UR30 vs FAIRINO FR30: 30 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Specs and Palletizing Performance
The Universal Robots UR30 and the FAIRINO FR30 are 30 kg collaborative robots built for palletizing, heavy machine tending and handling large parts. The UR30 packs its payload into a compact 1300 mm arm with built-in force sensing and IP65 protection. The FR30 offers more reach, the same 35 kg maximum payload and a listed price well under a third of the UR30's.
This comparison uses manufacturer specifications and publicly listed U.S. prices to show where each robot is stronger and which projects suit each one.
Quick verdict. The UR30 is the stronger choice for compact heavy-payload cells that need speed, IP65 as standard, built-in force sensing and certified safety functions. The FAIRINO FR30 is the stronger value choice, with 103 mm more reach, a 35 kg maximum payload and a listed price about 70% lower.
UR30 and FAIRINO FR30 at a glance
The UR30 is Universal Robots' highest-payload cobot. It carries 30 kg, or up to 35 kg under specific boundary conditions, from a compact Ø245 mm base and weighs 63.5 kg.
The FR30 is FAIRINO's heaviest cobot. It carries 30 kg nominal and 35 kg maximum, reaches 1403 mm, weighs about 85 kg and is sold directly in the United States by FAIRINO USA with an 18-month warranty.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR30 | FAIRINO FR30 |
Robot type | 6-axis collaborative robot | 6-axis collaborative robot |
Published price (U.S.) | $61,415 (with control box and teach pendant) | $18,199 |
Rated payload | 30 kg (35 kg under boundary conditions) | 30 kg nominal, 35 kg maximum |
Reach | 1300 mm | 1403 mm |
Pose repeatability | ±0.1 mm (ISO 9283) | ±0.1 mm (ISO 9283) |
Speed | 4 m/s maximum TCP speed | 2 m/s typical TCP speed |
Joint speed | Base and shoulder 120°/s; elbow 150°/s; wrists 210°/s | Base, shoulder and elbow 120°/s; wrists 180°/s |
Joint range | ±360° on all six joints | Base ±175°; shoulder +85°/−265°; elbow ±160°; wrist 1 +85°/−265°; wrists 2–3 ±175° |
Arm weight | 63.5 kg (without cable) | About 85 kg |
Footprint | Ø245 mm | Ø240 mm |
Protection rating | Arm IP65, control box IP44 | IP54, IP65 optional |
Operating temperature | 0–50 °C | 0–45 °C |
Noise | Below 67 dB(A) | Below 70 dB |
Power | 750 W maximum | Not specified in manufacturer data |
Force sensing | Built-in 6-axis force/torque sensor (±200 N, ±20 Nm) | Optional external force/torque sensor |
Safety | 23 configurable safety functions; EN ISO 13849-1 PLd Cat. 3; EN ISO 10218-1; UL 1740 | Collaborative safety functions with collision detection; confirm declarations for the ordered configuration |
Tool I/O | 2 DI, 2 DO, 2 AI or 1 AI + RS485; 12/24 V, up to 2 A | 2 DI, 2 DO, 1 AI, 1 AO, 2 high-speed pulse inputs; 24 V, 1.5 A |
Controller I/O | 16 DI, 16 DO, 2 AI, 2 AO, 4 quadrature inputs | 16 DI, 16 DO, 2 AI, 2 AO |
Industrial protocols | Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET with PROFIsafe, ROS/ROS2 | Modbus TCP/RTU; PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and CC-Link available; ROS/ROS2 |
Programming | 12-inch teach pendant with PolyScope | 10.1-inch teach pendant or browser-based web app; Python, C++ and C# SDKs |
Warranty | Confirm with the selling distributor | 18 months |
Best overall advantage | Compact arm, speed, IP65, force sensing, certified safety | Price, reach, payload headroom |
Price comparison
Universal Robots sells through distributors and does not publish a global list price. Vention, a U.S. automation supplier, lists the UR30 at $61,415, shipped with its matching control box and teach pendant. FAIRINO USA lists the FR30 at $18,199.
UR30: $61,415
FAIRINO FR30: $18,199
Difference: $43,216
The UR30 listing is about 3.4 times the FR30 price
The FR30 costs roughly 70% less
These are hardware prices and exclude grippers, pallet sensing, columns, guarding and integration. A palletizing project should be quoted as a complete cell. Even so, a difference of more than $40,000 per robot is significant for multi-line palletizing.
Payload
Both robots are rated for 30 kg, and both publish a 35 kg upper figure: the UR30 under specific boundary conditions and the FR30 as its maximum payload.
Heavy palletizing grippers can weigh 5–10 kg, so usable case weight depends on the full tool package and center of gravity. Payload curves should be checked against the real gripper and case size.
Reach and pallet coverage
The FR30 reaches 1403 mm, 103 mm more than the UR30's 1300 mm. That is about 8% more reach, which helps with larger pallets and higher stacks. For full-height stacks, both robots typically benefit from a pedestal or lifting column.
The UR30 rotates ±360° on every joint, which gives more freedom in posture and cable routing. The FR30 uses narrower ranges on most joints.
Speed and cycle time
Universal Robots publishes a 4 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR30. FAIRINO publishes a 2 m/s typical TCP speed for the FR30. These are different measures, but the UR30 has the higher published speed and faster wrist joints. In palletizing, real cycle time depends on case weight, gripper, stack pattern and safety zones, so trials are the best comparison.
Weight and mounting
The UR30 arm weighs 63.5 kg, about 21.5 kg less than the FR30's 85 kg. A lighter arm reduces the load on pedestals, columns and mobile bases. Both use a footprint of about 240–245 mm.
Protection and environment
The UR30 is IP65 as standard. The FR30 is IP54 as standard, with an IP65 option. The UR30 is rated for 0–50 °C and the FR30 for 0–45 °C.
Safety and force sensing
The UR30 publishes 23 configurable safety functions certified to EN ISO 13849-1, PLd Category 3, and complies with EN ISO 10218-1 and UL 1740. Its built-in force/torque sensor (±200 N, ±20 Nm) supports force-controlled tasks and payload checks.
The FR30 provides collaborative safety functions with collision detection and hand-guided teaching. Force-controlled work requires an optional sensor, and buyers who need a documented performance level should request the safety declarations for the exact configuration.
Controller, programming and connectivity
Universal Robots UR30
The UR30 uses a 12-inch teach pendant running PolyScope, with a 3-position enabling switch. The control box provides 16 digital inputs, 16 digital outputs, 2 analog inputs, 2 analog outputs and 4 quadrature inputs, with Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET with PROFIsafe and ROS/ROS2.
FAIRINO FR30
The FR30 is programmed from a 10.1-inch teach pendant or a browser-based web app, with Python, C++ and C# SDKs and ROS/ROS2 support. The controller provides 16 digital inputs, 16 digital outputs, 2 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs. Modbus TCP/RTU is standard, and PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and CC-Link are available.
Best applications for the UR30
Compact palletizing cells with limited floor space
Heavy machine tending and part loading
Screwdriving and nutrunning with high torque tools
Wet or dusty areas with standard IP65 protection
Lines that rely on PROFINET with PROFIsafe
Best applications for the FAIRINO FR30
End-of-line palletizing on a budget
Larger pallets that benefit from 1403 mm reach
Heavy material handling and box transfer
Multi-line deployments where hardware cost drives the decision
Projects that need payload headroom up to 35 kg
UR30 advantages
4 m/s maximum tool speed
IP65 as standard
Built-in six-axis force/torque sensor
23 safety functions certified to PLd Category 3
21.5 kg lighter arm
±360° on every joint
Large UR+ ecosystem and integrator network
UR30 limitations
About 3.4 times the listed price of the FR30
1300 mm reach
FAIRINO FR30 advantages
Listed at $18,199 in the U.S.
1403 mm reach
35 kg maximum payload
Optional IP65 protection
18-month warranty with U.S.-based support
FAIRINO FR30 limitations
Lower published speed figure
Heavier arm at about 85 kg
Force sensing and some fieldbus options are add-ons
Narrower joint ranges on most axes
Final verdict
Choose the UR30 when the cell is compact and the project needs speed, IP65 as standard, built-in force sensing and documented PLd Category 3 safety. It is a strong fit for high-throughput palletizing and heavy machine tending.
Choose the FAIRINO FR30 when reach, payload headroom and budget are the priorities. Its 1403 mm reach, 35 kg maximum payload and 18-month warranty make it a strong value option for end-of-line palletizing and heavy handling.
Both robots handle 30 kg with ±0.1 mm repeatability. The decision mostly comes down to speed, arm weight and safety documentation against a hardware saving of more than $40,000 per robot.
Read our full UR30 review and FAIRINO FR30 review, or compare the UR20 vs Elite CS620.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR30 or the FAIRINO FR30?
FAIRINO USA lists the FR30 at $18,199. Vention lists the UR30 at $61,415 in the U.S., including the control box and teach pendant.
Do both robots have the same payload?
Both are rated for 30 kg. The UR30 is rated for up to 35 kg under specific boundary conditions, and the FR30 publishes a 35 kg maximum payload.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The FR30 reaches 1403 mm, 103 mm more than the UR30's 1300 mm.
Which robot is faster?
The UR30 publishes a 4 m/s maximum tool speed. The FR30 publishes a 2 m/s typical TCP speed.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR30 arm weighs 63.5 kg and the FR30 about 85 kg.
Which robot has better environmental protection?
The UR30 is IP65 as standard. The FR30 is IP54 as standard with an optional IP65 version.
Does either robot have built-in force sensing?
The UR30 has a built-in six-axis force/torque sensor. The FR30 uses an optional external sensor.
Which robot is better for palletizing?
Both are suited to palletizing. The UR30 offers speed and a compact arm, while the FR30 offers more reach and a much lower price.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR30 for speed, standard IP65, force sensing and certified safety. Choose the FR30 for lower cost, longer reach and payload headroom.
