FANUC CR-4iA vs ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5: Small Cobot Comparison of Reach, Precision and Price
Updated: 2 days ago
The FANUC CR-4iA and the ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 are small cobots for light parts. The CR-4iA is a compact, earlier-generation FANUC arm with ±0.01 mm repeatability. The GoFa CRB 15000-5 is ABB's current 5 kg cobot, with far more reach and a much lighter arm.
Quick verdict. The ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 is the stronger choice for most new projects, with 400 mm more reach, 1 kg more payload, a 28 kg arm and a listed price about 24% lower. The FANUC CR-4iA is the better choice for compact precision cells, with ±0.01 mm repeatability.
FANUC CR-4iA and ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 at a glance
The CR-4iA carries 4 kg over 550 mm, repeats to ±0.01 mm and weighs 48 kg.
The GoFa CRB 15000-5 carries 5 kg over 950 mm at the wrist and 1050 mm at the flange, repeats to ±0.02 mm, weighs 28 kg and is approved for ISO Class 4 cleanrooms.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC CR-4iA | ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 |
Brand | FANUC | ABB |
Listed price | $45,000 | $34,000 |
Payload | 4 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 550 mm | 950 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.01 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 500 mm/s (collaborative mode); 1000 mm/s (high-speed mode) | Not specified |
Arm weight | 48 kg | 28 kg |
IP rating | IP67 | IP54 |
Controller | R-30iB Plus series | ABB OmniCore C30 |
Price comparison
FANUC CR-4iA: listed from $45,000
ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5: listed from $34,000
Difference: $11,000
The GoFa costs roughly 24% less
Payload and reach
The GoFa carries 5 kg against 4 kg and reaches 950 mm against 550 mm. The extra 400 mm lets the GoFa serve machine tending, packaging and kitting tasks that the CR-4iA cannot reach.
Precision and speed
FANUC publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability for the CR-4iA, against ±0.02 mm for the GoFa. The CR-4iA also publishes 500 mm/s in collaborative mode and 1000 mm/s in high-speed mode.
Weight and mounting
The GoFa weighs 28 kg, 20 kg less than the CR-4iA, and mounts at any angle, including walls and ceilings. The CR-4iA installs on the floor, at an angle or inverted.
Programming and connectivity
The CR-4iA is programmed from the FANUC teach pendant with ROBOGUIDE and supports EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, CC-Link, Modbus and OPC UA among others.
The GoFa uses RAPID with RobotStudio or Wizard Easy Programming, supports hand-guided teaching, and publishes PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, CC-Link IE Field Basic and DeviceNet.
Best applications for the FANUC CR-4iA
Precision electronics assembly
Compact gauging and test cells
FANUC-standard lines
Best applications for the ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5
Small-part machine tending
Packaging, kitting and lab automation
Cleanroom handling and wall or ceiling mounting
FANUC CR-4iA advantages
±0.01 mm repeatability
High-speed mode up to 1000 mm/s
Broad fieldbus support
FANUC CR-4iA limitations
550 mm reach and 4 kg payload
48 kg arm
About $11,000 higher listed price
ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 advantages
950 mm reach and 5 kg payload
28 kg arm
About 24% lower listed price
ISO Class 4 cleanroom approval
ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 limitations
±0.02 mm repeatability
Final verdict
Choose the ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 for reach, a lighter arm and a lower list price in most light-handling projects. Choose the FANUC CR-4iA for the tightest repeatability in compact FANUC cells.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC CR-4iA or the ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5?
The GoFa is listed from $34,000 and the CR-4iA from $45,000, a difference of $11,000.
Which robot carries more?
The GoFa carries 5 kg and the CR-4iA 4 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The GoFa reaches 950 mm at the wrist, 400 mm more than the CR-4iA's 550 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The CR-4iA publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability and the GoFa ±0.02 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The GoFa weighs 28 kg and the CR-4iA 48 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the GoFa for reach, weight and price. Choose the CR-4iA for maximum precision in compact cells.
