FANUC debuts CRX-3iA collaborative robot, unveils new capabilities across CRX cobot lineup

FANUC announced the expansion of its CRX collaborative robot series with the introduction of the CRX-3iA.

The company said that the ultra-lightweight cobot is designed for fast redeployment across small, high-mix tasks.

FANUC CRX 3iA details

Weighing only 11 kg (24 lbs.), FANUC said that the CRX 3iA can be carried and set up in minutes, giving manufacturers a portable way to automate jobs such as welding, part handling, small assembly, screwdriving, tool positioning and inspection - especially in tight spaces or temporary work areas where permanent fixtures aren’t feasible.

In addition to introducing the newest model in the CRX family, FANUC said that it is rolling out several new capabilities across the CRX lineup. The company said that these enhancements expand the range of applications that collaborative robots can support - from heavier palletizing and high throughput fastening to coordinated welding and advanced motion control - giving manufacturers more flexibility to automate both small, high-mix tasks and larger, mass production scale operations.

“The CRX-3iA puts collaborative automation in the hands of operators - literally,” said Eric Potter, general manager, robot application engineering segment, FANUC America. “Its lightweight design makes it easy to redeploy in minutes, helping manufacturers automate jobs that were once too small, too scattered or too costly to justify. Combined with new capabilities across the CRX lineup, we’re giving our customers more ways to apply collaborative robots safely and productively across their entire operation.”

Portable automation for high-mix work

FANUC said that the CRX-3iA brings a new level of mobility and flexibility to the company’s collaborative robot family. With a 3 kg payload, 692 mm reach and a lightweight design, FANUC said that the CRX-3iA is engineered for rapid repositioning and tight space operation.

The company provided the following features of the CRX-3iA:

• Ultra lightweight design: Can be carried by a single person and quickly moved to workstations, temporary setups or field environments.
• Flexible installation: Supports magnetic bases and offers effortless wall or ceiling mounting with automatic angle detection and no manual input.
• High mix task support: Ideal for welding, part handling, small assembly, screwdriving, tool positioning and inspection tasks.
• Portable welding capability: Can be manually moved to the welding area for fast repositioning with support for touch sensing, eliminating the need for precise robot placement. Additionally, auto weld point detection and auto path generation easily accelerate welding setup.

FANUC added that these capabilities make the CRX-3iA a practical offering for manufacturers seeking to automate small or variable tasks without committing to permanent fixtures or complex integration.

New capabilities across the CRX cobot lineup

FANUC provided details about the following new features and options that expand the performance and versatility of its CRX family:

• “Triangle weave” Vertical Up welding profile
  • A breakthrough offering for out-of-position welding, FANUC said that its newly developed triangle weave profile counteracts weld puddle sag and replicates the precision of a skilled welder, enabling successful Vertical Up welding where automation traditionally struggled. What was once a major challenge can now be achieved with confidence through an intuitive, easy-to-use interface.
• Enhanced palletizing performance
  • Palletizing by the CRX-30iA now supports up to 40 kg payloads. When paired with a new, high-flow air kit designed for large suction grippers, this enhancement enables collaborative palletizing of heavier cases while maintaining safety and ease of use.
• High inertia mode for assisted heavy moves
  • FANUC said that A new high inertia mode allows CRX cobots to guide extremely heavy loads while a lift assist device carries the weight. This hybrid approach automates previously manual, ergonomically challenging operations while preserving collaborative safety.
• Dual nut runner support
  • The company said that its CRX cobots can now operate dual nut runners to double fastener throughput. An optional internal wiring harness supports clean cable routing and maintains collaborative safety standards.
• CRX on R-50iA Controller
  • The CRX lineup will also be available on FANUC’s new R-50iA controller, enabling advanced capabilities, including:
    • Python scripting
    • Higher frequency ROS 2 and streaming motion support for AI-driven applications
    • Advanced cybersecurity protection
• Positioner support
  • Support for Auxiliary Axis part positioners now enables coordinated welding and laser applications.

FANUC said that these enhancements broaden the CRX family’s reach into more demanding applications while preserving the simplicity and safety that define collaborative robotics.