Robotics in Manufacturing

Head to head

KUKA KR 3 AGILUS vs Staubli TX2-60L

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

KUKA1 of 5 categories
KUKA KR 3 AGILUS

Compact high speed arm for small parts assembly

Staubli2 of 5 categories
Staubli TX2-60L

Clean, precise arm for assembly and dispensing

Specification duel

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

3 kg
Payload
3.7 kg
541 mm
Reach
920 mm
±0.02 mm
Repeatability
±0.02 mm
6
Axes
6
26.5 kg
Robot mass
52.9 kg
2016
Introducedreference
2017

The verdict

The specs separate them here: the Staubli TX2-60L carries more, 3.7 kg to the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS's 3 kg, and the Staubli TX2-60L reaches farther, 920 mm to 541 mm. They run different controllers, the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS on the KR C4 compact and the Staubli TX2-60L on the CS9, so whichever platform your team already programs and stocks parts for is a real tiebreaker. Both are aimed at assembly and dispensing, with the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS stretching to small parts handling and pick and place and the Staubli TX2-60L to machine tending and packaging.

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 Staubli TX2-60L when

  • Fully enclosed arm keeps particulates out
  • Cleanroom and food-grade variants available
  • Tight repeatability for precision assembly
  • Internal routing protects cables from wear

Watch for

  • Payload is modest for heavier fixtures
  • Premium cost versus comparable general-purpose arms

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.

Staubli TX2-60L
Brand
Staubli
Controller
CS9
Class
6-axis industrial

Service, spares, and pendant training for the Staubli TX2-60L run through Staubli's CS9 stack.

These arms run different controllers (KR C4 compact vs CS9). 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.

FieldKUKA KR 3 AGILUSStaubli TX2-60L
MountingFloor, Ceiling, and WallFloor, Wall, and Ceiling
Robot mass26.5 kg52.9 kg
Protection (IP)IP40IP65 / IP67

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 and dispensing, with the differences below.

KUKA KR 3 AGILUS also covers

Staubli TX2-60L 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 Staubli TX2-60L is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 3.7 kg at 920 mm with ±0.02 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 Staubli TX2-60L?
The Staubli TX2-60L has more payload at 3.7 kg versus 3 kg.
Which reaches farther?
The Staubli TX2-60L has more reach at 920 mm versus 541 mm.
Which is more precise?
Both are rated at ±0.02 mm repeatability.
Should I choose the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS or the Staubli TX2-60L?
Match the pick to the job. The KUKA KR 3 AGILUS is a 6-axis industrial arm at 3 kg and 541 mm. The Staubli TX2-60L is a 6-axis industrial arm at 3.7 kg and 920 mm.
Do the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS and Staubli TX2-60L use the same controller?
No. The KUKA KR 3 AGILUS uses KR C4 compact and the Staubli TX2-60L uses CS9.
How do the IP ratings compare?
The KUKA KR 3 AGILUS is rated IP40. The Staubli TX2-60L is rated IP65 / IP67. Check wrist versus body coverage before washdown or dusty cells.