Mitsubishi Electric's MELFA robot series is one of the most underrated industrial robot lines globally — and one of the most popular in Japan, Southeast Asia, and the electronics manufacturing sector. MELFA robots are known for their seamless integration with Mitsubishi PLCs, drives, and factory automation systems. In 2026, MELFA robot prices range from $18,000 for the RH SCARA series to $80,000+ for heavy-payload RV-FR series arms.
This guide covers every major Mitsubishi MELFA product line, their 2026 price ranges, and how they compare to Chinese robot brands that offer comparable specs at 40–50% lower cost.
Quick Answer: Mitsubishi MELFA robots cost $18,000–$80,000. The most common 6-axis arm (13 kg payload, 1,382 mm reach) costs $35,000–$50,000. Chinese equivalents run $16,000–$25,000 — a 40–50% saving.
Mitsubishi MELFA Robot Price by Series (2026)
MELFA RV Series — Vertical Articulated (6-Axis)
The RV series is Mitsubishi's core 6-axis arm lineup, spanning 4 kg to 35 kg payload for general industrial applications.
| Model | Payload | Reach | Repeatability | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RV-4FL | 4 kg | 625 mm | ±0.02 mm | $20,000–$30,000 |
| RV-7FL | 7 kg | 925 mm | ±0.02 mm | $25,000–$38,000 |
| RV-13FL | 13 kg | 1,382 mm | ±0.02 mm | $35,000–$50,000 |
| RV-20FL | 20 kg | 1,504 mm | ±0.02 mm | $40,000–$55,000 |
| RV-35FLL | 35 kg | 2,050 mm | ±0.03 mm | $52,000–$70,000 |
Applications: Machine tending, assembly, PCB handling, food packaging, pick-and-place, pharmaceutical.
MELFA RV-FR PLUS Series — High Performance
The FR PLUS series adds Mitsubishi's High Drive function for faster cycle times and expanded force sensor compatibility for precision assembly.
| Model | Payload | Reach | Key Feature | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RV-7FRL-D | 7 kg | 1,000 mm | High Drive | $30,000–$45,000 |
| RV-13FRL-D | 13 kg | 1,382 mm | High Drive + Force sensor | $38,000–$55,000 |
| RV-20FRL-D | 20 kg | 1,504 mm | High Drive + CE certified | $45,000–$62,000 |
| RV-35FRL-D | 35 kg | 2,050 mm | High Drive | $55,000–$75,000 |
MELFA RH Series — SCARA Robots
Mitsubishi's SCARA lineup is designed for high-speed pick-and-place, assembly, and testing applications common in electronics manufacturing.
| Model | Payload | Reach | Speed | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RH-3FRH3515 | 3 kg | 350 mm | 3,600 mm/s | $18,000–$26,000 |
| RH-6FRH5515 | 6 kg | 550 mm | 3,600 mm/s | $20,000–$28,000 |
| RH-10CRH | 10 kg | 600 mm | 4,000 mm/s | $22,000–$32,000 |
| RH-20CRH | 20 kg | 850 mm | 4,000 mm/s | $28,000–$40,000 |
Applications: Electronics PCB assembly, semiconductor handling, medical device testing, solar panel production.
Note: The RH-CRH series (2025 launch) features up to 69% weight reduction vs. previous models and supports CC-Link IE Field Basic gigabit networking — making it one of the most integration-friendly SCARA robots for Mitsubishi FA system users.
MELFA RV-12CRL — New Low-Cost Vertical Arm
Mitsubishi's newest low-cost 6-axis robot, designed to compete with Chinese brands on price while maintaining MELFA quality.
| Model | Payload | Reach | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RV-12CRL | 12 kg | 1,504 mm | $28,000–$40,000 |
Key advantage: Battery-less encoder (MELSERVO-J5) eliminates a common maintenance cost. Priced at "collaborative robot level" while delivering full industrial robot speed and precision.
Mitsubishi vs. Chinese Robot Brands: Price Comparison
| Specification | Mitsubishi Price | Chinese Equivalent | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 kg, 925 mm reach | $25K–$38K | $12K–$20K (Estun, EFORT) | 40–50% |
| 13 kg, 1,382 mm reach | $35K–$50K | $16K–$25K (SIASUN, Rokae) | 45–55% |
| SCARA 10 kg | $22K–$32K | $10K–$18K (EPSON, Hiwin) | 35–50% |
| SCARA 20 kg | $28K–$40K | $14K–$22K (EPSON, Dorna) | 40–50% |
When to choose Mitsubishi MELFA:
- Existing Mitsubishi factory automation (PLC, drives, HMI) — MELFA integrates natively
- Electronics manufacturing in Japan/Southeast Asia where MELFA has strong service networks
- Applications requiring SCARA speed with 6-axis flexibility in the same product family
- Food/pharma environments using Mitsubishi's hygienic cleanroom-rated variants
When to choose a Chinese alternative:
- Standalone applications without existing Mitsubishi FA infrastructure
- Budget-sensitive projects where 40–50% savings change the ROI calculation
- Western markets where Mitsubishi's service network is thinner than FANUC or ABB
Mitsubishi vs. FANUC vs. ABB vs. Chinese: Full Comparison
| Factor | Mitsubishi MELFA | FANUC | ABB | Estun (Chinese) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repeatability (13 kg) | ±0.02 mm | ±0.02 mm | ±0.02 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| MTBF | 60,000+ hrs | 80,000+ hrs | 80,000+ hrs | 40,000–50,000 hrs |
| Controller | CR800-D | R-30iB Plus | OmniCore | EC series |
| FA integration | Best in class (Mitsubishi ecosystem) | Good | Good | Limited |
| Global service | Strong in Asia | Global (260+ locations) | Global | Growing |
| Price (13 kg class) | $35K–$50K | $42K–$60K | $42K–$60K | $16K–$25K |
Mitsubishi MELFA Integration Costs
| Component | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| End-of-arm tooling | $2,000–$15,000 |
| Mitsubishi PLC/controller integration | $1,000–$8,000 (if using Mitsubishi FA) |
| Safety fencing | $2,000–$12,000 |
| Programming & commissioning | $4,000–$30,000 |
| Training | $2,000–$8,000 |
| **Total added costs** | **$11,000–$73,000** |
Note: If you're already running Mitsubishi PLCs and drives, MELFA integration costs can be 20–30% lower than competing brands due to native protocol compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mitsubishi MELFA robot cost?
Mitsubishi MELFA robots range from $18,000 for compact SCARA models to $75,000+ for heavy-payload 6-axis arms. The most common mid-range unit (13 kg, 1,382 mm reach) costs $35,000–$50,000. Chinese equivalents with similar specs cost $16,000–$25,000.
What is the difference between MELFA RV and RH series?
The RV series are 6-axis vertical articulated robots (like FANUC M-20 or ABB IRB 2600) for general industrial applications. The RH series are SCARA robots optimized for high-speed horizontal motion in electronics assembly and pick-and-place. Both use the same CR800 controller family.
What is the MELFA High Drive function?
High Drive is a Mitsubishi proprietary technology in the FR PLUS series that temporarily boosts servo output for faster cycle times without overshooting. In practice, it can reduce cycle times by 10–15% for tasks with short, repetitive movements — significant in high-volume electronics assembly.
Does Mitsubishi make a collaborative robot?
Mitsubishi does not have a fully ISO/TS 15066 certified collaborative robot (cobot) in the traditional sense. However, the MELFA Smart Plus series supports force limiting and speed monitoring functions for certain collaborative applications. For dedicated cobot applications, competitors like Universal Robots or AUBO offer more established ISO certification.
Is Mitsubishi MELFA suitable for welding?
Yes — the RV-FL and RV-FR series are used for arc welding applications, particularly when integrated with Mitsubishi's welding power sources. However, FANUC and Yaskawa (MOTOMAN) have stronger welding robot market share and broader support from welding accessory manufacturers.
Where are Mitsubishi MELFA robots made?
Mitsubishi MELFA robots are designed and manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric in Japan. They are sold globally through Mitsubishi Electric's FA division and authorized distributors.
Browse Chinese Alternatives to Mitsubishi MELFA
GrabaRobot lists 6-axis industrial robots and SCARA robots from Chinese manufacturers including Estun, SIASUN, and Hiwin — offering MELFA-comparable precision at 40–50% lower cost with factory-direct pricing.
