UR16e vs Kassow Robots KR1018: Heavy-Payload Cobot Comparison
The Universal Robots UR16e and the Kassow Robots KR1018 are heavy-payload cobots with compact envelopes. The KR1018 carries 2 kg more, reaches 100 mm further, adds a seventh axis, repeats more tightly and costs about 26% less. The UR16e has a built-in force/torque sensor and the UR+ ecosystem.
Quick verdict. The Kassow Robots KR1018 offers more capability for less, with 18 kg payload, 1000 mm reach, 7 axes, ±0.03 mm repeatability and a listed price about 26% lower. The UR16e is the better choice for force-controlled heavy tasks, with a ±160 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor and a 33.1 kg arm.
UR16e and Kassow KR1018 at a glance
The UR16e carries 16 kg over 900 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm and weighs 33.1 kg.
The Kassow Robots KR1018 carries 18 kg over 1000 mm with 7 axes, repeats to ±0.03 mm and is rated IP54.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR16e | Kassow Robots KR1018 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Kassow Robots |
Listed price | $59,300 | $43,900 |
Payload | 16 kg | 18 kg |
Reach | 900 mm | 1000 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.03 mm |
Axes | 6 | 7 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | up to 225 deg/s |
Arm weight | 33.1 kg | Not specified |
IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
Price comparison
UR16e: listed from $59,300
Kassow Robots KR1018: listed from $43,900
Difference: $15,400
The KR1018 costs roughly 26% less
Payload, reach and axes
The KR1018 carries 18 kg, 2 kg more, and reaches 1000 mm, 100 mm more than the UR16e. Its seventh axis lets it reach around obstacles and work in confined spaces, which helps when loading heavy parts into crowded machines.
Precision and footprint
Kassow publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability for the KR1018 against ±0.05 mm for the UR16e, and joint speeds of up to 225 deg/s. The KR1018 mounts on a 160 × 160 mm footprint and is rated IP54.
Sensing and ecosystem
The UR16e has a built-in ±160 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor for heavy screwdriving, nutrunning and pressing, publishes a 3 m/s maximum tool speed and runs PolyScope with PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, ROS/ROS2 and UR+ accessories.
Best applications for the UR16e
Heavy screwdriving and nutrunning
Force-controlled pressing
Existing UR cells
Best applications for the Kassow KR1018
Heavy machine tending in confined spaces
Palletizing and material handling
Tasks that need a seventh axis
UR16e advantages
Built-in force/torque sensor
Published arm weight of 33.1 kg
UR+ ecosystem
UR16e limitations
About $15,400 higher listed price
6 axes
Kassow KR1018 advantages
18 kg payload and 1000 mm reach
7 axes and ±0.03 mm repeatability
About 26% lower listed price
Kassow KR1018 limitations
IP54 rating
Final verdict
Choose the Kassow Robots KR1018 for payload, reach and a seventh axis at a lower price. Choose the UR16e for force-controlled heavy tasks and the UR+ ecosystem.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR16e or the Kassow Robots KR1018?
The KR1018 is listed from $43,900 and the UR16e from $59,300, a difference of $15,400.
Which robot carries more?
The KR1018 carries 18 kg and the UR16e 16 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The KR1018 reaches 1000 mm and the UR16e 900 mm.
How many axes do they have?
The KR1018 has 7 axes and the UR16e 6.
Which robot is more precise?
The KR1018 publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the UR16e ±0.05 mm.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the KR1018 for capability and value. Choose the UR16e for force control.
