UR15 vs FANUC CR-15iA: 15 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Reach, Speed and Weight
The Universal Robots UR15 and the FANUC CR-15iA both carry 15 kg, but they are built very differently. The UR15 is a light, fast, newer-generation cobot. The CR-15iA is a heavy FANUC cobot built on an industrial arm, with a longer reach and very stable motion.
Quick verdict. The UR15 is the better choice for fast, flexible and mobile cells, with a 5 m/s tool speed, IP65 protection, built-in force sensing, a much lighter arm and a listed price about 8% lower. The FANUC CR-15iA is the better choice for long-reach, fixed installations, with 141 mm more reach and ±0.02 mm repeatability.
UR15 and FANUC CR-15iA at a glance
The UR15 carries 15 kg over a 1300 mm reach, weighs 40.7 kg and is rated IP65.
The CR-15iA carries 15 kg over a 1441 mm reach, repeats to ±0.02 mm and weighs 255 kg. It can be installed on the floor, at an angle or inverted.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR15 | FANUC CR-15iA |
Brand | Universal Robots | FANUC |
Listed price | $55,000 | $60,000 |
Payload | 15 kg | 15 kg |
Reach | 1300 mm | 1441 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 5 m/s maximum TCP speed | 800 mm/s (collaborative mode); 1500 mm/s (high-speed mode) |
Arm weight | 40.7 kg | 255 kg |
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-15iA: listed from $60,000
Difference: $5,000
The UR15 costs roughly 8% less
Payload and reach
Both robots carry 15 kg. The CR-15iA reaches 1441 mm, 141 mm more than the UR15's 1300 mm, or about 11% more. That helps with taller pallet stacks and wider work areas.
Speed
The UR15 publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed. FANUC publishes 800 mm/s in collaborative mode and 1500 mm/s in high-speed mode for the CR-15iA. For fast handling cycles, the UR15 has the clear published advantage.
Weight and installation
This is the largest difference in the pair. The UR15 arm weighs 40.7 kg, while the CR-15iA weighs 255 kg, about 214 kg more. The UR15 can go on carts, columns and mobile bases. The CR-15iA needs a solid floor or structural mount, but its mass gives a very stable platform.
Precision
The CR-15iA publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability, against ±0.05 mm for the UR15.
Protection, sensing and connectivity
The UR15 is rated IP65 and ISO Class 4 for cleanrooms, has a built-in ±150 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor, and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2.
The CR-15iA runs on the R-30iB Plus series controller with ROBOGUIDE for simulation and supports a broad range of fieldbuses, including EtherCAT, CC-Link and OPC UA.
Best applications for the UR15
Fast pick-and-place and conveyor handling
Mobile and redeployable cells
Wet, dusty or cleanroom areas
Force-controlled finishing and screwdriving
Best applications for the FANUC CR-15iA
Long-reach handling and palletizing
Fixed cells that need angled or inverted mounting
Heavy-duty production in FANUC-standard plants
UR15 advantages
About $5,000 lower listed price
5 m/s maximum tool speed
40.7 kg arm
IP65 and built-in force/torque sensor
UR15 limitations
1300 mm reach
±0.05 mm repeatability
FANUC CR-15iA advantages
1441 mm reach
±0.02 mm repeatability
Floor, angle or inverted installation
FANUC controller and fieldbus ecosystem
FANUC CR-15iA limitations
255 kg mass
Lower published speed
Final verdict
Choose the UR15 for speed, mobility, harsh environments and force-controlled work at a lower list price.
Choose the FANUC CR-15iA for long-reach fixed installations, tighter repeatability and FANUC-standard production lines.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR15 or the FANUC CR-15iA?
The UR15 is listed from $55,000 and the CR-15iA from $60,000, a difference of $5,000.
Do both robots carry 15 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for a 15 kg payload.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The CR-15iA reaches 1441 mm, 141 mm more than the UR15's 1300 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR15 arm weighs 40.7 kg, against 255 kg for the CR-15iA.
Which robot is faster?
The UR15 publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed. The CR-15iA publishes 1500 mm/s in high-speed mode.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR15 for speed, mobility and protection. Choose the CR-15iA for reach, precision and fixed FANUC cells.
