UR30 vs Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL: 30 kg Cobot Comparison for Palletizing
Updated: 9 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE Both are compared at 30 kg. Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL has the longer stated reach, which may help reach separated fixtures; it does not guarantee access at every tool angle. |
→ CONSIDER Universal Robots UR30 Consider it when its stated load and reach already cover your task and its controls fit your equipment. This article compares 30 kg with a published reach of 1300 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL Consider it when extra reach is useful while the compared load capacity is the same. This article compares 30 kg with a published reach of 1700 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
💡 THE TAKEAWAY Check the real tool, movement path and safety assessment before choosing. A collaborative label does not make every task safe without guarding; compare complete installation quotes. |
The Universal Robots UR30 and the Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL are 30 kg cobots aimed at palletizing and heavy handling. The UR30 is compact, light and protected to IP65. The HC30PL reaches much further and repeats more tightly.
Quick verdict. The Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL is the better choice for full pallet coverage, with 400 mm more reach, ±0.05 mm repeatability and a listed price about 8% lower. The UR30 is the better choice for compact and mobile cells, with a 63.5 kg arm, IP65 and built-in force sensing.
UR30 and Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL at a glance
The UR30 carries 30 kg over 1300 mm, repeats to ±0.1 mm, weighs 63.5 kg and is rated IP65.
The HC30PL carries 30 kg over 1700 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs 140 kg and is installed on the floor. It runs on the YRC1000 or YRC1000micro controller.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR30 | Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL |
Brand | Universal Robots | Yaskawa Motoman |
Listed price | $59,600 | $55,000 |
Payload | 30 kg | 30 kg |
Reach | 1300 mm | 1700 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 | 140 kg |
IP rating | IP65 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | YRC1000 / YRC1000micro |
Price comparison
UR30: listed from $59,600
Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL: listed from $55,000
Difference: $4,600
The HC30PL costs roughly 8% less
Reach and palletizing
Both robots carry 30 kg. The HC30PL reaches 1700 mm, 400 mm more than the UR30's 1300 mm, or about 31% more. For full-height pallet stacks, the HC30PL covers more without a lifting column.
Precision and speed
Yaskawa publishes ±0.05 mm repeatability for the HC30PL, against ±0.1 mm for the UR30. Universal Robots publishes a 4 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR30.
Weight and installation
The UR30 weighs 63.5 kg on a Ø245 mm base, less than half the HC30PL's 140 kg. The UR30 suits columns, carts and compact cells. The HC30PL is a floor-mounted machine.
Sensing and protection
The UR30 has a built-in ±200 N / ±20 Nm force/torque sensor and is rated IP65 and ISO Class 4.
Programming and connectivity
The UR30 runs PolyScope with UR+ accessories and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2. The HC30PL is programmed in Yaskawa's INFORM language with hand-guided teaching and MotoSim simulation, and supports EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, DeviceNet and Modbus TCP.
Best applications for the UR30
Compact palletizing cells
Heavy machine tending and nutrunning
Wet or dusty areas that need IP65
Best applications for the Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL
Full-height end-of-line palletizing
Heavy case handling with tighter placement
Plants standardized on Yaskawa controllers
UR30 advantages
63.5 kg arm
Built-in force/torque sensor
IP65 and ISO Class 4 approval
UR30 limitations
1300 mm reach
±0.1 mm repeatability
Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL advantages
1700 mm reach
±0.05 mm repeatability
About 8% lower listed price
Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL limitations
140 kg arm
Floor mounting only
Final verdict
Choose the Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL for full-height palletizing and tighter placement. Choose the UR30 for compact, protected and lighter installations.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR30 or the Yaskawa Motoman HC30PL?
The HC30PL is listed from $55,000 and the UR30 from $59,600, a difference of $4,600.
Do both robots carry 30 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 30 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The HC30PL reaches 1700 mm, 400 mm more than the UR30.
Which robot is more precise?
The HC30PL publishes ±0.05 mm repeatability and the UR30 ±0.1 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR30 weighs 63.5 kg and the HC30PL 140 kg.
Which robot is better for palletizing?
The HC30PL covers taller stacks. The UR30 suits compact cells.
