Kawasaki -vs- Fanuc pros & cons

    Hello,
    I am considering the purchase of a Kawasaki FS30L with a C controller. I am mostly familiar with programming Fanuc robots. Are the Kawasaki robots similar in programming? Is it difficult to learn how to program the Kawasaki? Also, is the C controller way out of date now? Is it even worth considering a C controller? I am starting a business and the Kawasaki is so much cheaper than the Fanuc that I feel I have to explore it. Also, the Fanuc software license is expensive. I am trying to minimize my startup cost. Any advice you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thank you

    We have about 16 kawasaki robots, one of them is a c controler, the first one they bought here.

    The functions are about the same compared to a D controller, but controlling it takes a little longer as the teach pendant only has a touch screen and the menu is very outdated and not logical at all.

    I don't think it's a problem to find software for this robot.

    Hi

    I worked with old kawasaki C controller. For example, there was no option for making circles. Extra expense.
    Programing is totally different to fanuc. I don't like teach pendant in C controller (without keyboard).
    But if price is adequate, why not.

    Do you think the Kawasaki is more difficult to program than the Fanuc? I am wondering if any of my knowledge of programming the Fanuc would be applicable or helpful in learning to program the Kawasaki. I presume you recommend the D controller over the C controller.

    I have extensive experience with the C controller, D controller, and E controller. To me the D series is by far the easiest to learn and get around. The C controller is way outdated. We have had some issues with the C controller and finding parts for it and the arm. Unfortunately I have not had any experience with Fanuc (but will very soon) so I can't say anything as to how they compare. I don't think there would be any problem for you to learn the AS Language of Kawasaki. It is pretty easy to understand and get the hang of in my opinion.

    regarding programming of Kawasaki and Fanuc robots:

    1. TP programming

    Kawasaki TP programming is one of the worst ever. It is not user-friendly and not convenient at all. Each program line consists of many parameters that you don't even use, but they are still there. You don't set these parameter values directly, instead you use 0-9 values, which are defined directly in system settings. Inserting/modifying lines is a nightmare...
    On the other hand, as you probably know, with Fanuc, you need nothing more than a TP to program virtually anything you like, using some tricks of course. It's easy to learn, easy to use and clear to understand.


    2. PC programming.

    Fanuc's Karel is OK, but Kawasaki's AS language is the most powerful robot programming tool I have ever used. You have access to most of typical high-level programming languages instructions (FOR, IF, SELECT, jumps, signal monitoring etc.), system variables and switches (including servo power control, error resetting and so on) PLUS you can use up to 5 (I believe in C controller it's up to 3) .pc programs that run independently in the background, with possibility of free control of these programs (you can i. e. run one .pc program controlling 2 other programs, pause/hold/abort them, and launch others in their place). Teaching points with AS commands is also simple and fast. But you need a PC connection (RS-232 with the C controller I believe, TCP/IP on newer controllers) and some skills to use AS language effectively and properly - it's easy to make a fatal mistake.

    Anyway, the conclusion is that it depends on what you need. If you want to use simple programs with paths consisting of many points, which need to be checked and correcter sometimes (i. e. welding application), take Fanuc. If you need an advanced logic and you don't need to use lots of paths, but rather teach a few points and then calculate trajectories based on them (i. e. palletizing), take Kawasaki.

    You don't have to use only block teaching on the kawasaki TP. You can program any AS on the TP as well so you don't have to have a PC to do it. It is a pain on the C controller but much easier on the D controller and the E controller as some good points and bad points but is alright once you get the hang of it.

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