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UR15 vs DOBOT CR16: 15–16 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Reach and Protection

Oct 20
3 min read

Updated: 9 hours ago

IN A NUTSHELL

🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE

This is a load-versus-reach trade-off: DOBOT CR16 has the higher stated load capacity, while Universal Robots UR15 has the longer stated reach. Start with the constraint your task actually has.

→ CONSIDER Universal Robots UR15

Consider it when reaching farther matters more than the higher payload of the alternative. This article compares 15 kg with a published reach of 1300 mm; include the gripper and part in the load.

→ CONSIDER DOBOT CR16

Consider it when additional load capacity matters more than extra reach. This article compares 16 kg with a published reach of 1000 mm; include the gripper and part in the load.

💡 THE TAKEAWAY

Check the real tool, movement path and safety assessment before choosing. A collaborative label does not make every task safe without guarding; compare complete installation quotes.

The Universal Robots UR15 and the DOBOT CR16 are both around 40 kg arms in the 15–16 kg class. The UR15 offers more reach, speed and IP65 protection. The CR16 carries a little more, repeats more tightly and costs much less.

 


Quick verdict. The DOBOT CR16 is the value choice, with a listed price about 36% lower, 1 kg more payload and ±0.03 mm repeatability. The UR15 is the better choice for reach, speed and harsh environments, with 1300 mm reach, a 5 m/s tool speed and IP65.

 

UR15 and DOBOT CR16 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 CR16 carries 16 kg over a 1000 mm working radius, with a 1223 mm maximum reach. It repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 40 kg. DOBOT has since introduced the CRA series as its successor.

 


 

Main specification comparison

Specification

Universal Robots UR15

DOBOT CR16

Brand

Universal Robots

DOBOT

Listed price

$55,000

$35,000

Payload

15 kg

16 kg

Reach

1300 mm

1000 mm

Repeatability

±0.05 mm

±0.03 mm

Axes

6

6

Speed

5 m/s maximum TCP speed

3 m/s max. TCP speed

Arm weight

40.7 kg

40 kg

IP rating

IP65

IP54 (control box IP20)

Controller

UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6

Not specified


 

Price comparison

Universal Robots UR15 6-axis collaborative robot arm with 15 kg payload and 1300 mm reach
Universal Robots UR15
  • UR15: listed from $55,000

  • DOBOT CR16: listed from $35,000

  • Difference: $20,000

  • The CR16 costs roughly 36% less


 

Payload and reach

 

The CR16 carries 16 kg, 1 kg more than the UR15. The UR15 reaches 1300 mm, against a 1000 mm working radius for the CR16.

 


 

Speed and precision

DOBOT CR16 6-axis collaborative robot with 16 kg payload
DOBOT CR16

The UR15 publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed, against 3 m/s for the CR16. The CR16 publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability, against ±0.05 mm for the UR15.

 


 

Protection and sensing

 

The UR15 is rated IP65 and ISO Class 4 and has a built-in ±150 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor. The CR16 arm is rated IP54, with an IP20 control box.

 


 

Programming and connectivity

Universal Robots UR15 collaborative robot
UR15 collaborative robot arm

The UR15 runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2.

 


 

The CR16 is programmed in DobotStudio Pro with blocks, scripts and hand-guided teaching, and supports TCP/IP, Modbus TCP, Wi-Fi, EtherCAT and an RS485 tool interface.

 


 

Best applications for the UR15

  • Fast handling and palletizing

  • Wet, dusty or cleanroom areas

  • Force-controlled finishing


 

Best applications for the DOBOT CR16

DOBOT CR16 robot
DOBOT CR16 robot arm
  • Budget-conscious heavy handling

  • Machine tending close to the robot

  • Precise placement up to 16 kg


 

UR15 advantages

  • 1300 mm reach

  • 5 m/s maximum tool speed

  • IP65 and built-in force/torque sensor


 

UR15 limitations

  • About $20,000 higher listed price


 

DOBOT CR16 advantages

  • About 36% lower listed price

  • 16 kg payload

  • ±0.03 mm repeatability


 

DOBOT CR16 limitations

  • 1000 mm working radius

  • Succeeded by the CRA series


 

Final verdict

 

Choose the DOBOT CR16 for value and precision. Choose the UR15 for reach, speed and protection.

 


 

Sources and further reading


 

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, the UR15 or the DOBOT CR16?

The CR16 is listed from $35,000 and the UR15 from $55,000, a difference of $20,000.

Which robot carries more?

The CR16 carries 16 kg and the UR15 15 kg.

Which robot has the longer reach?

The UR15 reaches 1300 mm, against a 1000 mm working radius for the CR16.

Which robot is more precise?

The CR16 publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the UR15 ±0.05 mm.

Which robot has better protection?

The UR15 is rated IP65 and the CR16 IP54.

Which robot should I buy?

Choose the CR16 for value. Choose the UR15 for reach, speed and protection.


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