Carry. Place. Weld. The new FANUC CRX-3𝑖A collaborative robot

Developed for portability and rapid deployment, the new robot optimises applications where ease of relocation, flexibility and autonomy underpin productivity.

With a total weight of just 11 kg, the CRX-3𝑖A addresses a clear demand in sectors such as shipbuilding and steel construction, where operators weld large structures across expansive areas. An operator can easily carry the robot with one hand, reposition it at a new seam and resume work within seconds. This capability allows a single person to supervise multiple welding locations, overcoming the persistent shortage of skilled welders in Europe.

With a 3 kg payload, the CRX-3𝑖A can manipulate a welding torch and a seam-tracking sensor simultaneously, while its ±0.02 mm repeatability delivers the precision necessary for critical welding tasks. The robot automatically detects its installation angle after relocation and - using a third-party laser scanner or touch sensor - identifies weld seam locations and calculates paths accordingly. 

An optional magnetic base facilitates fast yet secure robot attachment directly to large steel structures. This flexibility reduces system complexity compared with traditional robot installations, which typically need heavier equipment and additional safeguarding measures.

As part of the wider CRX series – which extends to 30 kg payload and 1,756 mm reach – the CRX-3𝑖A integrates fully with FANUC’s established control and software ecosystem. It also incorporates FANUC’s wrist button technology, which allows operators to guide and teach positions directly from the robot arm without holding the FANUC Teach Pendant. This convenient functionality streamlines programming and shortens changeover times.

Beyond welding, FANUC anticipates uptake in applications such as intralogistics and mobile automation. The compact footprint and low mass make the CRX-3𝑖A ideal for mounting on an automated guided vehicle (AGV), for instance, where it can support picking, placing and line supply tasks. Its size also opens opportunities in education and training environments, where space constraints often render the use of traditional industrial robots impractical.

“Manufacturers need automation that adapts to their environment, not the other way around,” says Paul Ribus, FANUC’s Head of Sales Coordination Europe, “With the CRX-3𝑖A, we focused on portability, fast deployment and high repeatability. It allows customers to take advantage of collaborative welding and handling wherever the work is, without complex installation.”

Compact, portable, intuitive and precise, the new FANUC CRX-3𝑖A brings collaborative automation directly to the point of need.