Universal Robots UR15 Review: Specs, Price and Applications of the 15 kg Cobot
Updated: 2 days ago
The Universal Robots UR15 is a 6-axis collaborative robot with a 15 kg payload, a 1300 mm reach and ±0.05 mm repeatability, listed from USD 55,000. This review covers its full specifications, build quality, programming options, applications and price, so you can decide whether it fits your automation project.
Quick Verdict
The UR15 is one of the fastest arms in the Universal Robots range. It carries 15 kg, extendable to 17.5 kg within defined boundary conditions, across a 1300 mm reach at up to 5 m/s TCP speed, in an IP65-rated arm. It targets cycle-time-critical pick-and-place, machine tending, palletizing and material handling, and is listed from USD 55,000.
Universal Robots UR15 at a Glance
Payload: 15 kg (up to 17.5 kg within defined boundary conditions)
Reach: 1300 mm
Axes: 6 rotating joints
Repeatability: ±0.05 mm
Speed: 5 m/s maximum TCP speed
Arm weight: 40.7 kg
Protection: IP65
Price: from USD 55,000
Universal Robots UR15 Technical Specifications
The table below lists the published specifications of the Universal Robots UR15.
Specification | Universal Robots UR15 |
Manufacturer | Universal Robots |
Model | UR15 |
Robot type | Collaborative robot (cobot), 6-axis |
Rated payload | 15 kg |
Extended payload | 17.5 kg within defined boundary conditions |
Reach | 1300 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm |
Maximum TCP speed | 5 m/s |
Joint speeds | 180°/s (base, shoulder), 240°/s (elbow), 300°/s (wrists) |
Joint range | ±360° |
Cleanroom class | ISO 14644-1 Class 4 |
Maximum power consumption | 550 W |
Force/torque sensor | ±150 N / ±10 Nm |
Operating temperature | 0–50 °C |
Arm weight | 40.7 kg |
Footprint | Ø204 mm |
IP rating | IP65 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 (OEM versions available) |
Software | PolyScope |
Communication | Modbus TCP (client/server), EtherNet/IP adapter, PROFINET device, PROFIsafe and ROS / ROS2 |
Controller I/O | 16 digital inputs, 16 digital outputs, 2 analog inputs, 2 analog outputs, 4 quadrature digital inputs |
Tool I/O | 2 digital inputs, 2 digital outputs, 2 analog inputs or RS-485 |
Certifications | EN ISO 13849-1 (PLd, Category 3); EN ISO 10218-1; UL 1740 |
Design and Build Quality
The UR15 belongs to the newer generation of UR arms, with higher joint speeds of up to 300°/s at the wrists and ±360° rotation on every joint.
Protection and Footprint
The arm is rated IP65 and meets ISO 14644-1 Class 4 for cleanroom use. It weighs 40.7 kg on a Ø204 mm footprint and operates from 0 to 50 °C.
Power and Sensing
Maximum power consumption is 550 W. A force/torque sensor rated ±150 N / ±10 Nm is built into the tool flange.
Programming and Software
PolyScope and the Teach Pendant
The UR15 runs on the UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 and is programmed in PolyScope on the UR teach pendant. Operators can hand-guide the arm to teach waypoints and assemble programs from ready-made blocks, so most handling tasks need no text programming.
Force Sensing and Safety
A force/torque sensor rated ±150 N / ±10 Nm is built into the tool flange and supports force-controlled tasks such as insertion, polishing and screwdriving. The safety system is certified to EN ISO 13849-1 (PLd, Category 3) and EN ISO 10218-1.
Connectivity and Ecosystem
The controller supports Modbus TCP (client/server), EtherNet/IP adapter, PROFINET device, PROFIsafe and ROS / ROS2. Universal Robots also maintains the UR+ ecosystem of certified grippers, vision systems and software that work with the UR15.
Universal Robots UR15 Applications and Use Cases
High-Speed Pick and Place
A 5 m/s maximum TCP speed shortens cycle times in packaging, sorting and line-feeding tasks where the UR15 has to keep pace with upstream equipment.
Machine Tending
The 15 kg payload supports dual grippers that swap a finished part for a raw one in a single machine visit, and IP65 protection suits coolant-heavy environments.
Palletizing and Material Handling
The 1300 mm reach covers a standard pallet, and the extended 17.5 kg payload helps with heavier cases within the specified conditions.
Universal Robots UR15 Price and Value
The Universal Robots UR15 is listed from USD 55,000 on All Things Cobots. End effectors, mounting hardware, safety equipment and integration are quoted separately. Prices are indicative, are not final and may change.
Universal Robots UR15 vs FAIRINO FR16
The closest equivalent from FAIRINO is the FR16.
Universal Robots UR15 | FAIRINO FR16 | |
Payload | 15 kg | 16 kg |
Reach | 1300 mm | 1034 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.02 mm |
IP rating | IP65 | IP66 |
Arm weight | 40.7 kg | 40 kg |
Starting price | From USD 55,000 | From USD 11,699 |
Pros and Cons
Pros
5 m/s maximum TCP speed
15 kg payload, extendable to 17.5 kg
IP65 and ISO Class 4 cleanroom rating
Built-in force/torque sensor
UL 1740 certification
Cons
Extended payload applies only within defined boundary conditions
Starting price of USD 55,000
At 40.7 kg it needs a rigid pedestal or base
Who Should Buy the Universal Robots UR15?
The UR15 fits high-throughput lines where cycle time decides the business case, and cleanroom or washdown-adjacent applications that need IP65. If speed is less critical than cost, compare it with the FAIRINO FR16.
See the full Universal Robots UR15 product listing on All Things Cobots.
Universal Robots UR15 FAQ
How much does the Universal Robots UR15 cost?
The Universal Robots UR15 is listed from USD 55,000 on All Things Cobots. The price is indicative and may change, and it does not include end effectors, mounting hardware or integration.
What is the payload and reach of the Universal Robots UR15?
The UR15 has a rated payload of 15 kg, extendable to 17.5 kg within defined boundary conditions, and a reach of 1300 mm.
How accurate is the Universal Robots UR15?
Its repeatability is ±0.05 mm.
What is the IP rating of the Universal Robots UR15?
The UR15 is rated IP65, which means it is dust-tight and protected against water jets. It also meets ISO 14644-1 Class 4 for cleanroom use.
How is the Universal Robots UR15 programmed?
It is programmed in PolyScope on the UR teach pendant, where waypoints can be taught by hand-guiding the arm.
How much does the Universal Robots UR15 weigh?
The arm weighs 40.7 kg and has a footprint of Ø204 mm.
How does the Universal Robots UR15 compare with the FAIRINO FR16?
The UR15 offers a 15 kg payload and 1300 mm reach from USD 55,000. The FAIRINO FR16 offers 16 kg and 1034 mm, from USD 11,699.
Specifications and prices are based on manufacturer and distributor information. Prices are indicative, are not final and may change.
