UR16e vs AUBO-i16: 16 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Precision and Reach
The Universal Robots UR16e and the AUBO-i16 both carry 16 kg close to the robot. The AUBO-i16 reaches a little further, repeats more tightly and costs about half as much. The UR16e is lighter and has a built-in force/torque sensor.
Quick verdict. The AUBO-i16 is the value choice, with a listed price about 47% lower, ±0.03 mm repeatability and broad SDK support. The UR16e is the better choice for heavy force-controlled tasks, with a ±160 N force/torque sensor and a 33.1 kg arm.
UR16e and AUBO-i16 at a glance
The UR16e carries 16 kg over 900 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm and weighs 33.1 kg.
The AUBO-i16 carries 16 kg over 967.5 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 38 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR16e | AUBO-i16 |
Brand | Universal Robots | AUBO |
Listed price | $59,300 | $31,600 |
Payload | 16 kg | 16 kg |
Reach | 900 mm | 967.5 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.03 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | Not specified |
Arm weight | 33.1 kg | 38 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | AUBO CB-M control box |
Price comparison
UR16e: listed from $59,300
AUBO-i16: listed from $31,600
Difference: $27,700
The AUBO-i16 costs roughly 47% less
Payload, reach and precision
Both robots carry 16 kg. The AUBO-i16 reaches 967.5 mm, about 68 mm more, and publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability against ±0.05 mm for the UR16e.
Weight and sensing
The UR16e weighs 33.1 kg, about 5 kg less than the AUBO-i16. Its built-in ±160 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor suits heavy screwdriving, nutrunning and pressing with controlled force. Universal Robots also publishes a 3 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR16e.
Programming and connectivity
The UR16e runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2, with UR+ accessories. AUBO publishes TCP/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP, PROFINET, ROS and SDKs for C/C++, C#, Lua and Python on its CB-M control box.
Best applications for the UR16e
Heavy screwdriving and nutrunning
Force-controlled pressing
Plants with existing UR cells
Best applications for the AUBO-i16
Budget-conscious heavy handling
Precise placement up to 16 kg
Custom software integration via SDKs
UR16e advantages
Built-in force/torque sensor
33.1 kg arm
UR+ ecosystem
UR16e limitations
About $27,700 higher listed price
AUBO-i16 advantages
About 47% lower listed price
±0.03 mm repeatability
Broad SDK and ROS support
AUBO-i16 limitations
38 kg arm
Final verdict
Choose the AUBO-i16 for value and precision in compact heavy-handling cells. Choose the UR16e for force-controlled heavy tasks and the UR+ ecosystem.
With the same payload and similar reach, either arm fits the same compact layouts, so budget and sensing needs usually decide.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR16e or the AUBO-i16?
The AUBO-i16 is listed from $31,600 and the UR16e from $59,300, a difference of $27,700.
Do both robots carry 16 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 16 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The AUBO-i16 reaches 967.5 mm and the UR16e 900 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The AUBO-i16 publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the UR16e ±0.05 mm.
Does the UR16e have force sensing?
Yes. A ±160 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor is built into the tool flange.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the AUBO-i16 for value and precision. Choose the UR16e for force control.
