HC30PL

Overview

The Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL is a six-axis collaborative robot arm with the highest payload in the Motoman HC series at 30 kg, matching the reach of the HC20DTP at 1,700 mm. It is designed for industrial tasks that exceed the capability of lighter cobots but still benefit from the collaborative safety features that allow operation alongside people without a full safety cage under an appropriate risk assessment. The full IP67 rating and NSF H1 food-grade grease make it suitable for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical environments where regular washdown is required.

Key Specifications

• Payload: 30 kg
• Horizontal reach: 1,700 mm
• Vertical reach: 3,400 mm
• Degrees of freedom: 6
• IP rating: IP67 (full arm and wrist; also rated IP65-67 depending on configuration)
• Controller: YRC1000 or YRC1000micro
• Tool flange: ISO 9409-1 standard
• Lubricant: NSF H1 food-grade grease throughout

At 30 kg payload, the HC30PL sits alongside high-payload cobots such as the Universal Robots UR20 (20 kg) and FANUC CRX-25iA (25 kg), but exceeds both in raw payload capacity. This makes it relevant for casting and die removal from presses, handling large bags or drums, and stacking heavy products at end of line.

Use Cases

The HC30PL is deployed in foundry and press-tending applications handling cast or forged parts up to 30 kg, end-of-line palletising of heavy retail or industrial goods, handling large bottles or drums in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and automotive panel transfer on mixed assembly lines. The collaborative safety system allows plant managers to avoid the full safety guarding required for traditional industrial arms, reducing installation cost and cell footprint.

Buying Used

The HC30PL is a relatively recent addition to the Yaskawa Motoman range and secondhand units are uncommon in the UK as of late 2026. When units do appear, expect pricing from £30,000 upwards depending on hours and condition. The YRC1000 controller is a well-supported unit; Yaskawa Motoman UK provides service cover. For buyers needing high-payload collaborative capability sooner, the HC20DTP at 20 kg or a used HC20DT may offer better availability.

Alternatives to Consider

• Universal Robots UR20: 20 kg payload with a much larger global install base and UK resale ecosystem, though only IP54 rated.
• FANUC CRX-25iA: 25 kg payload with FANUC's global service network, though IP54 rated.
• Yaskawa Motoman HC20DTP: Lower payload but more available in the used market; suitable when 20 kg is sufficient.