UR15 vs Elite Robots EC616: 15–16 kg Cobot Comparison of Reach, Precision and Price
The Universal Robots UR15 and the Elite Robots EC616 sit in the 15–16 kg class with different priorities. The UR15 reaches far, moves fast and is protected to IP65. The EC616 is a compact, precise arm that carries a little more at about half the price.
Quick verdict. The UR15 is the better choice for long-reach, high-speed and harsh-environment cells, with 346 mm more reach, a 5 m/s speed and IP65. The Elite EC616 is the value choice for compact heavy handling, with 16 kg payload, ±0.03 mm repeatability and a listed price about 45% lower.
UR15 and Elite Robots EC616 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 EC616 carries 16 kg over 954 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm, weighs 32.5 kg on a Ø200 mm base and mounts at any angle.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR15 | Elite Robots EC616 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Elite Robots |
Listed price | $55,000 | $30,200 |
Payload | 15 kg | 16 kg |
Reach | 1300 mm | 954 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.03 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 5 m/s maximum TCP speed | 2.8 m/s |
Arm weight | 40.7 kg | 32.5 kg |
IP rating | IP65 | IP54 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | Control cabinet, IP44, 100–240 VAC |
Price comparison
UR15: listed from $55,000
Elite Robots EC616: listed from $30,200
Difference: $24,800
The EC616 costs roughly 45% less
Payload and reach
The EC616 carries 16 kg, 1 kg more than the UR15. The UR15 reaches 1300 mm, 346 mm more than the EC616. Palletizing and large machines favor the UR15, while heavy parts handled close to the robot favor the EC616.
Speed and precision
The UR15 publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed, against 2.8 m/s for the EC616. Elite publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability for the EC616, against ±0.05 mm for the UR15.
Protection and weight
The UR15 is rated IP65 and ISO Class 4 for cleanrooms. The EC616 is rated IP54 and weighs 32.5 kg, about 8 kg less than the UR15.
Sensing and connectivity
The UR15 has a built-in ±150 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2. The EC616 publishes Modbus TCP/RTU, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, CC-Link and RS485/RS232 with 16 digital inputs and outputs.
Best applications for the UR15
Long-reach palletizing and handling
Wet, dusty or cleanroom areas
High-speed pick-and-place
Best applications for the Elite Robots EC616
Compact heavy-part handling
Precise placement up to 16 kg
Budget-conscious deployments
UR15 advantages
1300 mm reach
5 m/s speed
IP65 and force/torque sensor
UR15 limitations
About $24,800 higher listed price
Elite Robots EC616 advantages
About 45% lower listed price
16 kg payload and ±0.03 mm repeatability
32.5 kg arm
Elite Robots EC616 limitations
954 mm reach
IP54 rating
Final verdict
Choose the UR15 for reach, speed and protection. Choose the Elite EC616 for compact, precise heavy handling at about half the price.
The required reach usually decides this pair.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR15 or the Elite EC616?
The EC616 is listed from $30,200 and the UR15 from $55,000, a difference of $24,800.
Which robot carries more?
The EC616 carries 16 kg and the UR15 15 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR15 reaches 1300 mm and the EC616 954 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The EC616 publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the UR15 ±0.05 mm.
Which robot has better protection?
The UR15 is rated IP65 and the EC616 IP54.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR15 for reach and speed. Choose the EC616 for value and precision.
