi RV-7FR
A specification duel across payload, reach, precision, and footprint, with a plain read on which arm suits which job.
Compact folded-arm robot for tight assembly cells
Compact precise arm for assembly and handling
Specification duel
Green marks the stronger figure. Unconfirmed specs are shown but not scored.
The verdict
The specs separate them here: the Epson VT6 reaches farther, 920 mm to 713 mm. If precision drives the job, the Mitsubishi RV-7FR holds the tighter repeatability at ±0.02 mm. They run different controllers, the Epson VT6 on the Built-in controller and the Mitsubishi RV-7FR on the CR800-D, so whichever platform your team already programs and stocks parts for is a real tiebreaker. Both are aimed at assembly and machine tending, with the Epson VT6 stretching to packaging and the Mitsubishi RV-7FR to material handling.
Choose this one when
Job fit first, then the controller and cell constraints that decide which arm you can actually install.
Choose the Epson VT6 when
- Folded-arm design reduces swept volume
- Consistent programming environment with Epson SCARA robots
- Competitive cost for the payload class
- Good fit for dense multi-robot cells
Watch for
- Reach is modest for larger fixtures
- Smaller integrator base than the largest robot brands
Choose the Mitsubishi RV-7FR when
- Tight repeatability in a compact package
- Strong integration with Mitsubishi PLC ecosystems
- Multiple mounting orientations
- Reliable in continuous light-duty operation
Watch for
- Reach is modest for larger fixture layouts
- Smaller integrator base outside Mitsubishi-heavy plants
Controller ecosystem
Programming habits, spare parts, and pendant familiarity often decide the pick when payloads are close.
- Brand
- Epson
- Controller
- Built-in controller
- Class
- 6-axis industrial
Service, spares, and pendant training for the Epson VT6 run through Epson's Built-in controller stack.
- Brand
- Mitsubishi
- Controller
- CR800-D
- Class
- 6-axis industrial
Service, spares, and pendant training for the Mitsubishi RV-7FR run through Mitsubishi's CR800-D stack.
These arms run different controllers (Built-in controller vs CR800-D). 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.
| Field | Epson VT6 | Mitsubishi RV-7FR |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Floor, Wall, and Ceiling | Floor, Ceiling, and Wall |
| Robot mass | 40 kg | 65 kg |
| Protection (IP) | IP20 (Standard) / IP67 (Protected variant) | IP40 |
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 assembly, machine tending, and dispensing, with the differences below.
Epson VT6 also covers
Mitsubishi RV-7FR also covers
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 Epson VT6 is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 6 kg at 920 mm with ±0.1 mm repeatability. The Mitsubishi RV-7FR is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 7 kg at 713 mm with ±0.02 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 Epson VT6 or the Mitsubishi RV-7FR?
- The Mitsubishi RV-7FR has more payload at 7 kg versus 6 kg.
- Which reaches farther?
- The Epson VT6 has more reach at 920 mm versus 713 mm.
- Which is more precise?
- The Mitsubishi RV-7FR holds tighter repeatability at ±0.02 mm.
- Should I choose the Epson VT6 or the Mitsubishi RV-7FR?
- Match the pick to the job. The Epson VT6 is a 6-axis industrial arm at 6 kg and 920 mm. The Mitsubishi RV-7FR is a 6-axis industrial arm at 7 kg and 713 mm.
- Do the Epson VT6 and Mitsubishi RV-7FR use the same controller?
- No. The Epson VT6 uses Built-in controller and the Mitsubishi RV-7FR uses CR800-D.
- How do the IP ratings compare?
- The Epson VT6 is rated IP20 (Standard) / IP67 (Protected variant). The Mitsubishi RV-7FR is rated IP40. Check wrist versus body coverage before washdown or dusty cells.