UR3e vs ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5: Small Cobot Comparison at the Same Price
Updated: 9 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 has the higher stated load capacity and longer stated reach. Those figures help shortlist it for heavier loads or wider layouts, but do not prove a faster production cycle. |
→ CONSIDER Universal Robots UR3e Consider it when its stated load and reach already cover your task and its controls fit your equipment. This article compares 3 kg with a published reach of 500 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 Consider it when additional load capacity and reach matter. This article compares 5 kg with a published reach of 950 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 UR3e and the ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 are listed within $200 of each other, so the choice depends entirely on the task. The UR3e is a compact benchtop arm. The GoFa CRB 15000-5 carries more and reaches almost twice as far.
Quick verdict. Choose the UR3e for benchtop and in-machine cells, with an 11.2 kg arm and built-in force sensing. Choose the ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 for wider work areas, with 2 kg more payload, 450 mm more reach and ±0.02 mm repeatability.
UR3e and ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg on a Ø128 mm base.
The GoFa CRB 15000-5 carries 5 kg over 950 mm at the wrist, repeats to ±0.02 mm, weighs 28 kg and is approved for ISO Class 4 cleanrooms.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 |
Brand | Universal Robots | ABB |
Listed price | $33,800 | $34,000 |
Payload | 3 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 950 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | Not specified |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 28 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | ABB OmniCore C30 |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5: listed from $34,000
Difference: $200, effectively the same
Payload and reach
The GoFa carries 5 kg against 3 kg and reaches 950 mm against 500 mm. Machine tending, packaging and kitting usually need the GoFa's envelope. Benchtop assembly, testing and lab work often fit within the UR3e's reach.
Precision
ABB publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability for the GoFa, against ±0.03 mm for the UR3e. Both suit precise small-part work.
Weight and mounting
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg, about 17 kg less than the GoFa, and can be mounted on a bench, a wall or inside a machine. The GoFa weighs 28 kg and mounts at any angle, including walls and ceilings.
Force sensing and programming
The UR3e has a built-in ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor and a 3 m/s maximum tool speed. It runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2.
The GoFa uses ABB's RAPID language with RobotStudio simulation or Wizard Easy Programming, supports hand-guided teaching, and publishes PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, CC-Link IE Field Basic and DeviceNet.
Best applications for the UR3e
Benchtop assembly and screwdriving
Lab automation and device testing
Robots mounted inside machines
Best applications for the ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5
Small-part machine tending
Packaging and kitting
Cleanroom handling and ceiling mounting
UR3e advantages
11.2 kg arm and Ø128 mm base
Built-in force/torque sensor
3 m/s maximum tool speed
UR3e limitations
3 kg payload and 500 mm reach
ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 advantages
5 kg payload and 950 mm reach
±0.02 mm repeatability
ISO Class 4 cleanroom approval
ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 limitations
28 kg arm
Final verdict
At the same price, choose the UR3e for compact benchtop and in-machine work, and the ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 when the task needs more payload and reach.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5?
They are practically the same: the UR3e is listed from $33,800 and the GoFa from $34,000.
Which robot carries more?
The GoFa carries 5 kg and the UR3e 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The GoFa reaches 950 mm at the wrist, 450 mm more than the UR3e.
Which robot is more precise?
The GoFa publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and the UR3e ±0.03 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg and the GoFa 28 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR3e for compact benchtop work. Choose the GoFa for more payload and reach.
