In this study, an adaptive fuzzy type-2 backstepping controller (AFT2BC) has been proposed for an industrial PUMA560 manipulator robot with a variable load and actuator faults. The method realizes an accurate tracking of the trajectory at the end effectors of the manipulator and improves its robustness toward model uncertainty (payload variation) and actuator faults when controlling the position of the robot. By using the advantages of the backstepping control, the convergence speed of the control algorithm has been improved, and its steady-state error has been reduced. Also, integration of the continuous approximation law has been used to eliminate the real-time chattering during the control process without affecting the robustness of the system. A type-2 fuzzy adaptive control law has been designed in order to guaranty faults and uncertainties compensation, small tracking error, and fast transient response, where the prior knowledge of uncertainties and external disturbances is not required, without disappearing the tracking precision and robustness property. Finally, the stability of the controller has been proved by the Lyapunov theory, and comparative simulations in faulty operation are conducted to show the superiority of the developed control strategy.