Head to head
KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 vs Yaskawa Motoman GP180
A specification duel across payload, reach, precision, and footprint, with a plain read on which arm suits which job.
Workhorse heavy robot for general industrial handling
Heavy payload workhorse for palletizing and handling
Specification duel
Green marks the stronger figure. Unconfirmed specs are shown but not scored.
The verdict
The specs separate them here: the Yaskawa Motoman GP180 carries more, 180 kg to the KUKA KR 120 R2700-2's 120 kg. They run different controllers, the KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 on the KR C4 and the Yaskawa Motoman GP180 on the YRC1000, 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 KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 when
- Well proven QUANTEC platform
- Flexible mounting including ceiling
- Strong payload to footprint ratio
- Broad tooling and integration support
Watch for
- Large swing radius needs cell space planning
- Heavier tooling reduces effective payload margin
Choose the Yaskawa Motoman GP180 when
- Reliable heavy duty platform
- Good reach for large pallet patterns
- Proven in multi shift industrial use
- Broad tooling compatibility
Watch for
- Requires solid foundation for full rated load
- Not suited to light, high speed work
Controller ecosystem
Programming habits, spare parts, and pendant familiarity often decide the pick when payloads are close.
- Brand
- KUKA
- Controller
- KR C4
- Class
- 6-axis industrial
Service, spares, and pendant training for the KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 run through KUKA's KR C4 stack.
- Brand
- Yaskawa
- Controller
- YRC1000
- Class
- 6-axis industrial
Service, spares, and pendant training for the Yaskawa Motoman GP180 run through Yaskawa's YRC1000 stack.
These arms run different controllers (KR C4 vs YRC1000). 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 | KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 | Yaskawa Motoman GP180 |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Floor | Floor |
| Robot mass | 1,069 kg | 1,020 kg |
| Protection (IP) | IP65 body / IP65 or IP67 in-line wrist | IP67 wrist / IP54 body (main axes S,L,U) |
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, material handling, machine tending, and press tending.
KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 covers
Yaskawa Motoman GP180 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 KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 120 kg at 2701 mm with ±0.05 mm repeatability. The Yaskawa Motoman GP180 is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 180 kg at 2702 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 KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 or the Yaskawa Motoman GP180?
- The Yaskawa Motoman GP180 has more payload at 180 kg versus 120 kg.
- Which reaches farther?
- The Yaskawa Motoman GP180 has more reach at 2702 mm versus 2701 mm.
- Which is more precise?
- Both are rated at ±0.05 mm repeatability.
- Should I choose the KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 or the Yaskawa Motoman GP180?
- Match the pick to the job. The KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 is a 6-axis industrial arm at 120 kg and 2701 mm. The Yaskawa Motoman GP180 is a 6-axis industrial arm at 180 kg and 2702 mm.
- Do the KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 and Yaskawa Motoman GP180 use the same controller?
- No. The KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 uses KR C4 and the Yaskawa Motoman GP180 uses YRC1000.
- How do the IP ratings compare?
- The KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 is rated IP65 body / IP65 or IP67 in-line wrist. The Yaskawa Motoman GP180 is rated IP67 wrist / IP54 body (main axes S,L,U). Check wrist versus body coverage before washdown or dusty cells.