FANUC CRX-5iA vs UFACTORY xArm 5: Cobot Comparison
The FANUC CRX-5iA and the UFACTORY xArm 5 sit in very different classes. The CRX-5iA is a six-axis production cobot carrying 5 kg over 994 mm at ±0.03 mm, rated IP67. The xArm 5 is a five-axis arm carrying 3 kg over 700 mm at ±0.1 mm, listed about 87% lower.
Quick verdict. The UFACTORY xArm 5 is the better value for education, research and simple vertical pick-and-place, at a listed price $37,401 lower. The FANUC CRX-5iA is the better choice for production tending, angled tasks and harsh environments.
CRX-5iA and xArm 5 at a glance
The FANUC CRX-5iA carries 5 kg over 994 mm with six axes, repeats to ±0.03 mm, weighs 25 kg, is rated IP67 and runs on the R-30iB Mini Plus controller. FANUC lists 1000 mm/s in collaborative mode and 2000 mm/s in high-speed mode.
The UFACTORY xArm 5 carries 3 kg over 700 mm with five axes, repeats to ±0.1 mm, weighs 11.3 kg and lists a 1 m/s maximum speed. It runs on a UFACTORY AC or DC control box with UFACTORY Studio. UFACTORY does not publish an IP rating for it.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC CRX-5iA | UFACTORY xArm 5 |
Brand | FANUC | UFACTORY |
Listed price | $43,200 | $5,799 |
Payload | 5 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 994 mm | 700 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.1 mm |
Axes | 6 | 5 |
Speed | 1000 mm/s (collaborative mode); 2000 mm/s (high-speed mode) | 1 m/s |
Arm weight | 25 kg | 11.3 kg |
IP rating | IP67 | Not specified |
Controller | R-30iB Mini Plus | UFACTORY AC or DC control box running UFACTORY Studio |
Price comparison
FANUC CRX-5iA: listed from $43,200
UFACTORY xArm 5: listed from $5,799
Difference: $37,401
The xArm 5 costs roughly 87% less
Axes and reach
The CRX-5iA has six axes, so it can tilt parts and approach from angles. The xArm 5 has five axes, which limits it to mostly vertical pick-and-place. The CRX-5iA also reaches 994 mm against 700 mm.
Payload and precision
The CRX-5iA carries 5 kg against 3 kg and publishes ±0.03 mm against ±0.1 mm from UFACTORY. For machine loading into chucks or fine assembly, that difference decides the choice.
Protection, weight and software
FANUC rates the CRX-5iA IP67; UFACTORY does not publish an IP rating for the xArm 5. At 11.3 kg the xArm 5 is easy to move between benches. It runs on UFACTORY Studio with Python, ROS and SDK access.
Best applications for the CRX-5iA
Production machine tending
Angled assembly and insertion
Wet or dusty cells
Best applications for the UFACTORY xArm 5
Education and research
Simple vertical pick-and-place
Prototyping automation cells
CRX-5iA advantages
Six axes
±0.03 mm repeatability
IP67 protection
CRX-5iA limitations
About $37,401 higher listed price
UFACTORY xArm 5 advantages
About 87% lower listed price
11.3 kg arm
UFACTORY xArm 5 limitations
Five axes
±0.1 mm repeatability
No published IP rating
Final verdict
Choose the UFACTORY xArm 5 for education and simple pick-and-place. Choose the FANUC CRX-5iA for production.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC CRX-5iA or the UFACTORY xArm 5?
The xArm 5 is listed from $5,799 and the CRX-5iA from $43,200, a difference of $37,401.
How many axes do they have?
The CRX-5iA has six axes; the xArm 5 five.
Which arm carries more?
The CRX-5iA carries 5 kg; the xArm 5 3 kg.
Which arm is more precise?
The CRX-5iA publishes ±0.03 mm and the xArm 5 ±0.1 mm.
How heavy are they?
The CRX-5iA weighs 25 kg; the xArm 5 11.3 kg.
Which should I buy?
Choose the xArm 5 for education and simple tasks. Choose the CRX-5iA for production.
