Robotics in Manufacturing

Head to head

KUKA KR 3 AGILUS vs KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus)

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

KUKA2 of 5 categories
KUKA KR 3 AGILUS

Compact high speed arm for small parts assembly

KUKA2 of 5 categories
KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus)

Fast small robot for high-speed handling.

Specification duel

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

3 kg
Payload
6 kg
541 mm
Reach
901 mm
±0.02 mm
Repeatability
±0.03 mm
6
Axes
6
26.5 kg
Robot mass
52 kg
2016
Introducedreference
2012

The verdict

The specs separate them here: the KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus) carries more, 6 kg to the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS's 3 kg, and the KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus) reaches farther, 901 mm to 541 mm. If precision drives the job, the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS holds the tighter repeatability at ±0.02 mm. Both run the KR C4 compact controller, so programming, spare parts, and operator familiarity carry across either way. Both are aimed at assembly, with the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS stretching to small parts handling and dispensing and the KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus) to material handling and 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 KUKA KR 3 AGILUS when

  • Very fast cycle times for light payloads
  • Small footprint fits crowded cells
  • Multiple mounting orientations
  • Low integration cost

Watch for

  • Payload and reach limit it to small parts work
  • Not rated for continuous washdown

Choose the KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus) when

  • High speed
  • Multiple mounting options

Watch for

  • Low payload

Controller ecosystem

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

KUKA KR 3 AGILUS
Brand
KUKA
Controller
KR C4 compact
Class
6-axis industrial

Service, spares, and pendant training for the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS run through KUKA's KR C4 compact stack.

KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus)
Brand
KUKA
Controller
KR C4 compact
Class
6-axis industrial

Service, spares, and pendant training for the KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus) run through KUKA's KR C4 compact stack.

Both arms run the KR C4 compact controller, so pendant skills, program backups, and many spare parts carry over if you standardize on either model.

Mounting, footprint, and mass

How the arm can be oriented in the cell, and how much mass you have to mount.

FieldKUKA KR 3 AGILUSKUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus)
MountingFloor, Ceiling, and WallFloor, Ceiling, and Wall
Robot mass26.5 kg52 kg
Protection (IP)IP40IP54

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, with the differences below.

KUKA KR 3 AGILUS also covers

KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus) 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 KUKA KR 3 AGILUS is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 3 kg at 541 mm with ±0.02 mm repeatability. The KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus) is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 6 kg at 901 mm with ±0.03 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 3 AGILUS or the KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus)?
The KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus) has more payload at 6 kg versus 3 kg.
Which reaches farther?
The KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus) has more reach at 901 mm versus 541 mm.
Which is more precise?
The KUKA KR 3 AGILUS holds tighter repeatability at ±0.02 mm.
Should I choose the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS or the KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus)?
Match the pick to the job. The KUKA KR 3 AGILUS is a 6-axis industrial arm at 3 kg and 541 mm. The KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus) is a 6-axis industrial arm at 6 kg and 901 mm.
Do the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS and KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus) use the same controller?
Yes. Both run the KR C4 compact controller.
How do the IP ratings compare?
The KUKA KR 3 AGILUS is rated IP40. The KUKA KR 6 R900 (Agilus) is rated IP54. Check wrist versus body coverage before washdown or dusty cells.