UR15 vs FAIRINO FR16: 15–16 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Reach and Speed
Updated: 10 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE This is a load-versus-reach trade-off: FAIRINO FR16 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 FAIRINO FR16 Consider it when additional load capacity matters more than extra reach. This article compares 16 kg with a published reach of 1034 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 FAIRINO FR16 carry similar loads and weigh about the same, but sit at very different price points. The UR15 offers more reach and much higher speed. The FR16 carries a little more, repeats more tightly and costs a fraction as much.
Quick verdict. The FAIRINO FR16 is the clear value choice, with a listed price about 79% lower, 1 kg more payload and ±0.02 mm repeatability. The UR15 is the better choice for long reach and high-speed handling, with 266 mm more reach and a 5 m/s tool speed.
UR15 and FAIRINO FR16 at a glance
The UR15 carries 15 kg over 1300 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs 40.7 kg and publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed.
The FR16 carries 16 kg over 1034 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm and weighs about 40 kg. Each joint has closed-loop torque feedback for collision detection and hand-guiding.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR15 | FAIRINO FR16 |
Brand | Universal Robots | FAIRINO |
Listed price | $55,000 | $11,699 |
Payload | 15 kg | 16 kg |
Reach | 1300 mm | 1034 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 5 m/s maximum TCP speed | 1 m/s typical TCP speed |
Arm weight | 40.7 kg | 40 kg |
IP rating | IP65 | IP66 |
Price comparison
UR15: listed from $55,000
FAIRINO FR16: listed from $11,699
Difference: $43,301
The UR15 listing is about 4.7 times the FR16 price
Payload and reach
The FR16 carries 16 kg, 1 kg more than the UR15. The UR15 reaches 1300 mm, 266 mm more than the FR16, which helps with palletizing and larger machines.
Speed and precision
Universal Robots publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR15, with wrist joints up to 300°/s. FAIRINO publishes a 1 m/s typical TCP speed for the FR16. The FR16 publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability, against ±0.05 mm for the UR15.
Sensing and environment
The UR15 has a built-in ±150 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor and meets ISO 14644-1 Class 4 for cleanrooms. The FR16 uses joint torque feedback for collision detection and operates from 0 to 45 °C.
Programming and connectivity
The UR15 runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2, with UR+ accessories.
The FR16 is programmed through a graphical interface on a 10.1-inch teach pendant or a web app on a tablet or phone, with drag teaching and SDKs for developers.
Best applications for the UR15
High-speed handling and palletizing
Cleanroom and force-controlled finishing
Plants with existing UR cells
Best applications for the FAIRINO FR16
CNC machine tending with heavy parts
Budget-conscious heavy handling
Multi-cell deployments
UR15 advantages
1300 mm reach
5 m/s maximum tool speed
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR15 limitations
About 4.7 times the FR16 listed price
FAIRINO FR16 advantages
About 79% lower listed price
16 kg payload
±0.02 mm repeatability
FAIRINO FR16 limitations
1034 mm reach
1 m/s typical TCP speed
Final verdict
Choose the FAIRINO FR16 for heavy handling at a much lower cost. Choose the UR15 for reach, speed and force-controlled tasks.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR15 or the FAIRINO FR16?
The FR16 is listed from $11,699 and the UR15 from $55,000, a difference of $43,301.
Which robot carries more?
The FR16 carries 16 kg and the UR15 15 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR15 reaches 1300 mm, 266 mm more than the FR16.
Which robot is faster?
The UR15 publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed. The FR16 publishes 1 m/s typical TCP speed.
Which robot is more precise?
The FR16 publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and the UR15 ±0.05 mm.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the FR16 for value. Choose the UR15 for reach and speed.
