UR3e vs Hanwha HCR-3A: 3 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Reach and Protection
Updated: 10 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE Both are compared at 3 kg. Hanwha HCR-3A has the longer stated reach, which may help reach separated fixtures; it does not guarantee access at every tool angle. |
→ 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 Hanwha HCR-3A Consider it when extra reach is useful while the compared load capacity is the same. This article compares 3 kg with a published reach of 630 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 Hanwha HCR-3A are compact 3 kg cobots on the same Ø128 mm base, both with unlimited rotation on the last joint. The HCR-3A reaches further, is sealed to IP66 and costs about 31% less. The UR3e repeats more tightly, is faster and lighter.
Quick verdict. The Hanwha HCR-3A is the value choice, with 630 mm reach, IP66 and a listed price about 31% lower. The UR3e is the better choice for precise and fast benchtop work, with ±0.03 mm repeatability, a 3 m/s tool speed and a built-in force/torque sensor.
UR3e and HCR-3A at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The Hanwha HCR-3A carries 3 kg over 630 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs 13 kg and is rated IP66.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | Hanwha HCR-3A |
Brand | Universal Robots | Hanwha |
Listed price | $33,800 | $23,300 |
Payload | 3 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 630 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 1 m/s linear speed; joint speeds up to 360°/s |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 13 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP66 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | HC-S2DC controller, 450 x 470 x 223 mm, 17.6 kg, 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz, 1 kW; 12.1-inch teach pendant |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
Hanwha HCR-3A: listed from $23,300
Difference: $10,500
The HCR-3A costs roughly 31% less
Reach and protection
Both arms carry 3 kg. The HCR-3A reaches 630 mm, 130 mm more than the UR3e, and is sealed to IP66 against IP54 for the UR3e. Hanwha supports floor, wall and ceiling mounting.
Precision and speed
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and a 3 m/s maximum tool speed. Hanwha publishes ±0.05 mm, a 1 m/s linear speed and joint speeds up to 360°/s for the HCR-3A. Precise electronics assembly and fast pick-and-place favor the UR3e.
Weight, sensing and connectivity
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg, about 1.8 kg less, and has a built-in ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor with PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2 support. The HCR-3A runs on the HC-S2DC controller with a 12.1-inch teach pendant and communicates over TCP/IP and Modbus TCP.
Best applications for the UR3e
Precise benchtop assembly
Force-controlled insertion
Fast pick-and-place
Best applications for the HCR-3A
Confined workspaces with wet or dusty conditions
Budget-conscious light handling
Wall or ceiling mounted cells
UR3e advantages
±0.03 mm repeatability
3 m/s maximum tool speed
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR3e limitations
About $10,500 higher listed price
500 mm reach
HCR-3A advantages
About 31% lower listed price
630 mm reach
IP66
HCR-3A limitations
±0.05 mm repeatability
TCP/IP and Modbus TCP only
Final verdict
Choose the Hanwha HCR-3A for reach, protection and value. Choose the UR3e for precision, speed and force control.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the Hanwha HCR-3A?
The HCR-3A is listed from $23,300 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $10,500.
Do both robots carry 3 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The HCR-3A reaches 630 mm and the UR3e 500 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the HCR-3A ±0.05 mm.
Which robot has better protection?
The HCR-3A is rated IP66 and the UR3e IP54.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the HCR-3A for value and protection. Choose the UR3e for precision and speed.
