A full redesign of FANUC’s best-known robot
FANUC Europe has presented the R-2000/E series, a completely re-engineered generation of one of the most widely installed industrial robots on the market. The new range runs faster, needs less maintenance and costs less to own, at a time when manufacturers face higher operating costs, a shortage of skilled labour and growing output targets.
The R-2000 family has shipped more than 350,000 units worldwide over its earlier generations, mainly in automotive, general industry and heavy manufacturing. The E generation builds on that base with more payload, longer reach and a smaller footprint, so production cells can be laid out more compactly while still moving heavier parts.
Up to 20% faster, with 10% shorter cycles
Compared with the previous models, the new robots reach operating speeds up to 20% higher and shorten cycle times by 10%. FANUC has also increased rigidity and accuracy, which improves process stability and keeps product quality consistent in demanding environments.
Designed to cut maintenance
Maintenance is where the new design changes most. Battery-less encoders remove the routine battery replacement, and faster diagnostics shorten stoppages. Both reduce the service workload and the total cost of ownership, an effect that grows with the size of the installation.
Heavier parts and larger tooling
Wrist payload capacity rises by up to 85% and the permissible moments of inertia are higher. The robots can therefore handle bigger and more complex components, as well as more sophisticated end-of-arm tooling. Typical applications include welding, material handling and machine tending.
Less energy and less noise
Sustainability was one of the development targets. Energy consumption drops by up to 15% and noise emissions by 25% compared with the earlier generation.
Eight models, including a 3,905 mm extended-reach version
The series comprises eight variants. Among them are rack-mounted versions for top-mount installation and a new extended-reach model that reaches up to 3,905 mm. FANUC developed this configuration in response to European demand, for tasks such as automotive gigacastings and the handling of large moulded parts or large wood panels.
R-50iA controller with IEC 62443 cybersecurity
Every model works with the FANUC R-50iA controller, whose cybersecurity functions follow the IEC 62443 standards: secure communication protocols and user authentication. The controller is also an open platform that supports Python, software PLC and ROS integration.
“The R-2000 has long been a key industrial robot series for industrial automation thanks to its reliability and versatility,” says Paul Ribus, Head of Sales Coordination Europe at FANUC. “With the new R-2000/E series, manufacturers can further improve productivity while significantly reducing maintenance effort and operating costs, supporting more efficient and resilient production.”