UR20 vs FANUC CRX-20iA/L: 20 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Reach and Palletizing
Updated: 2 days ago
The Universal Robots UR20 and the FANUC CRX-20iA/L are 20 kg cobots aimed at palletizing, heavy machine tending and material handling. The UR20 offers more reach, more speed and IP65 protection. The CRX-20iA/L is lighter, more precise and less expensive.
Quick verdict. The UR20 is the stronger choice for full-height palletizing and fast handling, with 332 mm more reach, a 5 m/s tool speed, IP65 and built-in force sensing. The FANUC CRX-20iA/L is the stronger value choice, with a listed price about 22% lower, a 41 kg arm and ±0.04 mm repeatability.
UR20 and FANUC CRX-20iA/L at a glance
The UR20 carries 20 kg over 1750 mm, weighs 64 kg and is rated IP65 and ISO 14644-1 Class 4.
The CRX-20iA/L carries 20 kg over 1418 mm, repeats to ±0.04 mm, weighs 41 kg and runs on the R-30iB Mini Plus controller.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR20 | FANUC CRX-20iA/L |
Brand | Universal Robots | FANUC |
Listed price | $72,100 | $55,900 |
Payload | 20 kg | 20 kg |
Reach | 1750 mm | 1418 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.1 mm | ±0.04 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 5 m/s maximum TCP speed | 1000 mm/s |
Arm weight | 64 kg | 41 kg |
IP rating | IP65 | IP67 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | R-30iB Mini Plus |
Price comparison
UR20: listed from $72,100
FANUC CRX-20iA/L: listed from $55,900
Difference: $16,200
The CRX-20iA/L costs roughly 22% less
Payload and reach
Both robots carry 20 kg. The UR20 reaches 1750 mm, 332 mm more than the CRX-20iA/L's 1418 mm, or about 23% more. In many palletizing layouts the UR20 can cover a full pallet height without a lifting column.
Speed and precision
The UR20 publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed. The CRX-20iA/L publishes ±0.04 mm repeatability, against ±0.1 mm for the UR20, which favors it for heavier assembly and placement tasks.
Weight and mounting
The CRX-20iA/L weighs 41 kg, about 23 kg less than the UR20's 64 kg, and installs on the floor, upside-down or at an angle. The lighter arm reduces the load on columns and mobile bases.
Protection, sensing and connectivity
The UR20 is rated IP65 and ISO Class 4, has a built-in ±200 N / ±20 Nm force/torque sensor, and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2.
The CRX-20iA/L supports hand guiding and drag-and-drop programming on a tablet teach pendant, ROBOGUIDE simulation, and EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, CC-Link, OPC UA and other interfaces.
Best applications for the UR20
Full-height end-of-line palletizing
Fast heavy handling and conveyor transfer
Wet or dusty areas that need IP65
Force-controlled heavy screwdriving
Best applications for the FANUC CRX-20iA/L
Budget-conscious palletizing and case handling
Heavy machine tending with tight placement
Upside-down or angled installations
FANUC-standard plants
UR20 advantages
1750 mm reach
5 m/s maximum tool speed
IP65 and ISO Class 4 cleanroom rating
Built-in ±200 N force/torque sensor
UR20 limitations
About $16,200 higher listed price
64 kg arm
FANUC CRX-20iA/L advantages
About 22% lower listed price
41 kg arm
±0.04 mm repeatability
Tablet programming and broad fieldbus support
FANUC CRX-20iA/L limitations
1418 mm reach
Final verdict
Choose the UR20 when reach, speed and IP65 protection drive the project, especially for full-height palletizing.
Choose the FANUC CRX-20iA/L when cost, a lighter arm and tighter placement accuracy matter more, or when the plant runs FANUC robots.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR20 or the FANUC CRX-20iA/L?
The CRX-20iA/L is listed from $55,900 and the UR20 from $72,100, a difference of $16,200.
Do both robots carry 20 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for a 20 kg payload.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR20 reaches 1750 mm, 332 mm more than the CRX-20iA/L's 1418 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The CRX-20iA/L publishes ±0.04 mm repeatability, against ±0.1 mm for the UR20.
Which robot is lighter?
The CRX-20iA/L weighs 41 kg and the UR20 64 kg.
Which robot is better for palletizing?
The UR20's 1750 mm reach suits full-height stacks. The CRX-20iA/L suits lower stacks or cells with a lifting column at a lower price.
