Yaskawa Electric (安川電機) is Japan's largest industrial robot manufacturer and one of the four dominant global brands alongside FANUC, ABB, and KUKA. Founded in 1915 and headquartered in Kitakyushu, Yaskawa sells its industrial robots under the Motoman brand and is the world leader in welding robots. In 2026, Yaskawa robot prices range from $14,000 for the compact MotoMini to $200,000+ for heavy-payload multi-axis systems.
This guide covers every major Yaskawa/Motoman product series, their 2026 price ranges, and how Chinese robot manufacturers compare — typically at 40–60% lower cost.
Quick Answer: Yaskawa robots cost $14,000–$200,000+. The most popular 20 kg class (GP25) costs $40,000–$58,000. Chinese equivalents with similar specs cost $18,000–$28,000 — saving 40–50%.
Yaskawa Robot Series Overview (2026)
Yaskawa organizes its Motoman robot line into application-specific series:
| Series | Focus | Payload Range | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| GP (General Purpose) | Handling, assembly | 7–600 kg | $14,000–$120,000 |
| AR (Arc Welding) | MIG/TIG welding | 7–20 kg | $45,000–$80,000 |
| MA (Heavy Arc Welding) | Heavy-duty welding | 6–20 kg | $60,000–$120,000 |
| SP (Spot Welding) | Automotive spot welding | 165–200 kg | $75,000–$130,000 |
| HC (Collaborative) | Human-robot collaboration | 10–20 kg | $25,000–$50,000 |
| MotoMini | Compact precision | 0.5 kg | $18,000–$25,000 |
Yaskawa GP Series — General Purpose Price Table
The GP (General Purpose) series is Yaskawa's widest product line, covering assembly, handling, palletizing, and machine tending across all payload classes.
Light Payload (7–25 kg)
| Model | Payload | Reach | Repeatability | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP7 | 7 kg | 927 mm | ±0.01 mm | $14,000–$22,000 |
| GP7L | 7 kg | 1,370 mm | ±0.01 mm | $16,000–$24,000 |
| GP12 | 12 kg | 1,440 mm | ±0.01 mm | $22,000–$32,000 |
| GP20 | 20 kg | 1,717 mm | ±0.03 mm | $35,000–$50,000 |
| GP25 | 25 kg | 1,730 mm | ±0.03 mm | $40,000–$58,000 |
Medium Payload (35–100 kg)
| Model | Payload | Reach | Repeatability | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP35L | 35 kg | 2,010 mm | ±0.03 mm | $48,000–$68,000 |
| GP50 | 50 kg | 2,038 mm | ±0.04 mm | $55,000–$78,000 |
| GP88 | 88 kg | 2,236 mm | ±0.04 mm | $65,000–$88,000 |
| GP100 | 100 kg | 1,422 mm | ±0.04 mm | $68,000–$90,000 |
Heavy Payload (110–600 kg)
| Model | Payload | Reach | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GP110 | 110 kg | 2,236 mm | $72,000–$95,000 |
| GP180 | 180 kg | 3,063 mm | $80,000–$105,000 |
| GP400 | 400 kg | 2,942 mm | $100,000–$135,000 |
| GP600 | 600 kg | 2,942 mm | $110,000–$145,000 |
Yaskawa MotoMini — Ultra-Compact Precision Robot
The MotoMini is Yaskawa's smallest industrial robot, designed for tight spaces and lightweight precision tasks.
- Payload: 0.5 kg
- Reach: 350 mm
- Repeatability: ±0.02 mm
- Weight: 7 kg (smallest in class)
- Price: $18,000–$25,000
- Applications: Semiconductor handling, electronics assembly, PCB manipulation, cleanroom use
The MotoMini is popular in semiconductor fabs and electronics manufacturing for its small footprint and excellent repeatability.
Yaskawa Welding Robots: AR & MA Series
Yaskawa is the global #1 brand for arc welding robots, with the deepest feature set for MIG, TIG, and plasma welding.
AR Series (Standard Arc Welding)
| Model | Payload | Reach | Repeatability | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR700 | 7 kg | 717 mm | ±0.08 mm | $45,000–$60,000 |
| AR900 | 7 kg | 927 mm | ±0.08 mm | $48,000–$65,000 |
| AR1440 | 7 kg | 1,440 mm | ±0.08 mm | $52,000–$70,000 |
| AR2010 | 20 kg | 2,010 mm | ±0.08 mm | $60,000–$80,000 |
MA Series (Heavy Arc Welding)
| Model | Payload | Reach | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA1440 | 6 kg | 1,440 mm | $60,000–$80,000 |
| MA1900 | 6 kg | 1,903 mm | $65,000–$85,000 |
| MA2010 | 20 kg | 2,010 mm | $70,000–$95,000 |
Why Yaskawa wins in welding: Yaskawa's arc welding software (INFORM III) and weld process expertise mean fewer arc interruptions, better bead quality, and faster cycle times. Their synchronized multi-robot welding (dual AR1440 on a single positioner) is a standard in automotive body shops.
Yaskawa HC Series — Collaborative Robots
The HC (Human Collaborative) series is Yaskawa's cobot line, designed for safe operation alongside humans without fencing.
| Model | Payload | Reach | DOF | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HC10 | 10 kg | 1,200 mm | 6 | $25,000–$38,000 |
| HC10DT | 10 kg | 1,200 mm | 6 | $28,000–$40,000 |
| HC20 | 20 kg | 1,700 mm | 6 | $38,000–$52,000 |
| HC20DT | 20 kg | 1,700 mm | 6 | $40,000–$55,000 |
DT variants include enhanced force control and are IP67-rated for washdown environments (food processing, beverage).
Yaskawa cobots vs. competitors:
- Yaskawa HC10 ($25K–$38K) vs. Universal Robots UR10e ($35K–$48K) → Yaskawa is cheaper with higher payload
- Yaskawa HC10 vs. AUBO i10 (Chinese, $18K–$28K) → Chinese brand saves 25–35%
- Yaskawa HC20 vs. Han's Robot Elfin 20 (Chinese, $22K–$35K) → Chinese brand saves 30–40%
Yaskawa vs. Chinese Robots: Price Comparison
| Application | Yaskawa Price | Chinese Brand Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 kg, 900 mm (GP7) | $14K–$22K | $8K–$15K (Estun ER6) | 30–40% |
| 20 kg welding (AR1440) | $52K–$70K | $20K–$35K (Estun EWR) | 40–55% |
| 20 kg handling (GP20) | $35K–$50K | $18K–$28K (SIASUN SR20) | 30–45% |
| Cobot 10 kg (HC10) | $25K–$38K | $15K–$25K (AUBO i10) | 30–40% |
Key tradeoffs:
- Yaskawa's welding expertise (INFORM III software, weld libraries) is unmatched — for high-mix welding operations, this software advantage often justifies the price premium
- For standard handling and palletizing, Chinese brands offer equivalent motion performance at significantly lower cost
- Yaskawa's global service network (particularly in North America, Europe, and Japan) provides faster support than Chinese brands
Yaskawa vs. FANUC vs. KUKA vs. Chinese: Full Comparison
| Factor | Yaskawa | FANUC | KUKA | Estun (Chinese) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repeatability (20 kg) | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm | ±0.04 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| MTBF | 70,000+ hrs | 80,000+ hrs | 70,000 hrs | 40,000–50,000 hrs |
| Best application | Welding (#1 globally) | All-around, automotive | Automotive, cobots | General handling, cost |
| Controller | YRC1000 | R-30iB Plus | KR C5 | EC series |
| Price (20 kg class) | $40K–$58K | $45K–$65K | $42K–$60K | $18K–$28K |
Total Cost of Ownership
For a Yaskawa GP25 used in a standard handling application:
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Robot arm (GP25) | $40,000–$58,000 |
| End-of-arm tooling | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Controller (included) | $0 |
| Safety fencing | $3,000–$12,000 |
| Integration & programming | $5,000–$30,000 |
| Installation & commissioning | $3,000–$10,000 |
| **Total installed cost** | **$54,000–$125,000** |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Yaskawa robot cost?
Yaskawa robots range from $14,000 for the GP7 compact arm to $200,000+ for 600 kg heavy-payload systems. The most popular mid-range GP25 (25 kg payload) costs $40,000–$58,000. Chinese alternatives with comparable specifications cost $18,000–$28,000.
What is the difference between Yaskawa and Motoman?
Motoman is Yaskawa's industrial robot brand name. All Yaskawa industrial robots are sold under the Motoman name. Yaskawa Electric Corporation is the parent company; Motoman is the robot product division.
Is Yaskawa better than FANUC for welding?
Yaskawa is generally considered the global leader in arc welding robots due to its INFORM III welding software, deep application expertise, and strongest installed base in welding. FANUC has broader capabilities across all applications. For dedicated welding operations, Yaskawa is typically the preferred choice.
How do Yaskawa cobots compare to Universal Robots?
The Yaskawa HC10 ($25K–$38K) offers a higher payload (10 kg vs. UR10e's 12.5 kg at $35K–$48K) at a lower price, with excellent IP67-rated options for food environments. Universal Robots has a larger ecosystem of third-party apps and accessories. For food and beverage, Yaskawa is often preferred. For fast deployment with ecosystem support, Universal Robots wins.
Where are Yaskawa robots made?
Yaskawa robots are manufactured primarily in Japan (Kitakyushu) and in the US (Yaskawa America, Waukegan, IL). They have assembly operations in Europe and China. The high-end GP, AR, and MA series are Japanese-made.
Can I use Yaskawa robots for palletizing?
Yes. The GP180 and GP400 are purpose-built for palletizing, while the full GP series handles box/bag palletizing across all weight classes. Yaskawa's palletizing software (PalletSolver) simplifies pattern programming.
Browse Chinese Welding & Handling Robot Alternatives
GrabaRobot lists welding and general-purpose robots from Estun, SIASUN, and EFORT — offering Yaskawa-comparable performance at 40–55% lower cost with factory-direct pricing.
Browse All Industrial Robots →
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