Fairino vs JAKA: cobot specs, price & European support compared (2026)
Fairino and JAKA are both Chinese cobot makers with a broad line up. For a European buyer the short answer is this: on paper the specs are close. Both now cover 3 to 30 kg. So the decision comes down to the software model, price transparency, and who delivers and supports you locally. Here is a fair, spec based comparison, with sources at the bottom.
Specifications
Figures from each manufacturer's published data (2026).
| Fairino FR series | JAKA Zu series | |
|---|---|---|
| Payload | 3 to 30 kg (FR3 to FR30) | 3 to 30 kg (Zu3 to Zu30) |
| Reach | 622 to 1854 mm | 626 to 1780 mm |
| Repeatability | ±0.02 to ±0.1 mm | ±0.02 to ±0.05 mm |
| Protection | IP54, optional IP65 | up to IP65 (Zu20, Zu30); Pro series IP68 |
| Origin | China (Suzhou) | China (Shanghai) |
| Software | Licence free, open SDKs (Python, C++, C#, Java, ROS/ROS2) plus Lua scripting | App style graphical interface, SDK available |
Some concrete numbers. The JAKA Zu3 does 3 kg over 626 mm at ±0.02 mm, the Zu18 18 kg over 1073 mm at ±0.03 mm, and the heavier Zu20 and Zu30 reach 20 kg over 1780 mm and 30 kg over 1350 mm at ±0.05 mm. On the Fairino side, the FR3 does 3 kg over 622 mm at ±0.02 mm, the FR5 5 kg over 922 mm at ±0.02 mm, up to the FR20 with 1854 mm of reach and the FR30 with 30 kg.
Software and programming
JAKA has a good name for its clean, app style programming interface, and there is an SDK for developers. Fairino puts openness first. The software is licence free, updates stay free for life, and the SDKs for Python, C++, C# and ROS/ROS2 are published on GitHub. You can also script the controller in Lua for real time logic. If you want to tie the cobot deep into PLCs, vision or your own software without paying every year, that model is hard to beat.
Price
JAKA does not publish European end user list prices. Quotes run through its distribution channel. Fairino prices in Europe are public. The FR3 starts at €4,600 excl. VAT, controller, cables and software included. See the full price list. For a real comparison, ask both channels what the whole package costs for your application, gripper, integration and training included.
European availability and support
JAKA entered Europe in 2022 with a German base in Fürth, near Nuremberg, and works with regional distributors across the continent.
Fairino is distributed in Europe by TMC Robotics (fairino.be), based in Ypres, Belgium. What that gives you: cobots in stock in Belgium, dispatch within 1 to 2 working days for stock items, a 400 m² demo and experience centre where you can test with your own parts, and support from a team with over 25 years in automation and more than 210 cobots delivered.
How to choose
- Match payload and reach to your parts first. Both brands cover 3 to 30 kg, so compare the exact model you need.
- Look at the software model. Are the SDKs open, are there licence fees, and can your own people program it? Fairino's stack is licence free and open, JAKA's interface is praised for how easy it is.
- Compare real prices. Fairino publishes European prices, for JAKA you need a quote.
- Weigh local support and stock heavily. Who delivers, who trains your team, and where can you see the cobot before you buy. A demo centre and Belgian stock shorten your project.
FAQ
Is Fairino cheaper than JAKA?
JAKA does not publish European list prices, so a direct comparison needs quotes. Fairino prices are public. The FR3 starts at €4,600 excl. VAT, controller and licence free software included.
Which one has the wider range?
Both cover 3 to 30 kg. Fairino has the longer maximum reach: 1854 mm on the FR20 against 1780 mm on the Zu20.
Want a specific Fairino model compared with the JAKA you are considering, on your own application? Request a quotation or book a demo in Belgium.
