UR30 vs Techman TM30S: 30 kg Cobot Comparison of Reach, Precision and Price
The Universal Robots UR30 and the Techman TM30S are 30 kg cobots rated IP65, aimed at palletizing and heavy handling. The TM30S reaches about 400 mm further, repeats more tightly and has built-in vision. The UR30 is more compact, lighter and faster.
Quick verdict. The Techman TM30S is the better choice for full-pallet coverage, with 402 mm more reach, ±0.05 mm repeatability, built-in vision and a listed price about 13% lower. The UR30 is the better choice for compact, fast cells, with a 63.5 kg arm, a 4 m/s tool speed and a built-in force/torque sensor.
UR30 and Techman TM30S at a glance
The UR30 carries 30 kg over 1300 mm, repeats to ±0.1 mm, weighs 63.5 kg on a Ø245 mm base and is rated IP65 and ISO Class 4.
The TM30S carries 30 kg over 1702 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs 82 kg, is rated IP65 and has a vision system built into the arm.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR30 | Techman TM30S |
Brand | Universal Robots | Techman |
Listed price | $59,600 | $52,000 |
Payload | 30 kg | 30 kg |
Reach | 1300 mm | 1702 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.1 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 4 m/s maximum TCP speed | Not specified |
Arm weight | 63.5 kg | 82 kg |
IP rating | IP65 | IP65 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | TM control box, programmed with TMflow |
Price comparison
UR30: listed from $59,600
Techman TM30S: listed from $52,000
Difference: $7,600
The TM30S costs roughly 13% less
Reach and palletizing
Both robots carry 30 kg. The TM30S reaches 1702 mm, 402 mm more than the UR30, or about 31% more. For full-height pallet stacks and wide pallet patterns, the TM30S covers more of the load without a lifting column. The UR30 is designed for compact cells where floor space is tight.
Precision and speed
Techman publishes ±0.05 mm repeatability for the TM30S, twice as tight as the UR30's ±0.1 mm. Universal Robots publishes a 4 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR30, which helps in high-throughput handling.
Weight and installation
The UR30 weighs 63.5 kg, about 18.5 kg less than the TM30S, which makes it easier to place on pedestals, columns and mobile bases. The TM30S needs a stronger fixed mount but gives a larger working envelope in return.
Vision versus force sensing
The TM30S has a built-in vision system that can locate cases, read labels and correct positions without an external camera. The UR30 has a ±200 N / ±20 Nm force/torque sensor at the flange, which supports heavy screwdriving and controlled placement.
Programming and connectivity
The UR30 runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2, with UR+ accessories. The TM30S is programmed in TMflow and publishes RS-232/422/485, Ethernet, Modbus TCP/RTU and 16 digital inputs and outputs with 2 analog inputs and outputs.
Best applications for the UR30
Compact palletizing cells
Heavy machine tending and nutrunning
Mobile or column-mounted heavy handling
Best applications for the Techman TM30S
Full-height palletizing
Vision-guided case handling
Precise placement of heavy parts
UR30 advantages
63.5 kg arm
4 m/s maximum tool speed
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR30 limitations
1300 mm reach
±0.1 mm repeatability
Techman TM30S advantages
1702 mm reach
±0.05 mm repeatability
Built-in vision and a lower listed price
Techman TM30S limitations
82 kg arm
Final verdict
Choose the Techman TM30S for long-reach palletizing and vision-guided handling. Choose the UR30 for compact, fast and force-controlled heavy work.
Both arms are rated IP65, so the decision comes down to reach and footprint.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR30 or the Techman TM30S?
The TM30S is listed from $52,000 and the UR30 from $59,600, a difference of $7,600.
Do both robots carry 30 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 30 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The TM30S reaches 1702 mm and the UR30 1300 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The TM30S publishes ±0.05 mm repeatability and the UR30 ±0.1 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR30 weighs 63.5 kg and the TM30S 82 kg.
Which robot is better for palletizing?
The TM30S covers taller and wider pallets. The UR30 suits compact cells.
