UR15 vs FANUC CR-14iA/L: 14–15 kg Cobot Comparison of Speed, Reach and Precision
The Universal Robots UR15 and the FANUC CR-14iA/L are listed at the same price, which makes the comparison a question of capabilities rather than budget. The UR15 is a newer-generation UR arm built for speed, reach and harsh environments. The CR-14iA/L is a compact FANUC cobot known for very tight repeatability.
Quick verdict. The UR15 is the stronger all-round choice, with 389 mm more reach, 1 kg more payload, IP65 protection, built-in force sensing and a 5 m/s maximum tool speed. The FANUC CR-14iA/L keeps an edge in precision, with ±0.01 mm repeatability, and in plants built around FANUC controllers.
UR15 and FANUC CR-14iA/L at a glance
The UR15 carries 15 kg over a 1300 mm reach, weighs 40.7 kg and is rated IP65 and ISO 14644-1 Class 4 for cleanrooms.
The CR-14iA/L carries 14 kg over a 911 mm reach and repeats to ±0.01 mm. It is an earlier-generation FANUC model that remains in use in many installed cells.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR15 | FANUC CR-14iA/L |
Brand | Universal Robots | FANUC |
Listed price | $55,000 | $55,000 |
Payload | 15 kg | 14 kg |
Reach | 1300 mm | 911 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.01 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 5 m/s maximum TCP speed | Not specified |
Arm weight | 40.7 kg | Not specified |
IP rating | IP65 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | R-30iB Plus series |
Price comparison
UR15: listed from $55,000
FANUC CR-14iA/L: listed from $55,000
Difference: none at list price
With identical list prices, the deciding factors are reach, speed, environment, precision and the controller platform already used in the plant. Tooling, safety equipment and integration are quoted separately for both.
Payload and reach
The UR15 carries 15 kg against 14 kg for the CR-14iA/L, and reaches 1300 mm against 911 mm. The extra 389 mm makes the UR15 better suited to palletizing, conveyor transfer and large machine doors.
Speed and cycle time
Universal Robots publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR15, with wrist joints up to 300°/s. That makes it one of the faster arms in this class for pick-and-place and handling cycles.
Precision
The CR-14iA/L publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability, five times tighter than the UR15's ±0.05 mm. For precision insertion, gauging and fine assembly, that is a real advantage.
Environment and protection
The UR15 is rated IP65 and meets ISO Class 4 cleanroom requirements, with an operating range of 0–50 °C. That suits washdown-adjacent food handling, dusty machining areas and electronics production.
Force sensing, programming and connectivity
The UR15 has a built-in force/torque sensor rated ±150 N / ±10 Nm. It runs PolyScope on the UR control box and supports Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET with PROFIsafe and ROS/ROS2.
The CR-14iA/L is programmed from the FANUC teach pendant, with ROBOGUIDE for offline simulation, and supports EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, CC-Link, PROFIBUS, Modbus and OPC UA among other interfaces.
Best applications for the UR15
High-speed pick-and-place and handling
Palletizing with 1300 mm reach
Wet, dusty or cleanroom environments
Force-controlled finishing and screwdriving
Best applications for the FANUC CR-14iA/L
Precision assembly and insertion
Compact machine tending close to the robot
FANUC-standard production lines
UR15 advantages
1300 mm reach and 15 kg payload
5 m/s maximum tool speed
IP65 and ISO Class 4 cleanroom rating
Built-in force/torque sensor
PROFIsafe and ROS/ROS2 support
UR15 limitations
±0.05 mm repeatability
40.7 kg arm
FANUC CR-14iA/L advantages
±0.01 mm repeatability
FANUC controller and ROBOGUIDE ecosystem
Broad fieldbus support
FANUC CR-14iA/L limitations
911 mm reach
Earlier-generation model
Final verdict
At the same list price, the UR15 offers more reach, payload, speed and environmental protection, which makes it the stronger choice for most new handling and palletizing projects.
The FANUC CR-14iA/L remains the better choice for precision assembly and for plants that want every robot on the FANUC platform.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR15 or the FANUC CR-14iA/L?
Both are listed from $55,000 on All Things Cobots.
Which robot has the higher payload?
The UR15 carries 15 kg and the CR-14iA/L 14 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR15 reaches 1300 mm, 389 mm more than the CR-14iA/L's 911 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The CR-14iA/L publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability, against ±0.05 mm for the UR15.
Which robot is better for harsh environments?
The UR15 is rated IP65 and ISO Class 4 for cleanrooms.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR15 for reach, speed and protection. Choose the CR-14iA/L for precision work and FANUC-standard plants.
