CRX-30iA
Heavy lifting cobot
| Max Payload | 30 kg |
| Reach | 1756 mm |
Sanding
Equipping cobots with FANUC Force Sensor assures the precision and correct force needed for these kinds of operations.
Why Sanding Automation Matters
Sanding is one of the most repetitive and physically demanding tasks in fabrication. Manual sanding can lead to fatigue, inconsistent finishes, and safety risks. Automating this process improves quality, reduces injuries, and increases throughput. Sanding automation addresses key challenges in manufacturing: labor shortages, quality control, and operator safety. By automating sanding, manufacturers can ensure consistent surface finishes, reduce ergonomic strain, and maintain high productivity levels.
Sanding Cobots by FANUC CRX
FANUC's CRX line of sanding cobots delivers precise and efficient automation, perfect for a wide range of surface finishing tasks.
CRX-10iA
The CRX-10iA cobot is a great option for manufacturers new to robotics. It has a 10kg payload capacity and a 1249mm reach, making it a suitable solution for various tasks.The CRX series offers an all-new FANUC programming interface with simple drag-and-drop technology on a touchscreen teach pendant, making it a great choice for applications like palletizing, welding and assembly. The ease of programming paired with FANUC’s world-renowned technology, proven reliability, and sensitive contact detection allows the CRX-10iA to work safely alongside people in various industrial and manufacturing jobs. The CRX series of Cobots is 8 Years Zero Maintenance with the proven industrial reliability FANUC customers expect. For applications where sanitation is an absolute must, the CRX-10iA is also offered in a food-grade cobot model.
| Max Payload | 10 kg |
| Reach | 1249 mm |
CR-35iB
The Strongest Collaborative Robot
| Max Payload | 50 kg |
| Reach | 1643 mm |
CRX-5iA
The CRX-5iA cobot was made with the intention of working safely and efficiently alongside human staff. With a 5kg payload and 994mm reach, this collaborative robot is perfect for manufacturers with little to no experience in robotics and automation, especially in applications like material handling, machine tending, and picking/packaging. The CRX series offers an all-new FANUC programming interface with simple drag-and-drop technology on a touchscreen teach pendant. The FANUC CRX-5iA is a safe, reliable cobot that can work with people in manufacturing settings. It's built with FANUC's trusted technology and is easy to program, even for beginners. The CRX series of cobots offers 8 Years Zero Maintenance, with the proven industrial reliability that FANUC customers expect. For applications where sanitation is an absolute must, the CRX-5iA is also offered in a food-grade cobot model.
| Max Payload | 5 kg |
| Reach | 994 mm |
CRX-20iA/L
High payload, small footprint cobot
| Max Payload | 20 kg |
| Reach | 1418 mm |
CRX-10iA/L
The CRX-10iA/L cobot is an ideal industrial robot for manufacturers with little to no robotics experience, fitting applications across many industries.The CRX-10iA/L comes equipped with a 10kg payload and a 1,418mm reach, making it a perfect solution for industrial applications such as machine tending, picking & packing, dispensing and welding. The CRX-10iA/L's slightly longer reach than the CRX-10iA and its unique underflip motion allow for it to perform dynamic movements efficiently, even in relatively confined spaces.The CRX series of cobots is 8 Years, Zero Maintenance, with the proven industrial reliability FANUC customers expect. For painting and dispensing applications, this model is also offered as the CRX-10iA/L painting cobot.
| Max Payload | 10 kg |
| Reach | 1418 mm |
Simplify Sanding with FANUC Cobot & Go
FANUC CRX cobots, combined with plug-and-play sanding tools and accessories, offer a streamlined path to automation. These cobots are ideal for manufacturers looking to reduce manual labor, improve surface finish consistency, and increase throughput without overhauling their production floor.
Cobot Combo
Ultra Tech
Cobot Combo
Cobot Combos simplify automation by pairing the right FANUC CRX robot with tailored services—programming, tooling, installation, and support.
Grit W
Kane Robotics
Grit W
No-code sanding robot for any cabinet door size. Features tri-head EOAT (orbital, jitterbug, brush) and a simple HMI for effortless operation.
Rapid Series Sanding
Vention
Rapid Series Sanding
Vention’s Robotic Sanding Solution is designed to help woodworking manufacturers achieve consistent, high-quality finishes with ease.
Collaborative Sanding Videos
AI-powered cobot door sanding by KANE Robotics uses FANUC CRX for efficient, flexible, and consistent sanding, driven by Nvidia AI with no programming needed.
Performance Composites, Inc. partnered with GrayMatter Robotics to automate sanding fiberglass and composite products for buses, trains, and trucks.
Benefits of FANUC CRX Cobots for Sanding
Automating sanding with FANUC CRX collaborative robots brings a range of advantages that enhance efficiency, safety, and finish quality:
Ease of Use
Intuitive tablet interface and hand-guided teaching
Consistency
Uniform pressure and repeatable motion paths
Safety
Speed monitoring
Flexibility
Works with various materials and sanding tools
Low Maintenance
Long service intervals and IP67-rated options
What is Sanding Automation
Sanding automation involves using robotic systems—often cobots—to perform surface finishing tasks such as smoothing, deburring, or preparing parts for coating. Instead of relying on manual labor, automated sanding delivers consistent, repeatable results while reducing operator fatigue and exposure to dust and vibration.
With advanced force control, path programming and tool compliance, the FANUC CRX cobot can adapt to various materials and geometries. For manufacturers, investing in a cobot sander means higher throughput, improved quality and a safer work environment—all with minimal disruption to existing workflows.
Common Applications of Automated Sanding
Cobot sanding is highly versatile and can be applied across many different manufacturing processes. Here are some of the most common applications where it excels:
- Surface Preparation Sanding
Used to clean and roughen surfaces before painting, coating, or welding. Automation ensures uniform texture and adhesion quality. - Deburring and Edge Sanding
Removes sharp edges or burrs from cut or machined parts. Cobots can apply consistent pressure to avoid over-sanding. - Finish Sanding
Achieves a smooth, final surface on wood, metal, or composites. Ideal for high-end consumer goods or visible components. - Weld Seam Sanding
Smooths out weld beads and joints for aesthetic or functional purposes. Common in metal fabrication and enclosure manufacturing. - Contour or Profile Sanding
Follows complex geometries or curved surfaces. Cobots with force control and compliant tools excel in these applications. - Intermediate Sanding Between Coats
Light sanding between paint or finish layers to improve adhesion and smoothness.
Intuitive Programming for Fast Deployment
FANUC’s CRX cobot sanders feature a tablet-based programming interface designed to simplify automation for users of all experience levels. With drag-and-drop functionality and hand-guided teaching, the CRX makes setup and operation fast, flexible, and user-friendly.
Key Features:
- Hand-Guided Teaching: Users can manually guide the cobot sander to teach sanding paths and other motions—no coding required.
- Drag-and-Drop Programming: The tablet interface allows users to fine-tune movements and build programs using simple visual controls.
- Reduced Deployment Time: The intuitive interface and built-in tutorials help minimize setup time and lower training costs.
- Built-In Force Sensing: CRX robots feature internal joint torque sensors that allow for precise force control and a "sense of touch," with the option to use an external six-axis force torque sensor.
- Maintenance-Free Operation: Designed for reliability, CRX cobots offer up to eight years of maintenance-free performance.
Why Choose FANUC?
FANUC CRX cobots offer versatile sanding automation across multiple models, including the high-payload CRX-30iA and lighter options like the CRX-10iA and CRX-30iA. Their compatibility with compliant tools, intuitive programming, and robust safety features makes them ideal for sanding tasks of all sizes. Backed by FANUC’s global support and reliability, CRX cobots deliver scalable, efficient solutions for surface finishing.
Articles about Collaborative Sanding
Devices for collaborative Sanding
Looking to configure your own sanding solution? Take a look at authorized FANUC device partners to get a jump start on your new system!
Sanding FAQs
Yes, they support a wide range of compliant sanding tools.
No, the tablet interface and hand-guided teaching make it easy for first-time users. For complex sanding paths, advanced programming can be used, including CAD to Path or the “TP Auto Generate” function in force control.
Metals, wood, composites and more.
Not necessarily — CRX cobots are collaborative, but a risk assessment is required.
Collaborative robots (cobots) are used across industries for tasks that require precision, consistency, and safety. Common applications include machine tending, assembly, sanding, welding, packaging, inspection, and material handling. Cobots are ideal for automating repetitive or ergonomically challenging tasks, helping manufacturers improve productivity and reduce labor strain.
Cobot welding applications include MIG, TIG, and spot welding for metal fabrication, automotive components, and industrial equipment. Cobots provide consistent weld quality, reduce operator fatigue, and are easy to program for small-batch or high-mix production. Their collaborative design allows safe operation alongside human workers, making them ideal for flexible welding automation.
Use a cobot when you need to automate repetitive, precise, or physically demanding tasks without redesigning your workspace. Cobots are perfect for small to mid-sized manufacturers looking to improve quality, reduce labor costs, and increase throughput. They’re especially useful in applications like sanding, welding, assembly, and inspection where human-robot collaboration enhances efficiency.
A cobot is used to automate tasks traditionally performed by humans, such as sanding, welding, assembly, machine tending, and inspection. Designed to work safely alongside people, cobots improve consistency, reduce workplace injuries, and boost productivity. Their ease of programming and flexible deployment make them ideal for manufacturers seeking scalable automation.
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