UR20 vs Kassow Robots KR1018: Heavy-Payload Cobot Comparison
The Universal Robots UR20 and the Kassow Robots KR1018 carry similar loads but suit different cells. The UR20 reaches 750 mm further, is rated IP65 and is built for palletizing. The KR1018 adds a seventh axis, repeats more tightly and costs about 39% less.
Quick verdict. The UR20 is the better choice for palletizing and long-reach handling, with 20 kg payload, 1750 mm reach, a 5 m/s tool speed and IP65. The Kassow Robots KR1018 is the value choice for heavy machine tending in confined spaces, with 7 axes, ±0.03 mm repeatability and a listed price about 39% lower.
UR20 and Kassow KR1018 at a glance
The UR20 carries 20 kg over 1750 mm, repeats to ±0.1 mm, weighs 64 kg and is rated IP65.
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 UR20 | Kassow Robots KR1018 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Kassow Robots |
Listed price | $72,100 | $43,900 |
Payload | 20 kg | 18 kg |
Reach | 1750 mm | 1000 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.1 mm | ±0.03 mm |
Axes | 6 | 7 |
Speed | 5 m/s maximum TCP speed | up to 225 deg/s |
Arm weight | 64 kg | Not specified |
IP rating | IP65 | IP54 |
Price comparison
UR20: listed from $72,100
Kassow Robots KR1018: listed from $43,900
Difference: $28,200
The KR1018 costs roughly 39% less
Reach and payload
The UR20 carries 20 kg, 2 kg more, and reaches 1750 mm, 750 mm more than the KR1018. That covers full-height pallets and wide conveyor layouts. The KR1018's 1000 mm envelope suits compact cells.
Axes and precision
The KR1018's seventh axis lets it reach around obstacles and into crowded machines while keeping the tool orientation. Kassow publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and joint speeds of up to 225 deg/s, against ±0.1 mm for the UR20.
Speed, protection and sensing
Universal Robots publishes a 5 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR20 and rates it IP65 and ISO Class 4. It also has a built-in ±200 N / ±20 Nm force/torque sensor. The KR1018 is rated IP54 and mounts on a 160 × 160 mm footprint.
Best applications for the UR20
Palletizing up to full pallet height
Wet or dusty end-of-line areas
Force-controlled heavy screwdriving
Best applications for the Kassow KR1018
Heavy machine tending in confined spaces
Precise heavy handling
Tasks that need a seventh axis
UR20 advantages
1750 mm reach and 20 kg payload
5 m/s speed
IP65 and force/torque sensor
UR20 limitations
About $28,200 higher listed price
±0.1 mm repeatability
Kassow KR1018 advantages
7 axes and ±0.03 mm repeatability
160 × 160 mm footprint
About 39% lower listed price
Kassow KR1018 limitations
1000 mm reach
IP54 rating
Final verdict
Choose the UR20 for palletizing and long-reach heavy handling. Choose the Kassow Robots KR1018 for precise heavy tasks in tight cells at a lower price.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR20 or the Kassow Robots KR1018?
The KR1018 is listed from $43,900 and the UR20 from $72,100, a difference of $28,200.
Which robot carries more?
The UR20 carries 20 kg and the KR1018 18 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR20 reaches 1750 mm and the KR1018 1000 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The KR1018 publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the UR20 ±0.1 mm.
How many axes do they have?
The KR1018 has 7 axes and the UR20 6.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR20 for palletizing. Choose the KR1018 for precise heavy tasks in tight cells.
