Buying a used industrial robot is one of the most effective ways to automate manufacturing without the capital cost of new equipment. A used FANUC M-20iD that lists at $60,000 new can be purchased for $20,000–$35,000 in good condition — with the same production capacity. In 2026, the used robot market is robust, with dozens of online platforms and local dealers offering tested, warrantied machines.
This guide covers where to buy, what to inspect, the difference between refurbished and as-is, and the hidden risks that catch first-time buyers.
Quick Answer: Expect to pay 35–60% below new price for a used robot. A used FANUC M-20iD costs $22,000–$35,000 vs. $60,000+ new. Refurbished (warrantied, tested) costs more than as-is but less than new. Always verify service hours, check for controller compatibility, and request a live demonstration before buying.
Used Robot Price Examples (2026)
| Robot Model | New Price | Used (As-Is) | Refurbished | Savings vs. New |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FANUC M-20iD/25 | $60,000 | $18,000–$28,000 | $28,000–$38,000 | 37–70% |
| ABB IRB 2600 | $58,000 | $16,000–$26,000 | $25,000–$36,000 | 38–72% |
| KUKA KR 20 CYBERTECH | $52,000 | $14,000–$24,000 | $22,000–$32,000 | 38–73% |
| Yaskawa GP20 | $55,000 | $16,000–$26,000 | $24,000–$35,000 | 36–71% |
| FANUC SR-6iA (SCARA) | $25,000 | $8,000–$14,000 | $12,000–$18,000 | 28–68% |
| Universal Robots UR10e | $45,000 | $14,000–$22,000 | $20,000–$28,000 | 38–69% |
| FANUC M-710iC/70 | $80,000 | $24,000–$38,000 | $35,000–$50,000 | 38–70% |
Note: Prices vary significantly based on service hours, condition, age, and whether the controller is included. Always request the full system quote (arm + controller + teach pendant).
As-Is vs. Refurbished vs. Certified Used
As-Is (Lowest Cost, Highest Risk)
What you get: The robot as removed from service — no inspection, no warranty, no testing. May or may not include controller.
Price: 60–75% below new
Best for: Buyers with in-house robotics engineers who can perform their own inspection and reconditioning. Parts sourcing for existing robots.
Risk: Unknown service history, potential hidden damage, controller may not be compatible with your application, no recourse if problems discovered after purchase.
Refurbished (Mid-Range — Best Value for Most Buyers)
What you get: Robot disassembled, cleaned, worn parts replaced (bearings, seals, batteries), repainted, reassembled, and tested through a full run cycle. Typically comes with 6–12 month warranty.
Price: 35–55% below new
Best for: Most industrial buyers who want used cost savings but need reliability assurance for production use.
What a good refurb includes:
- Full disassembly and inspection of all joints
- Replacement of wear items (grease, batteries, seals)
- 10-hour run test at full payload and speed
- Repeatability verification (laser tracker measurement)
- Controller firmware update
- New teach pendant cable
Certified Pre-Owned (OEM-Backed)
What you get: Robot refurbished by the OEM (FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa) or an OEM-certified dealer. Comes with OEM warranty (typically 1 year), updated software, and full documentation.
Price: 20–35% below new
Best for: Buyers who need the reliability of a new robot but want some price reduction — automotive, pharma, or aerospace applications where downtime is very expensive.
Where to Buy Used Industrial Robots
Online Marketplaces
Robots.com — One of the largest US-based robot dealers. Offers refurbished FANUC, ABB, KUKA, and Yaskawa with 6–12 month warranties. Good for buyers wanting turnkey, tested machines with US-based support.
UsedRobotsTrade (usedrobotstrade.com) — European-focused platform with large inventory. Specializes in refurbishment with 12-month warranty as standard. Ships globally.
Robots Done Right (robotsdoneright.com) — US dealer specializing in FANUC, Yaskawa, KUKA, and ABB. Maintains 100+ robots in stock. Good for repeat buyers needing consistent quality.
Machineseeker.com — European industrial equipment marketplace with 300+ robot listings at any time. Mix of dealers and direct sellers. Good for rare models and European sourcing.
Surplus Record (surplusrecord.com) — US-based surplus equipment exchange. Good for finding specific models from plant closures and equipment auctions.
eBay — High volume but variable quality and seller reliability. Best for component-level sourcing (teach pendants, cables) or buyers with strong technical capability to evaluate condition independently.
Alibaba — Good for Chinese-sourced used Japanese/European robots at very low prices. High risk without in-person inspection — best used for specific models with video verification before purchase.
OEM Certified Programs
- FANUC Certified Pre-Owned (CPO): FANUC sells factory-reconditioned robots with 1-year warranty and updated R-30iB Plus controllers. Available through FANUC directly and authorized dealers.
- ABB Certified Remanufactured: ABB Robotics offers remanufactured IRB series with OmniCore controllers, 1-year warranty.
- KUKA Refurbishment: KUKA offers certified refurbishment through their service network with KR C5 controller updates.
Local Dealers and System Integrators
Many regional robot system integrators maintain used robot inventory from decommissioned production lines. Advantages: local inspection possible, integration support available, may negotiate package deals (robot + integration).
What to Inspect Before Buying
1. Service Hours and Age
Request the controller service log (all major brands log cumulative operating hours). Robots are designed for 80,000–150,000 hours of operation:
- Under 15,000 hours: Essentially new — low risk
- 15,000–40,000 hours: Good used condition — normal inspection sufficient
- 40,000–80,000 hours: High wear — inspect joints carefully, budget for joint rebuild
- Over 80,000 hours: End-of-life risk — only if price is very low and you have rebuild capability
2. Controller Compatibility
Verify the controller model and whether it supports your application:
- FANUC: R-30iA (older, fewer features) vs. R-30iB/R-30iB Plus (current)
- ABB: IRC5 (older) vs. OmniCore (current)
- KUKA: KR C4 (older) vs. KR C5 (current)
Older controllers may not support newer software features (AI bin picking, collaborative safety functions). Upgrading a controller costs $8,000–$20,000.
3. Joint Condition (Physical Inspection)
Key checks:
- Backlash test: Move each axis manually (robot power off) — excessive play indicates worn reducers ($2,000–$6,000 to replace per joint)
- Grease condition: Old or contaminated grease indicates deferred maintenance
- Cable routing: Check for wear at flexion points (J2, J3, J4 are highest wear)
- Wrist assembly: Check for any impact damage or uneven wear patterns
4. Repeatability Test
Ask the seller to demonstrate repeatability by running a test program:
- Program the robot to touch a fixed point 50 times
- Measure deviation with a dial gauge
- Should be within manufacturer spec (±0.02–0.05 mm depending on model)
- Deviation > 2× spec indicates reducer or bearing wear
5. Alarm History
Download the alarm history from the controller. Patterns to watch for:
- Recurring joint overload alarms → axis wear or improper application
- Collision alarms → past impacts that may have damaged mechanical components
- Servo drive alarms → potential electrical system issues
Hidden Costs to Budget For
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Shipping (domestic, robot + controller) | $800–$3,000 |
| Rigging and installation | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Re-greasing all joints | $500–$1,500 |
| New batteries (controller + encoder) | $200–$800 |
| Teach pendant cable replacement | $300–$600 |
| Integration / reprogramming | $3,000–$20,000 |
| Spare parts inventory | $2,000–$8,000 |
| **Total hidden costs** | **$8,300–$38,900** |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a used industrial robot cost?
Used industrial robots typically cost 35–65% below new price. A used FANUC M-20iD costs $18,000–$35,000 (new: $60,000). A used ABB IRB 2600 costs $16,000–$36,000 (new: $58,000). Refurbished models with warranty cost more than as-is.
Is it safe to buy a used robot?
Yes, if purchased from a reputable refurbisher with warranty and tested machines. Risk increases with as-is purchases and unknown service history. Always request service hours, alarm history, and a live demonstration before buying.
What is the best brand for used robot buying?
FANUC is the most widely available and supported used robot brand globally — large inventory, easy to find parts, most integrators have FANUC experience. ABB and Yaskawa are also widely available. KUKA has good availability in Europe.
How long do industrial robots last?
Industrial robots are designed for 80,000–150,000 hours of operation (approximately 10–20 years in production). With proper maintenance, FANUC and Yaskawa robots regularly exceed 20 years of service. Stäubli robots are known to reach 150,000+ hours.
Should I buy as-is or refurbished?
For production use, refurbished with warranty is almost always worth the premium. The price difference is typically $8,000–$15,000, but a single joint failure in production can cost $5,000–$15,000 in parts and downtime. As-is makes sense only if you have in-house robotics engineering capability.
Can I use a used robot from a different industry?
Yes, with caveats. Check that the robot's IP rating, payload, and reach suit your application. Automotive robots are often over-spec for electronics assembly — great value but sometimes overkill. Food/pharma applications may require certified wash-down or cleanroom variants that general-purpose used robots don't offer.
Find Factory-Direct New Robots at Competitive Prices
GrabaRobot lists factory-direct robots from Chinese manufacturers — often competitively priced vs. used Western robots, with full new-robot warranties.
