FANUC CRX-5iA vs UFACTORY xArm 7: Cobot Comparison
The FANUC CRX-5iA and the UFACTORY xArm 7 take different approaches. The CRX-5iA is a six-axis production cobot carrying 5 kg over 994 mm at ±0.03 mm. The xArm 7 adds a seventh axis for redundancy, carries 3.5 kg over 700 mm and is listed about 76% lower.
Quick verdict. The UFACTORY xArm 7 is the better value for research, human-like motion and reaching around obstacles, with a listed price $32,701 lower. The FANUC CRX-5iA is the better choice for production tending, precision and harsh environments.
CRX-5iA and xArm 7 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 7 carries 3.5 kg over 700 mm with seven axes, repeats to ±0.1 mm, weighs 14.3 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 7 |
Brand | FANUC | UFACTORY |
Listed price | $43,200 | $10,499 |
Payload | 5 kg | 3.5 kg |
Reach | 994 mm | 700 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.1 mm |
Axes | 6 | 7 |
Speed | 1000 mm/s (collaborative mode); 2000 mm/s (high-speed mode) | 1 m/s |
Arm weight | 25 kg | 14.3 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 7: listed from $10,499
Difference: $32,701
The xArm 7 costs roughly 76% less
Seven axes against six
The xArm 7's seventh axis lets the elbow move while the tool stays still, so it can reach around obstacles and into confined spaces. The CRX-5iA has six axes, which covers most production tasks with simpler programming.
Payload, reach and precision
The CRX-5iA carries 5 kg over 994 mm, against 3.5 kg over 700 mm. FANUC publishes ±0.03 mm against ±0.1 mm from UFACTORY, which favors the FANUC for loading and assembly.
Protection and software
FANUC rates the CRX-5iA IP67; UFACTORY does not publish an IP rating for the xArm 7. The xArm 7 runs on UFACTORY Studio with Python, ROS and SDK access, a common choice for research and teleoperation work.
Best applications for the CRX-5iA
Production machine tending
Precision assembly
Wet or dusty cells
Best applications for the UFACTORY xArm 7
Research and teleoperation
Reaching around obstacles
ROS and Python development
CRX-5iA advantages
5 kg payload
±0.03 mm repeatability
IP67 protection
CRX-5iA limitations
About $32,701 higher listed price
Six axes only
UFACTORY xArm 7 advantages
About 76% lower listed price
Seven axes
14.3 kg arm
UFACTORY xArm 7 limitations
±0.1 mm repeatability
3.5 kg payload
Final verdict
Choose the UFACTORY xArm 7 for research and redundancy. 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 7?
The xArm 7 is listed from $10,499 and the CRX-5iA from $43,200, a difference of $32,701.
How many axes do they have?
The CRX-5iA has six axes; the xArm 7 seven.
Which arm carries more?
The CRX-5iA carries 5 kg; the xArm 7 3.5 kg.
Which arm is more precise?
The CRX-5iA publishes ±0.03 mm and the xArm 7 ±0.1 mm.
How heavy are they?
The CRX-5iA weighs 25 kg; the xArm 7 14.3 kg.
Which should I buy?
Choose the xArm 7 for research. Choose the CRX-5iA for production.
