UR16e vs FANUC CR-15iA: 15–16 kg Cobot Comparison of Reach, Weight and Price
The Universal Robots UR16e and the FANUC CR-15iA are listed within $700 of each other, yet they solve different problems. The UR16e is a compact, light cobot for heavy parts close to the robot. The CR-15iA is a long-reach FANUC cobot built on an industrial arm.
Quick verdict. Choose the UR16e for compact cells, heavy tooling and force-controlled work, with 1 kg more payload, built-in force sensing and an arm about 222 kg lighter. Choose the FANUC CR-15iA when reach is the priority, with 541 mm more reach and ±0.02 mm repeatability.
UR16e and FANUC CR-15iA at a glance
The UR16e carries 16 kg over a 900 mm reach and weighs 33.1 kg on a Ø190 mm base.
The CR-15iA carries 15 kg over a 1441 mm reach, repeats to ±0.02 mm and weighs 255 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR16e | FANUC CR-15iA |
Brand | Universal Robots | FANUC |
Listed price | $59,300 | $60,000 |
Payload | 16 kg | 15 kg |
Reach | 900 mm | 1441 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 800 mm/s (collaborative mode); 1500 mm/s (high-speed mode) |
Arm weight | 33.1 kg | 255 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | R-30iB Plus series |
Price comparison
UR16e: listed from $59,300
FANUC CR-15iA: listed from $60,000
Difference: $700, about 1%
At practically the same list price, the decision depends on the layout of the cell rather than the budget.
Payload and reach
The UR16e carries 16 kg against 15 kg. The CR-15iA reaches 1441 mm, 541 mm more than the UR16e's 900 mm, or about 60% more. Palletizing and wide work areas favor the FANUC arm. Heavy tools used close to the robot favor the UR16e.
Speed
Universal Robots publishes a 3 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR16e. FANUC publishes 800 mm/s in collaborative mode and 1500 mm/s in high-speed mode for the CR-15iA.
Weight and installation
The UR16e arm weighs 33.1 kg, while the CR-15iA weighs 255 kg. The UR16e suits pedestals, machine-side stands and mobile platforms. The CR-15iA needs a structural mount but can be installed on the floor, at an angle or inverted.
Precision, sensing and connectivity
The CR-15iA publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability, against ±0.05 mm for the UR16e.
The UR16e has a built-in ±160 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor, runs PolyScope 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 and supports EtherCAT, CC-Link, OPC UA and other fieldbuses.
Best applications for the UR16e
Heavy screwdriving and nutrunning
Machine tending with large grippers
Compact and mobile cells
Force-controlled pressing and finishing
Best applications for the FANUC CR-15iA
Long-reach palletizing and handling
Large work envelopes and inverted mounting
Fixed cells in FANUC-standard plants
UR16e advantages
16 kg payload
33.1 kg arm
Built-in force/torque sensor
3 m/s maximum tool speed
UR16e limitations
900 mm reach
±0.05 mm repeatability
FANUC CR-15iA advantages
1441 mm reach
±0.02 mm repeatability
Floor, angle or inverted installation
FANUC CR-15iA limitations
255 kg mass
15 kg payload
Final verdict
Choose the UR16e for compact, heavy-tool and force-controlled applications, and wherever the robot may need to move.
Choose the FANUC CR-15iA for long-reach fixed cells, tighter repeatability and FANUC-standard lines.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR16e or the FANUC CR-15iA?
They are almost the same: the UR16e is listed from $59,300 and the CR-15iA from $60,000.
Which robot has the higher payload?
The UR16e carries 16 kg and the CR-15iA 15 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The CR-15iA reaches 1441 mm, 541 mm more than the UR16e's 900 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR16e arm weighs 33.1 kg, against 255 kg for the CR-15iA.
Which robot is more precise?
The CR-15iA publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability, against ±0.05 mm for the UR16e.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR16e for compact cells, payload and force control. Choose the CR-15iA for reach and precision in fixed cells.
