What Is FANUC ROBOMACHINE? Compact CNC Machine Series Explained
FANUC ROBOMACHINE is not a single machine but an umbrella name for FANUC's family of compact, integrated CNC machine tools. The main series are ROBODRILL (milling and drilling), ROBOSHOT (injection molding), ROBOCUT (wire EDM), and ROBONANO (ultra-precision machining). They share a design idea: a small footprint, FANUC CNC control, and readiness to be combined with FANUC robots and factory automation. If you are trying to understand where ROBOMACHINE sits in FANUC's lineup, the key distinction is that these are machine tools that cut, mold, or shape parts, while FANUC's general FA products and industrial robots are the control and handling layer around them.
The ROBOMACHINE series at a glance
| Series | Process | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| ROBODRILL | Milling and drilling | Compact vertical machining center for small parts |
| ROBOSHOT | Injection molding | Electric injection molding machine |
| ROBOCUT | Wire EDM | Wire electrical discharge machining for precise cuts |
| ROBONANO | Ultra-precision machining | Nanometer-level machining and shaping |
Each name follows the same "ROBO" pattern, which signals that the machine is built to work inside an automated cell, not as a standalone manual tool.
What makes them "ROBOMACHINE" rather than just CNC machines
The shared characteristics are what tie the family together:
- Compact footprint. These machines are sized to fit into tight production floors and cells, which matters when floor space is limited.
- FANUC CNC control. The control is part of the same ecosystem as FANUC's other CNC and FA products, so programming and integration follow familiar conventions.
- Automation-ready integration. Because FANUC also builds industrial robots, a ROBOMACHINE can be paired with a robot for loading, unloading, or part transfer, forming a compact automated work cell.
This is the practical difference from a generic CNC machine: the ROBOMACHINE concept assumes the machine will be part of a FANUC-controlled, robot-assisted production setup.
How ROBOMACHINE differs from FANUC FA and FANUC robots
It helps to separate three layers:
- FANUC FA (Factory Automation) covers the control, drive, and automation products that run and connect production equipment.
- FANUC robots are the industrial arms that handle, move, and manipulate parts.
- ROBOMACHINE is the machine tool layer — the equipment that actually performs milling, molding, EDM, or ultra-precision work.
So a ROBODRILL is a machine tool, not a robot. A FANUC robot might load a ROBODRILL, and FANUC FA products might coordinate the cell, but the ROBOMACHINE is the part-making machine.
Typical applications by series
- ROBODRILL — small-part milling and drilling, often in electronics, automotive components, and job shops where compact machining centers are needed.
- ROBOSHOT — plastic injection molding, typically for precision parts where an electric molding machine is preferred.
- ROBOCUT — wire EDM work such as dies, molds, and precision metal components that require fine cuts.
- ROBONANO — ultra-precision applications where nanometer-level accuracy is the goal, such as optical or advanced research parts.
What to check before choosing a ROBOMACHINE
Because the family spans four different processes, the first decision is the process itself: milling, molding, EDM, or ultra-precision. After that, confirm:
- Part size and material — each series has its own working envelope and material suitability.
- Automation plan — whether you intend to pair the machine with a FANUC robot or keep it manual.
- Control familiarity — whether your team already works with FANUC CNC controls.
- Footprint and utilities — compact machines still need power, air, and floor space that fit your site.
For current models, specifications, and availability in your region, check the ROBOMACHINE section of the FANUC global site or contact a local FANUC representative, since the lineup and options vary by market.