Head to head
FANUC M-410iC/185 vs Kawasaki CP180L
A specification duel across payload, reach, precision, and footprint, with a plain read on which arm suits which job.
Heavy-duty palletizer for bagged and boxed goods
Four-axis palletizer for case and bag stacking
Specification duel
Green marks the stronger figure. Unconfirmed specs are shown but not scored.
The verdict
On paper these two are close, 185 kg against 180 kg and 3143 mm against 3255 mm of reach, near enough that the spec sheet alone will not decide it. They run different controllers, the FANUC M-410iC/185 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-410iC/185 when
- Long reach covers multiple pallet positions
- High payload handles bagged and bulk loads
- Consistent stacking accuracy at speed
- Compatible with FANUC palletizing software tools
Watch for
- Large swing radius needs generous cell footprint
- Overkill for light carton palletizing
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.
- Brand
- FANUC
- Controller
- R-30iB Plus
- Class
- palletizing
Service, spares, and pendant training for the FANUC M-410iC/185 run through FANUC's R-30iB Plus stack.
- 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.
| Field | FANUC M-410iC/185 | Kawasaki CP180L |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Floor | Floor |
| Robot mass | 1,600 kg | 1,600 kg |
| Protection (IP) | IP54 | Not 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.
FANUC M-410iC/185 covers
Kawasaki CP180L 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 FANUC M-410iC/185 is a palletizing arm rated 185 kg at 3143 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-410iC/185 or the Kawasaki CP180L?
- The FANUC M-410iC/185 has more payload at 185 kg versus 180 kg.
- Which reaches farther?
- The Kawasaki CP180L has more reach at 3255 mm versus 3143 mm.
- Which is more precise?
- The FANUC M-410iC/185 holds tighter repeatability at ±0.05 mm.
- Should I choose the FANUC M-410iC/185 or the Kawasaki CP180L?
- Match the pick to the job. The FANUC M-410iC/185 is a palletizing arm at 185 kg and 3143 mm. The Kawasaki CP180L is a palletizing arm at 180 kg and 3255 mm.
- Do the FANUC M-410iC/185 and Kawasaki CP180L use the same controller?
- No. The FANUC M-410iC/185 uses R-30iB Plus and the Kawasaki CP180L uses E03.
- How do the IP ratings compare?
- The FANUC M-410iC/185 is rated IP54. The Kawasaki CP180L is rated not confirmed. Check wrist versus body coverage before washdown or dusty cells.