Fairino Cobot (FR3-C)

Fairino Cobot (FR3-C)

The Fairino FR3-C is a compact 6-axis collaborative robot (cobot) in the Fairino FR-series intended for space-constrained automation where a lightweight arm can be deployed on desktops, benches, or mobile carts. Fairino’s FR-series lineup commonly lists the FR3-C alongside closely related variants such as FR3, FR3-WMS, and FR3-WML, reflecting a product family approach that adapts a similar small payload class to different application packages and integration preferences.

Public product materials describe the FR3-C as a “next-generation” collaborative robot emphasizing human–robot collaboration, lightweight deployment, and ease of integration with mobile equipment or desktop-level applications. In typical manufacturing terms, this positions the FR3-C in the “compact cobot” category used for light handling, inspection support, small-part assembly, test-fixture loading, and other flexible tasks that benefit from fast changeovers rather than fixed, high-throughput robot cells.

Design and Features

Lightweight, desktop-friendly footprint

A defining element of the FR3-C is its small physical footprint and low arm mass. Published FR3-C specifications list an approximately 125 mm footprint and approximately 10 kg robot weight (without cable), supporting installation on benches, small pedestals, or mobile stands. This form factor is frequently associated with “micro-cells” and retrofit automation where production lines cannot spare floor space for traditional guarding and large controllers.

Six-axis collaborative arm architecture

The FR3-C uses six rotating joints (6 degrees of freedom), allowing full pose control (position + orientation) needed for tasks like screwdriving, precision placement, sensor-guided probing, or simple toolpath operations. As with many cobots, the arm is intended to share workspace with people under appropriate risk assessment, speed/force settings, and end-effector safety design.

Teach pendant and web-based control options

Fairino’s FR3-C listing includes a 10.1-inch teach pendant and mentions a mobile terminal Web App as the human–machine interface (HMI) options. This dual approach aligns with modern cobot expectations: on-site teaching and jogging via pendant, plus network-enabled monitoring or configuration through software tools.

Flexible mounting orientation

FR3-C documentation indicates the robot can be mounted in any orientation, enabling ceiling, wall, angled, or inverted installations when a compact cell demands unconventional layouts. This is particularly relevant in test stations and workbenches where the best use of space may be above or beside operators.

Technology and Specifications

Core performance metrics

Published FR3-C headline specs typically include:

• Payload: 3 kg (with peak payload 5 kg stated in the same spec block)

• Reach: 622 mm

• Pose repeatability: ±0.05 mm (per ISO 9283 as stated)

• Typical TCP speed: 1 m/s

These parameters place the FR3-C among compact 3 kg cobots designed for short-reach automation: small parts, light tools, and close-proximity station work.

Joint ranges and motion characteristics

The FR3-C product page includes working ranges and maximum speeds per axis. For example, it lists base and joint speed values on the order of ±150°/s for base/shoulder and ±180°/s for wrist axes, supporting responsive motion in short-cycle tasks where acceleration and orientation changes matter.

Environmental protection and acoustic profile

FR3-C published features include:

• IP classification: IP54 (with IP65 optional)

• Noise: < 65 dB

• Operating temperature: 0–45°C

• Operating humidity: 90% RH (non-condensing)

In practical deployments, IP54 class protection can be suitable for general factory environments, while IP65 options may be preferred for dustier or splash-prone processes (subject to configuration and integrator design).

I/O and tool power for end-effectors

The FR3-C spec block lists basic onboard I/O and tool power:

• I/O ports: DI 2 / DO 2 and AI 1 / AO 1

• Tool I/O power supply: 24V / 1.5A

Materials and construction

FR3-C materials are listed as aluminium and steel, reflecting a typical cobot structure that balances stiffness, weight, and manufacturability.

Applications and Use Cases

Desktop automation and bench-top assembly

FR3-C is explicitly described as easy to integrate with desktop-level applications, which often include:

• Pick-and-place of small components or kits

• Screwdriving and light fastening

• Fixture loading/unloading (test jigs, measurement devices)

• Simple pressing or insertion tasks with controlled motion

Its compact reach (622 mm) and low mass make it suitable for workbenches where operators and automation share the same cell footprint.

Mobile automation and “automation where needed”

Fairino’s FR3-C description highlights integration with mobile equipment, which typically means mounting the cobot on carts, trolleys, or AMR/AGV platforms to bring automation to bottlenecks (e.g., packaging stations, quality checkpoints) without reworking the entire line.

Light handling, inspection positioning, and test automation

With a small payload and ISO 9283 repeatability rating, FR3-C can be used to position parts or sensors reliably—supporting tasks like:

• Vision-guided presentation of parts to cameras

• Probe or gauge positioning in QA workflows

• Lab-style sample handling (in controlled environments)

Education, R&D, and prototyping

Compact cobots are frequently used in training labs and R&D because they can be installed quickly, moved between rooms, and reconfigured with different end-effectors. FR3-C’s pendant/Web-App HMI approach and compact size align well with this class of usage.

Advantages / Benefits

Space efficiency and rapid deployment

The FR3-C’s small footprint and low weight support fast installation in tight workspaces and make it practical for facilities where floor space is expensive or where automation must be moved between stations.

Cobot-friendly usability model

A teach pendant plus web-enabled interface options can reduce the barrier for small teams adopting cobots for the first time, especially in environments where automation engineers are limited and production teams must re-teach jobs often.

Practical environmental options

An IP54 base rating with IP65 optional gives integrators a pathway to match the cobot to more demanding environments when needed (subject to final configuration), while keeping the base model aligned with general-purpose factory requirements.

Integrated tool power and basic I/O

Built-in tool power (24V) and basic digital/analog I/O support common grippers, sensors, and end tools without immediately requiring external power supplies for simple cells.

FAQ Section

What is the Fairino FR3-C?

The Fairino FR3-C is a 6-axis collaborative robot designed for desktop and mobile-equipment integration, with published specs including 3 kg payload (5 kg peak), 622 mm reach, and ±0.05 mm repeatability (ISO 9283).

How does the Fairino FR3-C work?

FR3-C executes programmed motion using six articulated joints. Operators typically teach positions and paths via a 10.1-inch teach pendant or configure and interact via a mobile terminal Web App, while the robot uses onboard I/O and tool power to control end-effectors and sensors.

Why is the Fairino FR3-C important?

Compact cobots like FR3-C make it practical to add automation in places where traditional robot cells do not fit—such as benches, inspection stations, or mobile carts—helping manufacturers automate repetitive steps without major line redesign.

What are the benefits of the Fairino FR3-C?

Commonly cited benefits include compact size (≈10 kg robot weight), 3 kg payload (5 kg peak), 622 mm reach, IP54 with IP65 optional, <65 dB noise, and integrated 24V tool power with basic I/O for grippers and sensors.

Summary

The Fairino FR3-C is a compact 6-axis collaborative robot optimized for desktop-level automation and integration with mobile equipment, targeting applications where space, portability, and fast redeployment matter. Published specifications—3 kg payload (5 kg peak), 622 mm reach, ±0.05 mm ISO 9283 repeatability, IP54 (IP65 optional), and integrated 24V tool power—position it as a practical “small cobot arm” for bench-top assembly, inspection support, and flexible manufacturing cells.