UR5e vs ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5: 5 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Reach and Precision
Updated: 13 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE Both are compared at 5 kg. ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 has the longer stated reach, which may help reach separated fixtures; it does not guarantee access at every tool angle. |
→ CONSIDER Universal Robots UR5e Consider it when its stated load and reach already cover your task and its controls fit your equipment. This article compares 5 kg with a published reach of 850 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 Consider it when extra reach is useful while the compared load capacity is the same. 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 UR5e and the ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 are 5 kg cobots listed only $1,000 apart. The GoFa reaches further and repeats more tightly. The UR5e is lighter, has built-in force sensing and draws on the large UR+ ecosystem.
Quick verdict. The ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 has the edge on paper, with 100 mm more reach, ±0.02 mm repeatability and a listed price about 3% lower. The UR5e is the better fit for force-controlled tasks, light mobile cells and projects built around UR+ accessories.
UR5e and ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg. The UR7e takes its place in the current Universal Robots range.
The GoFa CRB 15000-5 carries 5 kg over 950 mm at the wrist and 1050 mm at the flange, repeats to ±0.02 mm and weighs 28 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 |
Brand | Universal Robots | ABB |
Listed price | $35,000 | $34,000 |
Payload | 5 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 950 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | Not specified |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 28 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | ABB OmniCore C30 |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5: listed from $34,000
Difference: $1,000
The GoFa costs roughly 3% less
Payload and reach
Both robots carry 5 kg. The GoFa reaches 950 mm, 100 mm more than the UR5e, or about 12% more.
Precision
ABB publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability for the GoFa, against ±0.03 mm for the UR5e.
Weight and mounting
The UR5e weighs 20.6 kg, about 7 kg less than the GoFa, on a Ø149 mm base. The GoFa mounts at any angle, including walls and ceilings, and is approved for ISO Class 4 cleanrooms.
Force sensing and safety
The UR5e has a built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and 17 configurable safety functions certified to EN ISO 13849-1 (PLd, Category 3). That supports insertion, press-fit and screwdriving with controlled force.
Programming and connectivity
The UR5e runs PolyScope with hand-guided teaching, supports Modbus TCP, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP, and has access to UR+ certified grippers, vision and software.
The GoFa uses RAPID 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 UR5e
Force-controlled screwdriving and insertion
Cart-mounted and redeployable cells
Projects built on UR+ accessories
Best applications for the ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5
Machine tending with wider reach
Precision placement at ±0.02 mm
Cleanroom and ceiling-mounted cells
UR5e advantages
20.6 kg arm
Built-in force/torque sensor
17 configurable safety functions
UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
850 mm reach
Succeeded by the UR7e
ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 advantages
950 mm reach
±0.02 mm repeatability
Mounting at any angle
ISO Class 4 cleanroom approval
ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 limitations
28 kg arm
Final verdict
Choose the ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5 for more reach, tighter precision and flexible mounting. Choose the UR5e for force control, a lighter arm and the UR+ ecosystem.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the ABB GoFa CRB 15000-5?
The GoFa is listed from $34,000 and the UR5e from $35,000.
Do both robots carry 5 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 5 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The GoFa reaches 950 mm at the wrist, 100 mm more than the UR5e.
Which robot is more precise?
The GoFa publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and the UR5e ±0.03 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR5e weighs 20.6 kg and the GoFa 28 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the GoFa for reach and precision. Choose the UR5e for force control and the UR+ ecosystem.
