UR15 vs Techman TM16: 15–16 kg Cobot Comparison of Reach, Speed and Price
Updated: 2 days ago
The Universal Robots UR15 and the Techman TM16 carry similar loads but cover very different envelopes. The UR15 reaches 383 mm further and is faster and better protected. The TM16 is a compact, lighter arm with built-in vision at a lower price.
Quick verdict. The UR15 is the better choice for long-reach, fast and protected cells, with 1300 mm reach, a 5 m/s speed and IP65. The Techman TM16 is the better choice for compact, vision-guided handling of heavy parts, with 16 kg payload and a listed price about 25% lower.
Availability note (October 2026): Techman Robot is discontinuing the TM16 (HW3.2 series). Final orders close on December 1, 2026 in Europe and March 31, 2027 elsewhere. Techman has not named a direct replacement.
UR15 and Techman TM16 at a glance
The UR15 carries 15 kg over 1300 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm and weighs 40.7 kg.
The TM16 carries 16 kg over 917 mm, repeats to ±0.1 mm and weighs 32 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR15 | Techman TM16 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Techman |
Listed price | $55,000 | $41,500 |
Payload | 15 kg | 16 kg |
Reach | 1300 mm | 917 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.1 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 5 m/s maximum TCP speed | 4 m/s |
Arm weight | 40.7 kg | 32 kg |
IP rating | IP65 | IP54 (control box IP32) |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | TM control box, programmed with TMflow |
Price comparison
UR15: listed from $55,000
Techman TM16: listed from $41,500
Difference: $13,500
The TM16 costs roughly 25% less
Payload and reach
The TM16 carries 16 kg, 1 kg more than the UR15. The UR15 reaches 1300 mm, 383 mm more than the TM16's 917 mm. The two arms rarely suit the same layout: the UR15 covers wide cells and pallets, while the TM16 handles heavy parts close to its base.
Speed and precision
The UR15 publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed and ±0.05 mm repeatability. Techman publishes 4 m/s and ±0.1 mm for the TM16.
Sensing
The TM16 has a built-in vision system for locating and identifying parts. The UR15 has a ±150 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor at the tool flange for force-controlled tasks.
Protection and weight
The UR15 is rated IP65 and ISO Class 4. The TM16 arm is rated IP54 with an IP32 control box, and at 32 kg it is about 9 kg lighter than the UR15.
Programming and connectivity
The UR15 runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2. The TM16 is programmed in TMflow and publishes RS-232, Ethernet, Modbus TCP/RTU and 16 digital inputs and outputs.
Best applications for the UR15
Palletizing and long-reach handling
Wet, dusty or cleanroom areas
Fast pick-and-place
Best applications for the Techman TM16
Vision-guided handling of heavy parts
Compact machine tending
Budget-conscious heavy handling
UR15 advantages
1300 mm reach
5 m/s speed and ±0.05 mm repeatability
IP65 protection
UR15 limitations
About $13,500 higher listed price
Techman TM16 advantages
16 kg payload
Built-in vision system
About 25% lower listed price
Techman TM16 limitations
917 mm reach
±0.1 mm repeatability
Final verdict
Choose the UR15 for reach, speed and protection. Choose the Techman TM16 for compact, vision-guided heavy handling at a lower price.
The cell layout usually decides this pair: wide envelopes favor the UR15, compact cells favor the TM16.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR15 or the Techman TM16?
The TM16 is listed from $41,500 and the UR15 from $55,000, a difference of $13,500.
Which robot carries more?
The TM16 carries 16 kg and the UR15 15 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR15 reaches 1300 mm and the TM16 917 mm.
Which robot is faster?
The UR15 publishes 5 m/s and the TM16 4 m/s.
Which robot has built-in vision?
The TM16 has a vision system built into the arm.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR15 for reach and speed. Choose the TM16 for compact vision-guided handling.
