UR15 vs AUBO-i16: 15–16 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Reach and Precision
The Universal Robots UR15 and the AUBO-i16 both weigh about 40 kg and sit in the 15–16 kg class. The UR15 reaches much further, moves faster and is protected to IP65. The AUBO-i16 carries a little more, repeats more tightly and costs much less.
Quick verdict. The UR15 is the better choice for long-reach, high-speed and harsh-environment cells, with 332 mm more reach, a 5 m/s speed and IP65. The AUBO-i16 is the value choice for compact heavy handling, with 16 kg payload, ±0.03 mm repeatability and a listed price about 43% lower.
UR15 and AUBO-i16 at a glance
The UR15 carries 15 kg over 1300 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs 40.7 kg and is rated IP65 and ISO Class 4.
The AUBO-i16 carries 16 kg over 967.5 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm, weighs 38 kg and runs on the AUBO CB-M control box.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR15 | AUBO-i16 |
Brand | Universal Robots | AUBO |
Listed price | $55,000 | $31,600 |
Payload | 15 kg | 16 kg |
Reach | 1300 mm | 967.5 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.03 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 5 m/s maximum TCP speed | Not specified |
Arm weight | 40.7 kg | 38 kg |
IP rating | IP65 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | AUBO CB-M control box |
Price comparison
UR15: listed from $55,000
AUBO-i16: listed from $31,600
Difference: $23,400
The AUBO-i16 costs roughly 43% less
Payload and reach
The AUBO-i16 carries 16 kg, 1 kg more than the UR15. The UR15 reaches 1300 mm, about 332 mm more than the AUBO-i16. Palletizing and wide work areas favor the UR15, while heavy parts close to the robot favor the AUBO-i16.
Precision and speed
AUBO publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability for the i16, against ±0.05 mm for the UR15. Universal Robots publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR15, with wrist joints up to 300°/s.
Protection and sensing
The UR15 is rated IP65 and ISO Class 4 for cleanrooms, and has a built-in ±150 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor at the flange.
Programming and connectivity
The UR15 runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2, with UR+ accessories. AUBO publishes TCP/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP, PROFINET, digital and analog I/O, ROS and SDKs for C/C++, C#, Lua and Python.
Best applications for the UR15
Long-reach palletizing and handling
Wet, dusty or cleanroom areas
Fast pick-and-place
Best applications for the AUBO-i16
Compact heavy-part handling
Precise placement up to 16 kg
Custom software integration via SDKs
UR15 advantages
1300 mm reach
5 m/s speed
IP65 and force/torque sensor
UR15 limitations
About $23,400 higher listed price
AUBO-i16 advantages
About 43% lower listed price
16 kg payload and ±0.03 mm repeatability
Broad SDK and ROS support
AUBO-i16 limitations
967.5 mm reach
Final verdict
Choose the UR15 for reach, speed and protection. Choose the AUBO-i16 for compact, precise heavy handling at a much lower price.
The required reach usually decides between these two arms.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR15 or the AUBO-i16?
The AUBO-i16 is listed from $31,600 and the UR15 from $55,000, a difference of $23,400.
Which robot carries more?
The AUBO-i16 carries 16 kg and the UR15 15 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR15 reaches 1300 mm and the AUBO-i16 967.5 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The AUBO-i16 publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the UR15 ±0.05 mm.
Which robot is faster?
The UR15 publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR15 for reach and speed. Choose the AUBO-i16 for value and precision.
