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Connecting FANUC CNCs to Robots with Robot ON-SITE

Use FANUC CNCs? Your shop could get the FANUC-2-FANUC advantage when automating.

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Debra Schug
Debra Schug
Project Manager for Factory Automation, FANUC America

Robotic automation in CNC machine tending can offer a huge competitive edge through increased production and efficiency for shops of all sizes. However, integrating a robot or cobot with the CNC machine can be challenging and sometimes is a barrier to adopting robotics. To help solve this, FANUC has created tools that enable shops to more quickly and simply integrate FANUC CNCs to a FANUC robot or cobot.

In this first article of a two-part series, we will cover FANUC’s Robot ON-SITE software.

Why Automate?

With the growing availability and affordability of flexible collaborative robotics, or cobots, more operations are becoming interested in robotic automation. With the many factors to consider when evaluating whether or not to automate, we’ve put together a list of questions for companies to ask themselves.

One of the most common reason companies want to automate is due to a tight skilled labor market. For this, machine shops should look for machine tending robots or cobots that are reliable, accurate and easy to integrate. Adding cobots or robots that can be easily connected to the CNC can improve throughput as well as overall equipment effectiveness.

Seamless CNC Automation with FANUC-2-FANUC Integration

FANUC, a global leader in automation, has a powerful solution for simplifying CNC and robot integration. FANUC Robot ON-SITE is designed to streamline the connection between FANUC robots and/or CRX collaborative robots.

Why Choose FANUC Robot ON-SITE?

Traditional CNC-robot integration often involves complex engineering, high costs, and long setup times. FANUC Robot ON-SITE addresses these challenges by offering:

  • Cost Savings: By simplifying the integration process, Robot ON-SITE eliminates the need for expensive engineering services.
  • Faster Deployment: Robot ON-SITE reduces integration time from weeks or months to just hours in some cases.
  • Seamless Compatibility: By leveraging the “FANUC-2-FANUC handshake,” Robot ON-SITE ensures smooth communication between FANUC robots and CNCs without the need for third-party protocols.

Unlike many integrators who rely on communication protocols like PROFINET, EtherCAT, or EthernetIP, FANUC Robot ON-SITE uses standard Ethernet and internal FANUC macro and system variables. This eliminates protocol mismatches and reduces troubleshooting complexity.

CRX and Robot ON-SITE

FANUC’s CRX cobots are ideal for Robot ON-SITE integration due to their:

  • User-friendly features, such as drag-and-drop timeline programming.
  • Quick setup tools designed for ease of use with minimal training.
  • Built-In intelligence including integrated vision systems for enhanced automation capabilities.

These features make CRX cobots a perfect match for manufacturers looking to automate without extensive robotics expertise.

Broad Compatibility and Flexibility

Robot ON-SITE is not limited to CRX cobots—it supports all FANUC robots (with R30i-B+ controllers) and can be used with a wide range of FANUC CNC systems, including:

  • 30i/31i /32i/35i -B and A series (Plus and non-Plus)
  • 0i -F Plus and 0i -D
  • PMi-A FANUC’s general motion control platform, Plus and non-Plus
  • Legacy systems like 16i/18i/21i -B

This broad compatibility allows manufacturers to automate both new and legacy machine tools, extending the life and productivity of existing equipment.

The Benefits of Simplifying CNC-Robotic Integration

FANUC Robot ON-SITE is a major step forward in CNC machine tending automation by offering a simplified solution that reduces the need for specialized expertise. This makes it easier for manufacturers to adopt automation and remain competitive.

By enabling quick, cost-effective, and protocol-free integration between FANUC robots and CNCs, manufacturers are empowered to modernize operations, reduce downtime, and overcome labor challenges. Whether you're working with new CRX cobots or legacy CNC machines, FANUC’s unified platform ensures a smooth path to the future of flexible automation.

In the second part of our Tools to Simplify Robotic CNC Machine Tending Integration article series, we will discuss how to control the robot using G-code programming.

Reach out today to learn more!