Robotics in Manufacturing

Head to head

FANUC SR-6iA vs Staubli TS40

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

FANUC2 of 5 categories
FANUC SR-6iA

Fast SCARA for assembly and packaging lines

Staubli1 of 5 categories
Staubli TS40

Clean SCARA for precision assembly and packaging

Specification duel

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

6 kg
Payload
8 kg
650 mm
Reach
400 mm
±0.01 mm
Repeatability
±0.01 mm
4
Axes
4
30 kg
Robot mass
46 kg
2017
Introducedreference
2009

The verdict

The specs separate them here: the Staubli TS40 carries more, 8 kg to the FANUC SR-6iA's 6 kg, and the FANUC SR-6iA reaches farther, 650 mm to 400 mm. They run different controllers, the FANUC SR-6iA on the R-30iB Compact Plus and the Staubli TS40 on the CS8C, so whichever platform your team already programs and stocks parts for is a real tiebreaker. Both are aimed at assembly and packaging, with the FANUC SR-6iA stretching to machine tending.

Choose this one when

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

Choose the FANUC SR-6iA when

  • High-speed planar motion for pick-and-place
  • Tight repeatability for small parts assembly
  • Compact footprint for dense cell layouts
  • Shares programming with FANUC six-axis lines

Watch for

  • Planar kinematics limit orientation flexibility
  • Not suited to tasks needing large vertical stroke

Choose the Staubli TS40 when

  • Sealed construction suits clean production lines
  • Fast planar cycle times
  • Tight repeatability for small-parts assembly
  • Cleanroom-rated option available

Watch for

  • Planar motion limits orientation flexibility
  • Smaller reach than larger SCARA competitors

Controller ecosystem

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

FANUC SR-6iA
Brand
FANUC
Controller
R-30iB Compact Plus
Class
SCARA

Service, spares, and pendant training for the FANUC SR-6iA run through FANUC's R-30iB Compact Plus stack.

Staubli TS40
Brand
Staubli
Controller
CS8C
Class
SCARA

Service, spares, and pendant training for the Staubli TS40 run through Staubli's CS8C stack.

These arms run different controllers (R-30iB Compact Plus vs CS8C). 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 SR-6iAStaubli TS40
MountingFloor and WallFloor and Wall
Robot mass30 kg46 kg
Protection (IP)IP20IP54

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, packaging, and dispensing, with the differences below.

FANUC SR-6iA also covers

Staubli TS40 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 SR-6iA is a SCARA arm rated 6 kg at 650 mm with ±0.01 mm repeatability. The Staubli TS40 is a SCARA arm rated 8 kg at 400 mm with ±0.01 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 SR-6iA or the Staubli TS40?
The Staubli TS40 has more payload at 8 kg versus 6 kg.
Which reaches farther?
The FANUC SR-6iA has more reach at 650 mm versus 400 mm.
Which is more precise?
Both are rated at ±0.01 mm repeatability.
Should I choose the FANUC SR-6iA or the Staubli TS40?
Match the pick to the job. The FANUC SR-6iA is a SCARA arm at 6 kg and 650 mm. The Staubli TS40 is a SCARA arm at 8 kg and 400 mm.
Do the FANUC SR-6iA and Staubli TS40 use the same controller?
No. The FANUC SR-6iA uses R-30iB Compact Plus and the Staubli TS40 uses CS8C.
How do the IP ratings compare?
The FANUC SR-6iA is rated IP20. The Staubli TS40 is rated IP54. Check wrist versus body coverage before washdown or dusty cells.