UR16e vs Elite Robots EC616: 16 kg Cobot Comparison of Price and Precision
The Universal Robots UR16e and the Elite Robots EC616 are compact 16 kg cobots of almost the same weight. The EC616 reaches a little further, repeats more tightly and costs about half as much. The UR16e brings a built-in force/torque sensor and the UR+ ecosystem.
Quick verdict. The Elite EC616 is the value choice, with a listed price about 49% lower, 54 mm more reach and ±0.03 mm repeatability. The UR16e is the better choice for heavy force-controlled tasks such as screwdriving and pressing.
UR16e and Elite Robots EC616 at a glance
The UR16e carries 16 kg over 900 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm and weighs 33.1 kg.
The EC616 carries 16 kg over 954 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 32.5 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR16e | Elite Robots EC616 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Elite Robots |
Listed price | $59,300 | $30,200 |
Payload | 16 kg | 16 kg |
Reach | 900 mm | 954 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.03 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 2.8 m/s |
Arm weight | 33.1 kg | 32.5 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | Control cabinet, IP44, 100–240 VAC |
Price comparison
UR16e: listed from $59,300
Elite Robots EC616: listed from $30,200
Difference: $29,100
The EC616 costs roughly 49% less
Payload, reach and precision
Both robots carry 16 kg and weigh about 33 kg. The EC616 reaches 954 mm, 54 mm more, and publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability against ±0.05 mm for the UR16e.
Speed
Universal Robots publishes a 3 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR16e, and Elite publishes 2.8 m/s for the EC616, so cycle times should be similar.
Sensing and safety
The UR16e has a built-in ±160 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor at the flange and a safety system certified to EN ISO 13849-1 (PLd, Category 3). That suits heavy screwdriving, nutrunning and pressing with controlled force.
Programming and connectivity
The UR16e runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2, with UR+ accessories. The EC616 publishes Modbus TCP/RTU, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, CC-Link and RS485/RS232 with 16 digital inputs, 16 digital outputs and 4 analog outputs. Both arms are rated IP54.
Best applications for the UR16e
Heavy screwdriving and nutrunning
Force-controlled pressing
Plants with existing UR cells
Best applications for the Elite Robots EC616
Budget-conscious heavy handling
Precise placement of heavy parts
Lines that use CC-Link
UR16e advantages
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR+ ecosystem
UR16e limitations
About $29,100 higher listed price
±0.05 mm repeatability
Elite Robots EC616 advantages
About 49% lower listed price
±0.03 mm repeatability
954 mm reach
Elite Robots EC616 limitations
Smaller accessory ecosystem than UR+
Final verdict
Choose the Elite EC616 for value and precision. Choose the UR16e for force-controlled heavy tasks.
With the same payload and weight, the two arms fit the same compact cells.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR16e or the Elite EC616?
The EC616 is listed from $30,200 and the UR16e from $59,300, a difference of $29,100.
Do both robots carry 16 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 16 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The EC616 reaches 954 mm and the UR16e 900 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The EC616 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 EC616 for value. Choose the UR16e for force control.
