Fanuc
Fanuc is a Japanese automation company headquartered in Oshino, Yamanashi Prefecture, and the world's largest industrial robot maker, founded by Seiuemon Inaba and now led by his son Yoshiharu Inaba as president and CEO. Its origins trace to 1956, when Fujitsu developed Japan's first private-sector numerical control and servo systems, and it became independent in 1972. Robots entered the company in 1974 and were installed in its own factories, and commercial robot production began in 1977 with the ROBOT-MODEL 1. Fanuc also dominates CNC controls, with a reported 65 percent global share. In 2015 it developed the CR-35iA collaborative robot, and by 2023 total shipments reached one million robots. Its catalogue lists the P-55 and P-50iB painting robots and the M-950iA/500 heavy-payload robot. The company has about 8,256 employees and is listed in Tokyo.
π‘Notable Achievement: Fanuc reached total shipments of one million robots in 2023.
What Does Fanuc Do?
Fanuc is the Japanese factory automation giant, the world's largest industrial robot maker and a leader in CNC controls, with more than one million robots shipped.
βThe world's biggest industrial robot maker.β
Scale
One million robots shipped by 2023.
CNC Dominance
A reported 65 percent share of CNC controls.
Since 1974
Robots developed in 1974 and sold commercially from 1977.
What Can Fanuc Robots Actually Do?
Cross-portfolio operational capabilities, manipulation tasks, and environmental competencies
Industrial robots for painting, handling and heavy payloads.
Painting
P-series painting robots.
Heavy Payloads
M-950iA/500 handles very heavy parts.
Fanuc Robots
Showing 5 of 5 total models
SR-9iA/R
By: Fanuc
Launched: 2025
The Fanuc SR-9iA/R is a high-speed, heavy-duty rack-mounted SCARA robot designed for transporting small components like solar cell modules on conveyors, targeting increased productivity in solar panel production. With a 9 kg payload and 620 mm reach, it achieves the world's highest processing capacity: 0.7 seconds per back-and-forth cycle (2.5 kg load, 500 mm horizontal, 100 mm vertical lift), sustainable 24/7 without rest. High rigidity in first and second arms ensures precise high-speed motion with minimal tip shake due to unique rack-mounted structure positioning the second arm below the first, reducing vertical protrusion. Shipment began April 2025, showcased at FANUCβs New Products Open House in May 2025. Ideal for electronics, solar, and high-volume assembly, it leverages advanced servo technology for superior accuracy and duty performance.
M-410/800F-32C
By: Fanuc
Launched: 2024
The FANUC M-410/800F-32C is a high-capacity palletizing robot with an 800 kg payload, succeeding the M-410iB/700 model by increasing payload 14%, axis speeds 7%, and motion range 32%. Designed for heavy-duty handling, it features a compact J1 base for flexible installation, integrated arm cables to prevent interference, and a renewed curved design for aesthetics. Powered by the R-50iA controller, it enables fast cycle times, 3.2m reach for stacking higher and wider, and high throughput in end-of-line operations. Ideal for transporting large, heavy items like boxes, bags, and slabs across industries, it optimizes space with a <900x800mm footprint and supports low-ceiling setups, enhancing automation efficiency.
M-950iA/500
By: Fanuc
Launched: 2024
The FANUC M-950iA/500 is a heavyweight industrial robot with 500 kg payload capacity and 2830 mm reach, designed for handling large, heavy workpieces like automotive components, EV battery packs, and construction materials. Featuring a serial-link structure with wide J3 axis motion range allowing backward flip-over, it excels in tight workspaces. High-rigidity wrist supports precision tasks including friction stir welding, drilling, and riveting. Equipped with 6 axes, Β±0.08 mm repeatability, and R-30iB Plus controller, it offers versatility across heavy material handling, palletizing, and assembly. IP54/IP67 protection ensures reliability in demanding environments, with options for accuracy enhancement under external forces.
P-50iB
By: Fanuc
Launched: 2010
The FANUC P-50iB is an ultra-compact, six-axis paint robot designed for precise painting and coating applications across diverse industries. With a maximum payload of 10 kg at the wrist and an extended reach of 1800 mm, it excels in handling rotary atomizers, spray guns, and multi-gun setups. Features include a 68 mm inner diameter hollow wrist from J4 to J6 to prevent contamination from exposed hoses, left or right-hand configurability for booth symmetry, and internal cabling for clean operation. The balanced arm design maximizes stroke length with flip-over capability for large envelopes. PAINT TOOL software provides process-oriented controls, parameter setting, color presets, and offline programming via ROBOGUIDE PaintPro. Easy maintenance access, all-axis mechanical brakes, and versatile mounting enhance reliability and uptime in demanding environments.
P-55
By: Fanuc
Launched: 2026
The Fanuc P-55 is an innovative mid-size painting robot featuring a 6-axis design and a hollow wrist for integrated utility routing to prevent paint contamination. With a payload of 15 kg and a reach exceeding 2 meters, it is capable of painting large components with high flexibility. It is the first paint robot to adopt the advanced R-50iA controller, which enhances path accuracy and offers a constant-path function for easier teaching. The P-55 supports both right-hand and left-hand configurations for symmetrical paint line layouts and features battery less encoders to reduce maintenance.
Fanuc Timeline & Milestones
Evolutionary history, landmark prototypes, major acquisitions, and commercial roadmap
Fanuc becomes independent from Fujitsu
Fanuc is spun off as Fujitsu Fanuc Ltd, an independent company, after developing Japan's first private-sector numerical control and servo systems.
Source: fanuc.co.jp
First robots developed and installed in Fanuc factories
Robots join Fanuc's portfolio, first developed and installed in its own factories.
Source: fanuc.co.jp
Commercial robot production begins
Fanuc begins commercial robot production with the ROBOT-MODEL 1.
Source: fanuc.co.jp
GMFanuc Robotics joint venture with General Motors
Fanuc forms GMFanuc Robotics with General Motors and renames itself Fanuc Ltd.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
One million robots shipped
Fanuc reaches total shipments of one million robot units.
Source: fanuc.co.jp
Fanuc Competitors by Category
Direct industry rivals grouped by specific robotics domain
What Makes Fanuc Different?
Editorial AnalysisOrigin of Bots objective strategic assessment, engineering moats, and commercial hurdles
Key Strengths & Moats
- βLargest installed base of industrial robots.
- βVertical integration of CNC controls and robots.
Core Strategic Focus
Automation of manufacturing and collaborative robots.
Road Ahead & Challenges
- β’Cyclical demand from automotive and electronics.
- β’Chinese robot makers gaining ground.
Fanuc vs Key Competitors
Strategic capability matrix across platform categories, commercial readiness, and target markets
Category / Focus
- Fanuc P-50iB
- Painting robot
- ABB IRB 760PT
- Palletizing robot
- Yaskawa GP10
- Handling robot
- Kawasaki BX200L
- Welding robot
Weight
- Fanuc P-50iB
- 356 kg
- ABB IRB 760PT
- 2310 kg
- Yaskawa GP10
- 59 kg
- Kawasaki BX200L
- 930 kg
Release Year
- Fanuc P-50iB
- 2010
- ABB IRB 760PT
- 2020
- Yaskawa GP10
- 2025
- Kawasaki BX200L
- 2011
| Strategic Dimension | Fanuc P-50iB | ABB IRB 760PT | Yaskawa GP10 | Kawasaki BX200L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category / Focus | Painting robot | Palletizing robot | Handling robot | Welding robot |
| Weight | 356 kg | 2310 kg | 59 kg | 930 kg |
| Release Year | 2010 | 2020 | 2025 | 2011 |
Corporate Ecosystem & Ownership Structure
Parent company relationships, historical acquisitions, and global operating facilities
Fujitsu
Fanuc grew from Fujitsu's numerical control work and became independent in 1972.
Ownership & Acquisition History
Fanuc grew from Fujitsu's numerical control work and became independent in 1972.
Global Facilities & Operating Hubs
Fanuc Headquarters
HQOshino, Japan
Articles & Industry News
Showing 4 recent articles and news updates about Fanuc
FANUC SR-9iA/R Hits 82 Panels/Min in IREX 2025 Demo
News about SR-9iA/R
FANUC M-410/800F-32C Boosts Payload 14% in Pack Expo Demo
News about M-410/800F-32C
FANUC P-50iB Deploys 32 Units Across UK Sites March 2026
News about P-50iB
P-55 Paint Robot Achieves Mass Production Milestone March 2026
News about P-55
Frequently Asked Questions
8 AnswersVerified answers, company specifications, and deployment details about Fanuc
What is Fanuc?
Fanuc is a Japanese automation company that makes industrial robots, CNC controls and factory automation systems, and is the world's largest industrial robot maker, based in Oshino, Yamanashi.
Who runs Fanuc?
Yoshiharu Inaba is Fanuc's president and CEO. His father, Seiuemon Inaba, founded the company and serves as honorary chairman, according to its Wikipedia profile.
When did Fanuc start making robots?
Robots were developed and installed in Fanuc's own factories in 1974, and commercial production began in 1977 with the ROBOT-MODEL 1.
How many robots has Fanuc sold?
Fanuc reached 400,000 robots in 2015, 500,000 in 2017 and total shipments of one million robot units in 2023, according to its company history.
Does Fanuc make collaborative robots?
Yes. Fanuc's company history lists the development of the CR-35iA collaborative robot in 2015, a robot designed to work alongside people.
How big is Fanuc?
Fanuc has about 8,256 employees and reported revenue of about 795 billion yen in 2023, with more than 240 subsidiaries and joint ventures in over 46 countries.
Is Fanuc also a CNC company?
Yes. Fanuc dominates CNC controls, with a reported 65 percent global market share, and CNC production reached five million units in 2022.
What Fanuc robots are in the catalogue?
The catalogue lists the P-55 and P-50iB painting robots and the M-950iA/500, a very heavy payload robot, as examples of Fanuc's industrial range.
Verified Data & Editorial Assurance
Compiled from verified corporate filings, official Fanuc datasheets, and robotics engineering registries. Information has been verified against official manufacturer documentation. For commercial procurement or proprietary integrations, contact the manufacturer directly.