As of January 2025, several advanced industrial robots are operational worldwide, showcasing remarkable capabilities across various industries. Here’s a list of some of the most notable functional industrial robots:
Articulated Robots
ABB IRB Series
- Versatile robots designed for various industrial applications
- Known for precision and reliability in tasks like welding, painting, and assembly[2]
FANUC R-2000iC/165F
- Versatile robot ideal for fast and efficient spot welding
- Can lift up to 165kg with a reach of 2655mm[5]
KUKA KR 240 R3200 PA
- 5-axis powerhouse known for speed and optimal acceleration
- 3195 mm reach and 240 kg payload capacity
- Ideal for material handling, order picking, and palletizing[2]
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Universal Robots UR Series
- Widely adopted cobots known for ease of use and flexibility
- Suitable for various tasks in small to medium-sized enterprises[12]
FANUC CRX Series
- Collaborative robots designed for safe human-robot interaction
- Easy to program and deploy in various industrial settings[5]
SCARA Robots
Epson T-Series
- High-speed SCARA robots for assembly and material handling
- Known for precision and compact design[17]
Delta Robots
ABB FlexPicker
- High-speed picking and packing robots
- Widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries
Mobile Industrial Robots
KUKA KMR iiwa
- Mobile manipulator combining an autonomous mobile platform with a lightweight robot arm
- Suitable for flexible manufacturing and logistics applications
Heavy-Duty Industrial Robots
FANUC M-2000iA
- Ultra-high payload robot capable of lifting up to 2.3 tons
- Used in heavy manufacturing and automotive industries
Painting Robots
Yaskawa MPX3500
- Specialized robot for high-quality painting applications
- Widely used in automotive and aerospace industries
Welding Robots
ABB IRB 2600ID
- Integrated dress pack welding robot
- Known for high precision and durability in welding applications
These industrial robots represent the cutting edge of robotics technology as of January 2025, with capabilities ranging from precise assembly to heavy material handling. Their widespread adoption signals a significant step towards more automated and efficient manufacturing processes across various industries worldwide[1][7][9].
List of Functional Industrial Robots Worldwide (As of January 2025)
| Robot Name | Developer | Primary Use | Key Features | Payload & Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABB IRB Series | ABB Ltd. | Welding, material handling, assembly | Precision and reliability for industrial automation. | Payload: Up to 300 kg, Reach: Varies |
| Yaskawa Motoman GP | Yaskawa Electric Corp. | Assembly, dispensing, material handling | High-speed performance, compact design, and agility. | Payload: 4–600 kg, Reach: Varies |
| KUKA KR QUANTEC | KUKA Robotics | Palletizing, machining, spot welding | Robust, versatile, and designed for heavy-duty industrial tasks. | Payload: Up to 300 kg, Reach: 3,000 mm |
| FANUC M-20iA | FANUC | Material handling, assembly | High payload capacity with extended reach. | Payload: 20 kg, Reach: 1,813 mm |
| Universal Robots UR20 | Universal Robots | Welding, palletizing, machine tending | Collaborative robot (cobot) with flexibility to work alongside humans. | Payload: 20 kg, Reach: 1,750 mm |
| Stäubli TX2-40 | Stäubli Robotics | Electronics, pharmaceuticals | Precision and flexibility, ideal for delicate and precise tasks. | Payload: 2 kg, Reach: 515 mm |
| Formic Automation Robots | Formic | Industrial automation services | Customizable robots offered on a subscription basis for cost-effective automation. | Varies by application |
Key Notes:
- ABB IRB Series:
- Common in automotive manufacturing for tasks like welding and painting.
- Renowned for its precision and speed.
- Yaskawa Motoman GP Series:
- Features a wide range of models suitable for small to heavy-duty tasks.
- Popular in assembly lines and packaging.
- KUKA KR QUANTEC:
- One of the most versatile heavy-duty robots.
- Used extensively in palletizing and welding applications.
- FANUC M-20iA:
- Highly reliable for repetitive tasks in automotive and electronics industries.
- Offers extended reach for large-scale assembly.
- Universal Robots UR20:
- Safe for working alongside humans without the need for additional safety barriers.
- Ideal for small to medium-sized enterprises.
- Stäubli TX2-40:
- Specialized for high-precision environments like electronics and pharmaceutical production.
- Compact and efficient for delicate tasks.
- Formic Automation Robots:
- Revolutionizing industrial automation with Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model.
- Reduces the cost barrier for small businesses adopting robotics.
This table highlights leading industrial robots worldwide, showcasing their features and applications in various industries as of January 2025.