Head to head
Kawasaki RS020N vs KUKA KR 20 R3100
A specification duel across payload, reach, precision, and footprint, with a plain read on which arm suits which job.
General purpose robot for handling and machine tending
Extended reach robot for large envelope handling tasks
Specification duel
Green marks the stronger figure. Unconfirmed specs are shown but not scored.
The verdict
The specs separate them here: the KUKA KR 20 R3100 reaches farther, 3101 mm to 1725 mm. If precision drives the job, the Kawasaki RS020N holds the tighter repeatability at ±0.04 mm. They run different controllers, the Kawasaki RS020N on the F01 / E01 and the KUKA KR 20 R3100 on the KR C5, so whichever platform your team already programs and stocks parts for is a real tiebreaker. Mounting options differ: the Kawasaki RS020N lists Floor and Ceiling, and the KUKA KR 20 R3100 lists Floor, Ceiling, Wall, and Angle. Both are aimed at material handling and machine tending, with the KUKA KR 20 R3100 to dispensing.
Choose this one when
Job fit first, then the controller and cell constraints that decide which arm you can actually install.
Choose the Kawasaki RS020N when
- Solid general purpose payload and reach balance
- Reliable in continuous multi shift use
- Ceiling mount option for flexible layouts
- Straightforward integration with common end effectors
Watch for
- Mid payload limits heavier tooling
- Reach is moderate compared to specialty long reach models
Choose the KUKA KR 20 R3100 when
- Exceptional reach for its payload class
- Good choice for servicing multiple stations
- Solid repeatability at full extension
- Ceiling mount option saves floor space
Watch for
- Long arm needs a rigid mounting structure
- Slower cycle times at full reach compared to shorter arms
Controller ecosystem
Programming habits, spare parts, and pendant familiarity often decide the pick when payloads are close.
- Brand
- Kawasaki
- Controller
- F01 / E01
- Class
- 6-axis industrial
Service, spares, and pendant training for the Kawasaki RS020N run through Kawasaki's F01 / E01 stack.
- Brand
- KUKA
- Controller
- KR C5
- Class
- 6-axis industrial
Service, spares, and pendant training for the KUKA KR 20 R3100 run through KUKA's KR C5 stack.
These arms run different controllers (F01 / E01 vs KR C5). 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 | Kawasaki RS020N | KUKA KR 20 R3100 |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Floor and Ceiling | Floor, Ceiling, Wall, and Angle |
| Robot mass | 230 kg | 549 kg |
| Protection (IP) | IP67 wrist / IP65 base axis | IP65 |
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, machine tending, and packaging, with the differences below.
Kawasaki RS020N covers
KUKA KR 20 R3100 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 Kawasaki RS020N is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 20 kg at 1725 mm with ±0.04 mm repeatability. The KUKA KR 20 R3100 is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 20 kg at 3101 mm with ±0.05 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 Kawasaki RS020N or the KUKA KR 20 R3100?
- The Kawasaki RS020N and KUKA KR 20 R3100 match at 20 kg.
- Which reaches farther?
- The KUKA KR 20 R3100 has more reach at 3101 mm versus 1725 mm.
- Which is more precise?
- The Kawasaki RS020N holds tighter repeatability at ±0.04 mm.
- Should I choose the Kawasaki RS020N or the KUKA KR 20 R3100?
- Match the pick to the job. The Kawasaki RS020N is a 6-axis industrial arm at 20 kg and 1725 mm. The KUKA KR 20 R3100 is a 6-axis industrial arm at 20 kg and 3101 mm.
- Do the Kawasaki RS020N and KUKA KR 20 R3100 use the same controller?
- No. The Kawasaki RS020N uses F01 / E01 and the KUKA KR 20 R3100 uses KR C5.
- How do the IP ratings compare?
- The Kawasaki RS020N is rated IP67 wrist / IP65 base axis. The KUKA KR 20 R3100 is rated IP65. Check wrist versus body coverage before washdown or dusty cells.