> Quick answer: Used FANUC CR cobots sell for £14,000 to £30,000 in the UK depending on model and condition, versus new prices of £28,000 to £45,000. They run on the same R-30iB controller as FANUC's full industrial range, which means the widest service network in UK manufacturing. The green body identifies them as collaborative; check the safety configuration and controller hours before buying.
FANUC is the world's largest industrial robot manufacturer, and its presence in UK manufacturing is correspondingly large. Unlike some cobot brands that operate independently of the industrial robot market, FANUC's collaborative robot range (the CR series) shares hardware, software, and service infrastructure with FANUC's full industrial range. This means a used FANUC cobot comes with access to the most established robot service network in the UK.
This guide covers the three principal FANUC cobot models available on the UK used market: the CR-4iA, CR-7iA, and CR-14iA. It explains what each model costs, what the green body signifies, how the R-30iB controller works for used buyers, and what to check before purchasing.
FANUC CR Series Specifications
| Specification | CR-4iA | CR-7iA | CR-14iA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payload | 4 kg | 7 kg | 14 kg |
| Reach | 550 mm | 717 mm | 1,434 mm |
| Axes | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Repeatability | ±0.02 mm | ±0.02 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Weight | 25 kg | 53 kg | 54 kg |
| Controller | R-30iB Plus | R-30iB Plus | R-30iB Plus |
| Mounting | Floor, ceiling, wall, angle | Floor, ceiling, wall, angle | Floor |
| IP rating (wrist) | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 |
| Collaborative safety | Force-limiting stop | Force-limiting stop | Force-limiting stop |
| Typical new UK price | £28,000–£32,000 | £32,000–£38,000 | £40,000–£45,000 |
The CR-14iA's much longer reach (1,434 mm versus 717 mm for the CR-7iA) makes it a different class of robot in practical terms: it can cover a large workstation footprint and is commonly used in machine tending, palletising, and light assembly where the robot must reach across wide work areas.
The Green Body: What It Means
FANUC paints its collaborative robots lime green to visually distinguish them from its standard industrial robots, which are yellow. This is not merely cosmetic: the green body indicates a robot that has been designed and certified for collaborative operation under ISO/TS 15066, with:
- Rounded exterior: no sharp edges or pinch points that could injure an operator in contact
- Force and power limiting: the robot stops when contact forces exceed configurable thresholds
- Soft skin covering: the CR series uses a foam-like outer covering on the arm to reduce impact force in the event of contact
- Speed and separation monitoring capability: the R-30iB controller supports collaborative safety functions including speed and separation monitoring (SSM) and power and force limiting (PFL)
In a shared workspace, the green body is also a visual signal to operators that they are working alongside a collaborative robot, not a standard caged industrial system.
When purchasing a used FANUC CR series robot, confirm that the robot retains its green covering and that the force-limiting safety configuration is intact. A CR series robot that has been partially converted to industrial use (with the collaborative safety functions disabled) is no longer operating as intended.
Used FANUC Cobot Price Guide: UK 2026
| Model | Excellent Condition | Good Condition | Fair Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR-4iA | £18,000–£20,000 | £14,000–£18,000 | £10,000–£14,000 |
| CR-7iA | £20,000–£24,000 | £16,000–£20,000 | £12,000–£16,000 |
| CR-14iA | £26,000–£30,000 | £20,000–£26,000 | £15,000–£20,000 |
Condition definitions:
- Excellent: low controller hours, full documentation, recent FANUC service, original configuration intact
- Good: moderate hours, robot functions correctly, documentation present, cosmetic wear acceptable
- Fair: higher hours, some documentation missing, cosmetic wear, may require service before deployment
All prices assume the R-30iB controller and iPendant teach pendant are included. Controller-only sales are rare; if purchasing without a controller, budget £8,000 to £14,000 for a used R-30iB separately.
FANUC cobots tend to hold their value slightly better than some competitors on the UK used market, reflecting confidence in the service network and parts availability. This means the discount to new is somewhat smaller (30 to 40 percent) than for less established brands.
The R-30iB Controller: A Used Buyer's Advantage
The FANUC R-30iB Plus is FANUC's standard controller for its current robot generation. Using the same controller for the CR series as for FANUC's full industrial range provides several concrete advantages for used buyers:
Service and parts availability: every FANUC UK service engineer is trained on the R-30iB. Parts (boards, drives, teach pendants, cables) are stocked by FANUC UK in Birmingham and are available from authorised distributors. This contrasts with some cobot brands where the controller is a proprietary unit with limited spare parts availability.
Programming continuity: if your facility already uses FANUC industrial robots, your programming team already knows the FANUC TP (Teach Pendant) programming environment. FANUC's KAREL language and the iPendant interface are the same across the range. There is no new programming paradigm to learn.
iRVision and options: FANUC's iRVision integrated vision system, 2D and 3D vision options, and force sensing options (Force Sensor, iRPickTool) are available for the CR series and use the same software framework as the wider FANUC range.
Resale value: the R-30iB controller's wide applicability means that a used R-30iB retains value and can potentially be repurposed across multiple robot types.
For buyers with no FANUC experience, the R-30iB does have a steeper initial learning curve than some cobot-specific interfaces like Universal Robots' PolyScope. FANUC UK offers formal training courses (typically 3 to 5 days for basic certification) from their Ansty Park facility.
What to Verify on a Used FANUC Cobot
Controller Hours and Error Log
The R-30iB logs cumulative operating hours and maintains an error history. Access this via the iPendant (MENU > Status > Axis > Controller Operating Time) and the alarm history log. Key items to check:
- Total power-on hours and motion hours
- Alarm history: note any recurring alarms, particularly joint overtemperature, servo errors, or encoder errors
- Current software version and installed option packages
A recurring servo error on a specific axis indicates a potential issue with that axis' servo drive, motor, or encoder. These are serviceable items but budget accordingly.
Collaborative Safety Configuration
Verify the collaborative safety configuration is active and correctly set:
- Confirm the force-limiting safety function is enabled and configured
- Test the protective stop by gently pushing the arm in free-drive mode: it should stop smoothly within the configured force threshold
- Check the speed limiting is configured correctly for the intended collaborative workspace
Mechanical Condition
Inspect all six joints for smooth operation through the full range. Check:
- No grinding or irregular sounds during motion
- No visible oil leaks at joint seals (FANUC uses grease rather than oil in most joints, but seal damage can allow contamination)
- Wrist joints for backlash: manually attempt to rock the wrist with the robot stationary; minimal play is normal, perceptible lash warrants investigation
- Cable routing from base to wrist for any damage or chafing
Green Body Condition
Inspect the soft outer covering for any tears, gouges, or missing sections. The soft covering is a safety-critical component in collaborative applications: if it is damaged, the robot's contact behaviour may not meet the original certification. Replacement covering panels are available from FANUC UK.
Teach Pendant
Test the iPendant thoroughly: screen, all keys, emergency stop button, three-position enabling switch (deadman). A faulty enabling switch is a safety concern and should be repaired before deployment.
FANUC UK Service Network
FANUC UK is headquartered at Ansty Park, Coventry, and operates regional service centres across the UK. The UK service network for FANUC cobots includes:
- FANUC UK direct: service contracts, spare parts, software updates, training
- FANUC-authorised system integrators: dozens across the UK, covering every sector
- Independent FANUC service companies: a secondary market for service support, typically at lower cost than FANUC direct
FANUC UK offers 24/7 emergency service contracts for production-critical installations. For used units without an active service contract, FANUC UK will quote for ad hoc service visits and parts.
FANUC training at Ansty Park covers robot operation, FANUC TP programming, iRVision, and systems integration. For buyers new to FANUC, a 3-day operator course (approximately £800 to £1,200) is a sensible investment before attempting to commission a used unit independently.
Common Applications for FANUC Cobots in the UK
FANUC's CR series is particularly strong in:
- Machine tending: the combination of FANUC controller compatibility with FANUC-controlled CNC machines and the collaborative safety features makes the CR series a natural fit for unattended and semi-attended machine tending. Many UK precision engineering firms use FANUC CR cobots to automate loading and unloading.
- Assembly: light and medium assembly operations, particularly in electronics and automotive components
- Quality inspection: presenting parts to vision or measurement systems
- Packaging and palletising: the CR-14iA's 14 kg payload and 1,434 mm reach make it suitable for lighter palletising applications
- Dispensing and sealing: adhesive, sealant, and coating applications
Comparing FANUC Cobots to Universal Robots
The most common comparison in the UK used cobot market is between FANUC CR series and Universal Robots e-Series. They target similar applications but have different strengths:
| Factor | FANUC CR Series | Universal Robots e-Series |
|---|---|---|
| Controller | R-30iB (same as full FANUC range) | UR-specific e-Series controller |
| Programming interface | FANUC TP / KAREL (industrial) | PolyScope (purpose-built cobot UI) |
| UK service network | Largest in industrial robotics | Largest in collaborative robotics |
| Integration ecosystem | FANUC industrial ecosystem | UR+ certified accessories ecosystem |
| Ease of initial use | Steeper learning curve | Faster to deploy |
| Used market price premium | Moderate | Moderate |
| Best fit | Facilities with existing FANUC infrastructure | New-to-robotics SMEs, diverse integrations |
For facilities already running FANUC industrial robots, the CR series is the obvious choice: zero learning curve on the controller, same service contacts, same parts supply. For buyers with no prior FANUC experience, the Universal Robots interface is generally faster to learn.
For more information on the wider used cobot market in the UK, the used cobot buyers guide compares all major brands. For an in-depth comparison with Universal Robots, the used UR5e buyers guide covers the UR e-Series in detail.
Browse current FANUC cobot listings on Robot AutoTrader and check the resale index for current market pricing. Full specifications for all FANUC CR models are in the robot database.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do used FANUC cobots cost in the UK? Used FANUC CR-4iA units typically sell for £14,000 to £20,000; the CR-7iA for £16,000 to £24,000; and the CR-14iA for £20,000 to £30,000. New pricing ranges from approximately £28,000 for the CR-4iA to £45,000 for the CR-14iA.
What does the green body on a FANUC cobot mean? FANUC paints its collaborative robots lime green to distinguish them from standard yellow industrial robots. It indicates the robot is designed for collaborative operation with force-limiting protective stop, a rounded soft exterior, and speed and separation monitoring capability.
What is the FANUC R-30iB controller and what does it mean for used buyers? The R-30iB is FANUC's standard controller shared across both industrial and CR collaborative robots. For used buyers, this means access to FANUC UK's extensive service network, wide spare parts availability, and compatibility with FANUC's full ecosystem of options and integrations.
Can I use a used FANUC cobot without a FANUC integrator? Yes, particularly for standard pick-and-place and machine tending applications. FANUC's iPendant teach pendant is accessible for users with industrial automation experience. For applications requiring vision or force sensing, working with a FANUC-trained integrator is advisable.
What is the difference between FANUC CR-4iA, CR-7iA, and CR-14iA? The three models differ primarily in payload and reach: CR-4iA (4 kg, 550 mm), CR-7iA (7 kg, 717 mm), CR-14iA (14 kg, 1,434 mm). All run on the R-30iB controller and share the same collaborative safety architecture. The CR-14iA's substantially longer reach makes it a different class of robot for large-footprint applications.
Are FANUC cobots good for machine tending? Yes. FANUC cobots are particularly well-suited for machine tending because they share the same controller as FANUC-controlled CNC machines, and the collaborative safety features allow co-presence with operators. The CR-4iA and CR-7iA are commonly deployed for this purpose in UK precision engineering.