UR5e vs FANUC CR-4iA: 4–5 kg Cobot Comparison of Reach, Precision and Price
Updated: 2 days ago
The Universal Robots UR5e and the FANUC CR-4iA both handle light parts, but they cover very different work areas. The UR5e reaches 850 mm with a 20.6 kg arm. The CR-4iA is a compact FANUC cobot with a 550 mm reach and very tight repeatability.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the more versatile choice, with 300 mm more reach, 1 kg more payload, built-in force sensing and a listed price about 22% lower. The FANUC CR-4iA is the better choice for small, high-precision cells, with ±0.01 mm repeatability.
UR5e and FANUC CR-4iA at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg. It has been succeeded by the UR7e in the current Universal Robots range.
The CR-4iA carries 4 kg over 550 mm, repeats to ±0.01 mm and weighs 48 kg. It is also an earlier-generation model that remains in many installed cells.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | FANUC CR-4iA |
Brand | Universal Robots | FANUC |
Listed price | $35,000 | $45,000 |
Payload | 5 kg | 4 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 550 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.01 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 500 mm/s (collaborative mode); 1000 mm/s (high-speed mode) |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 48 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP67 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | R-30iB Plus series |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
FANUC CR-4iA: listed from $45,000
Difference: $10,000
The UR5e costs roughly 22% less
Payload and reach
The UR5e carries 5 kg against 4 kg and reaches 850 mm against 550 mm. The extra 300 mm, about 55% more reach, lets the UR5e serve machine tending, kitting and packaging tasks that are out of range for the CR-4iA.
Precision
The CR-4iA publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability, three times tighter than the UR5e's ±0.03 mm. That suits precision insertion and fine electronics assembly.
Weight and mounting
The UR5e arm weighs 20.6 kg on a Ø149 mm base and fits on carts, pedestals and machine tables. The CR-4iA weighs 48 kg and installs on the floor, at an angle or inverted.
Force sensing, safety and programming
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). It runs PolyScope with hand-guided teaching and the UR+ accessory ecosystem.
The CR-4iA runs on the R-30iB Plus series controller, is programmed from the FANUC teach pendant with ROBOGUIDE simulation, and supports a wide range of fieldbuses including EtherCAT, CC-Link and OPC UA.
Best applications for the UR5e
Small-part machine tending
Packaging, kitting and inspection
Force-controlled screwdriving and insertion
Cart-mounted and redeployable cells
Best applications for the FANUC CR-4iA
Precision electronics assembly
Compact test and gauging cells
FANUC-standard production lines
UR5e advantages
About $10,000 lower listed price
850 mm reach and 5 kg payload
Built-in force/torque sensor
20.6 kg arm
UR5e limitations
±0.03 mm repeatability
Succeeded by the UR7e
FANUC CR-4iA advantages
±0.01 mm repeatability
Floor, angle or inverted installation
FANUC fieldbus and ROBOGUIDE ecosystem
FANUC CR-4iA limitations
550 mm reach and 4 kg payload
48 kg arm
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for broader reach, force control, lighter installation and lower cost. Choose the FANUC CR-4iA for compact precision cells and plants standardized on FANUC.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the FANUC CR-4iA?
The UR5e is listed from $35,000 and the CR-4iA from $45,000, a difference of $10,000.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR5e reaches 850 mm, 300 mm more than the CR-4iA's 550 mm.
Which robot carries more?
The UR5e carries 5 kg and the CR-4iA 4 kg.
Which robot is more precise?
The CR-4iA publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability, against ±0.03 mm for the UR5e.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR5e weighs 20.6 kg and the CR-4iA 48 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for reach, force control and cost. Choose the CR-4iA for precision in compact cells.
