UR15 vs DOBOT CR16A: 15–16 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Speed and Connectivity
Updated: 8 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE This is a load-versus-reach trade-off: DOBOT CR16A 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 CR16A 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 CR16A are current-generation cobots in the 15–16 kg class. The UR15 leads on reach, speed and protection. The CR16A costs about half as much, carries a little more and repeats more tightly.
Quick verdict. The DOBOT CR16A is the value choice, with a listed price about 48% lower, 1 kg more payload, ±0.03 mm repeatability and broad industrial I/O. The UR15 is the better choice for reach, speed and harsh environments, with 300 mm more reach, a 5 m/s tool speed and IP65.
UR15 and DOBOT CR16A 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 CR16A carries 16 kg over a 1000 mm working radius, repeats to ±0.03 mm, weighs 40 kg, is rated IP54 and mounts at any angle.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR15 | DOBOT CR16A |
Brand | Universal Robots | DOBOT |
Listed price | $55,000 | $28,400 |
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 | 4 m/s max. linear speed |
Arm weight | 40.7 kg | 40 kg |
IP rating | IP65 | IP54 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | Not specified |
Price comparison
UR15: listed from $55,000
DOBOT CR16A: listed from $28,400
Difference: $26,600
The CR16A costs roughly 48% less
Payload and reach
The CR16A carries 16 kg, 1 kg more than the UR15. The UR15 reaches 1300 mm, 300 mm more than the CR16A's working radius.
Speed and precision
Universal Robots publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR15, and DOBOT publishes 4 m/s for the CR16A. The CR16A 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 CR16A is rated IP54.
Programming and connectivity
The UR15 runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2, with UR+ accessories.
The CR16A is programmed in DobotStudio Pro with blocks, scripts and hand-guided teaching. DOBOT publishes TCP/IP, Modbus TCP and RTU, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, RS485, two Ethernet ports, 24 digital inputs, 24 digital outputs and 10 safety I/O channels.
Best applications for the UR15
Fast handling and palletizing with 1300 mm reach
Wet, dusty or cleanroom areas
Force-controlled finishing
Best applications for the DOBOT CR16A
Budget-conscious heavy handling and machine tending
Cells that need many I/O channels
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 $26,600 higher listed price
DOBOT CR16A advantages
About 48% lower listed price
16 kg payload and ±0.03 mm repeatability
24 DI, 24 DO and 10 safety I/O channels
DOBOT CR16A limitations
1000 mm working radius
IP54 rating
Final verdict
Choose the DOBOT CR16A for value, precision and I/O. Choose the UR15 for reach, speed and protection.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR15 or the DOBOT CR16A?
The CR16A is listed from $28,400 and the UR15 from $55,000, a difference of $26,600.
Which robot carries more?
The CR16A carries 16 kg and the UR15 15 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR15 reaches 1300 mm, 300 mm more than the CR16A's working radius.
Which robot is faster?
The UR15 publishes 5 m/s and the CR16A 4 m/s.
Which robot is more precise?
The CR16A publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the UR15 ±0.05 mm.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the CR16A for value and I/O. Choose the UR15 for reach, speed and protection.
