Robotics in Manufacturing

Head to head

FANUC M-410iB/140H vs Kawasaki CP180L

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

FANUC3 of 5 categories
FANUC M-410iB/140H

High-speed four-axis palletizer for case handling

Kawasaki2 of 5 categories
Kawasaki CP180L

Four-axis palletizer for case and bag stacking

Specification duel

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

140 kg
Payload
180 kg
2,850 mm
Reach
3,255 mm
±0.05 mm
Repeatability
±0.5 mm
5
Axes
4
1,200 kg
Robot mass
1,600 kg
2010
Introducedreference
2015

The verdict

The specs separate them here: the Kawasaki CP180L carries more, 180 kg to the FANUC M-410iB/140H's 140 kg. If precision drives the job, the FANUC M-410iB/140H holds the tighter repeatability at ±0.05 mm. They run different controllers, the FANUC M-410iB/140H on the R-30iB Plus and the Kawasaki CP180L on the E03, 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 FANUC M-410iB/140H when

  • High cycle rate for case palletizing
  • Low-profile base simplifies mezzanine layouts
  • Simple four-axis kinematics ease maintenance
  • Strong reach for multi-pallet cells

Watch for

  • Limited to palletizing-style motion, not general handling
  • Requires guarding for high-speed swing radius

Choose the Kawasaki CP180L when

  • Long reach covers multiple pallet stations
  • High payload for bagged and bulk loads
  • Simple four-axis kinematics for maintenance
  • Consistent stacking accuracy at speed

Watch for

  • Large swing radius requires guarding clearance
  • Dedicated to palletizing motion, not general handling

Controller ecosystem

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

FANUC M-410iB/140H
Brand
FANUC
Controller
R-30iB Plus
Class
palletizing

Service, spares, and pendant training for the FANUC M-410iB/140H run through FANUC's R-30iB Plus stack.

Kawasaki CP180L
Brand
Kawasaki
Controller
E03
Class
palletizing

Service, spares, and pendant training for the Kawasaki CP180L run through Kawasaki's E03 stack.

These arms run different controllers (R-30iB Plus vs E03). 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.

FieldFANUC M-410iB/140HKawasaki CP180L
MountingFloorFloor
Robot mass1,200 kg1,600 kg
Protection (IP)IP54Not confirmed

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 palletizing, packaging, and material handling.

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 FANUC M-410iB/140H is a palletizing arm rated 140 kg at 2850 mm with ±0.05 mm repeatability. The Kawasaki CP180L is a palletizing arm rated 180 kg at 3255 mm with ±0.5 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 FANUC M-410iB/140H or the Kawasaki CP180L?
The Kawasaki CP180L has more payload at 180 kg versus 140 kg.
Which reaches farther?
The Kawasaki CP180L has more reach at 3255 mm versus 2850 mm.
Which is more precise?
The FANUC M-410iB/140H holds tighter repeatability at ±0.05 mm.
Should I choose the FANUC M-410iB/140H or the Kawasaki CP180L?
Match the pick to the job. The FANUC M-410iB/140H is a palletizing arm at 140 kg and 2850 mm. The Kawasaki CP180L is a palletizing arm at 180 kg and 3255 mm.
Do the FANUC M-410iB/140H and Kawasaki CP180L use the same controller?
No. The FANUC M-410iB/140H uses R-30iB Plus and the Kawasaki CP180L uses E03.
How do the IP ratings compare?
The FANUC M-410iB/140H is rated IP54. The Kawasaki CP180L is rated not confirmed. Check wrist versus body coverage before washdown or dusty cells.