UR3e vs FANUC CR-4iA: Small Cobot Comparison of Price, Precision and Footprint
Updated: 10 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE FANUC CR-4iA 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 FANUC CR-4iA Consider it when additional load capacity and reach matter. This article compares 4 kg with a published reach of 550 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 FANUC CR-4iA are small collaborative robots for benchtop assembly, testing and light handling. The UR3e is a very light tabletop arm with built-in force sensing. The CR-4iA is built on FANUC's industrial arm platform and offers extremely tight repeatability.
Quick verdict. The UR3e is the better choice for benchtop and space-limited cells, with an 11.2 kg arm, built-in force sensing and a listed price about 25% lower. The FANUC CR-4iA is the better choice for precision work, with ±0.01 mm repeatability, 1 kg more payload and 50 mm more reach.
UR3e and FANUC CR-4iA at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over a 500 mm reach, weighs 11.2 kg and sits on a Ø128 mm base. Its final wrist joint can rotate continuously.
The CR-4iA carries 4 kg over a 550 mm reach, repeats to ±0.01 mm and weighs 48 kg. It is an earlier-generation FANUC model that remains in many installed cells.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | FANUC CR-4iA |
Brand | Universal Robots | FANUC |
Listed price | $33,800 | $45,000 |
Payload | 3 kg | 4 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 550 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.01 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 500 mm/s (collaborative mode); 1000 mm/s (high-speed mode) |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 48 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP67 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | R-30iB Plus series |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
FANUC CR-4iA: listed from $45,000
Difference: $11,200
The UR3e costs roughly 25% less
Payload and reach
The CR-4iA carries 4 kg over 550 mm, against 3 kg over 500 mm for the UR3e. Both suit small parts handled close to the robot, and the extra kilogram helps when the gripper itself is heavy.
Precision
FANUC publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability for the CR-4iA, against ±0.03 mm for the UR3e. For fine electronics assembly and precision insertion, the CR-4iA has the advantage.
Weight, footprint and mounting
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg and can be mounted on a bench, a wall or a light frame. The CR-4iA weighs 48 kg, about 37 kg more, and installs on the floor, at an angle or inverted.
Speed and force sensing
The UR3e publishes a 3 m/s maximum tool speed and has a built-in ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor for insertion, polishing and screwdriving. FANUC publishes 500 mm/s in collaborative mode and 1000 mm/s in high-speed mode for the CR-4iA.
Programming and connectivity
The UR3e runs PolyScope with hand-guided teaching and supports Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET with PROFIsafe and ROS/ROS2. The CR-4iA is programmed from the FANUC teach pendant with ROBOGUIDE simulation and supports EtherCAT, CC-Link, OPC UA and other fieldbuses.
Best applications for the UR3e
Benchtop assembly and screwdriving
Lab automation and testing
Robots mounted inside machines or on light frames
Force-controlled polishing and insertion
Best applications for the FANUC CR-4iA
Precision electronics assembly
Gauging and inspection cells
Small-part handling in FANUC-standard plants
UR3e advantages
About $11,200 lower listed price
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
±0.03 mm repeatability
FANUC CR-4iA advantages
±0.01 mm repeatability
4 kg payload and 550 mm reach
FANUC controller and ROBOGUIDE
FANUC CR-4iA limitations
48 kg arm
Higher listed price
Final verdict
Choose the UR3e for compact benchtop cells, force-controlled tasks and lower cost. Choose the FANUC CR-4iA for the tightest repeatability and integration into FANUC-standard lines.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the FANUC CR-4iA?
The UR3e is listed from $33,800 and the CR-4iA from $45,000, a difference of $11,200.
Which robot carries more?
The CR-4iA carries 4 kg and the UR3e 3 kg.
Which robot is more precise?
The CR-4iA publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability, against ±0.03 mm for the UR3e.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg and the CR-4iA 48 kg.
Does the UR3e have force sensing?
Yes. A ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor is built into the tool flange.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR3e for compact, light and lower-cost cells. Choose the CR-4iA for precision and FANUC-standard plants.
