Quick Verdict
Choosing between a brand-new collaborative robot and a used industrial arm comes down to how ready you need the system to be. The Omron TM5-700 is a complete cobot package with safety, vision, and easy programming. The FANUC M-16iB/20 is a used arm-only unit with a higher payload, but you'll need to supply its controller, teach pendant, and cables. If you want a robot that can work safely beside people right away, go with the Omron. If you can handle integration and need heavier lifting, the FANUC offers more capacity for far less money.
At a Glance
| Product | Price | Condition | Key specs | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omron Collaborative Robot - TM5-700 | USD 16,500 | New | 6 kg payload, 700 mm reach | Full robot in unopened box |
| FANUC M-16iB/20 Industrial Robot Arm | USD 1,800 | Used | 20 kg payload, 6 axes | Arm only, no controller |
Where Each Product Wins
The Omron TM5-700 is the right choice when safety and ease of use are the priority. It's a collaborative robot designed to work alongside people, with built-in vision-based control for visual servoing, inspections, and measurement. Its plug-and-play ecosystem and mobile robot integration make it adaptable to many manufacturing workflows.
The FANUC M-16iB/20 wins on raw payload and cost. It can handle a much heavier load than the Omron, and it's priced at the low end of the range. The trade-off is that it's a bare arm, so you'll need to supply the missing equipment.
Product Notes
Omron Collaborative Robot - TM5-700
The TM5-700 stands out because it's a complete collaborative robot system. It comes new in an unopened box, which removes the guesswork about wear or missing parts. With a 700 mm reach and 6 kg payload, it's sized for tasks like assembly and packaging within a human-scale workspace. The built-in vision system and TMvision/Landmark features allow flexible changeovers, while communication options cover EtherNet/IP, MODBUS, and PROFINET. It also can integrate with mobile robots for autonomous logistics. On the downside, the $16,500 price is the higher end of the range, and you'll still need to plan the end-of-arm tooling and installation. If your operation demands working beside people without fencing, this is the more suitable arm.
FANUC M-16iB/20 Industrial Robot Arm
The FANUC M-16iB/20 is a used 2005 industrial arm that offers a substantial 20 kg payload and six axes. Its weight and dimensions reflect a traditional machine-cell robot, not a lightweight cobot. The price of USD 1,800 is the lowest in this comparison, which makes it an attractive starting point if your budget is tight. But this is an arm-only listing: no controller, teach pendant, or cables are included. The unit shows cosmetic wear, paint loss, and signs of prior industrial use, so expect a used appearance. You'll need to source the missing parts and handle the 220 kg arm without a controller. This robot makes sense if your priority is low-cost six-axis motion and you have the ability to integrate it into an existing system.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the Omron TM5-700 if:
- You need a robot that can safely share space with workers.
- You want built-in vision, easy programming, and modern communication protocols.
- You're starting a new cell and want a complete, new system.
Choose the FANUC M-16iB/20 if:
- Your tasks require a much heavier payload.
- You have a strict budget and can source a controller and other components.
- Your facility is set up for traditional industrial robots.
