FANUC Controller Overview

Controller Models

There are five models of Fanuc Controllers that are commonly used today:

R-J3:

- - In production from 1998-2001. The R-J3 was discontinued by Fanuc but used models can still be found in the resale market.
  - Available in the following styles: A-Cabinet, B-Cabinet, and Mate Cabinet.
  - Highlights: CPU dual processor and Fanuc’s AccuPath software.

R-J3iB:

- - In production from 2001-2006. Also discontinued by Fanuc, the R-J3iB is still sought after second-hand.
  - Available in the following styles: A-Cabinet, B-Cabinet, and Mate Cabinet.
  - Highlights: Fanuc “Plug-In Options” concept, digital & analog I/O modules available, collision detection, multiprocessor CPU and Fanuc’s TurboMove software.

R-30iA:

- - Introduced as the R-J3iC in 2006, it was later renamed as the R-30iA.
  - Available in the following styles: A-Cabinet, B-Cabinet, and Mate Cabinet (Open Air Mate Cabinet released in 2008).
  - Highlights: iPendant Teach Pendant (with touch screen option), built-in Ethernet (100 BaseTX), Fanuc I/O-link (Master), fast start up, advanced I/O features, integrated iRVision, powerful programming functions, efficient cooling system, vibration control, and USB/PCMCIA interface options.

R-30iB:

- - Introduced in 2012, the R-30iB offers a more energy efficient and compact design than its predecessors.
  - Available in the following styles: A-Cabinet, B-Cabinet, Open-Air Cabinet, and Mate Cabinet.
  - Highlights: 4D Graphic iPendant Touch Teach Pendant, fully integrated iRVision (2D & 3D), supports auxiliary axis controls, Force Sensing, vibration control, Intelligent motion optimization, advanced dual check safety, enhanced break release, servo re-set handling processing time, and optional Learning Vibration Control (LVC).

R-30iB Plus:

- - Fanuc’s newest controller model, introduced in 2017, the R-30iB Plus is Fanuc’s most user-friendly controller. It boasts all the same features as the R-30iB and more (i.e., an improved user-friendly interface, processing performance and power).
  - Available in the following styles: A-Cabinet*, B-Cabinet, Open-Air Cabinet, Mate Cabinet, and Compact Cabinet.
  - Highlights: Improved higher performance/increased memory CPU and main PCB, higher performance iPendant, gigabit Ethernet and high-speed USB 2.0 interfaces, improved higher resolution fully integrated iRVision, and reliability of R-30iB servo amps & option hardware (same as R-30iB).
    * A-Cabinet style controllers are not common for the R-30iB Plus

Controller Cabinet Styles

Fanuc Controller models are available in a variety of cabinet styles, each suited for different applications and environments. The cabinet styles vary in size and configuration.

The three most common styles are:

- - A-Cabinet: Referred to as Fanuc’s standard controller. The A Cabinet is compact and stackable.
  - B-Cabinet: Larger than the A Cabinet, the B Cabinet typically sits on the floor. It has extra space for the addition of auxiliary amplifiers and I/O modules, while housing the same technology as the A Cabinet.
  - Mate Cabinet: Smaller than both the A and B Cabinets and designed for smaller robots like the M and LR-Mate Series robots, the Mate Cabinet is powerful and self-contained. Its stackable design is ideal for multi robot cells.

Additional styles include:

- - Open-Air Cabinet: Powerful, self-contained, and stackable for multi-robot cells, like the Mate Cabinet, the Open-Air Cabinet is suited for M1, M2, M3 and LR Mate robots. Designed with dirty and humid environments in mind, it can be mounted into a cabinet and is suitable for office environments.
  - Compact Cabinet: Fanuc’s newest cabinet style, specifically designed for Fanuc’s SCARA series, the Compact Cabinet is lightweight and easy to integrate.