UR5e vs FANUC CR-7iA: 5–7 kg Cobot Comparison of Reach, Payload and Price
Updated: 2 days ago
The Universal Robots UR5e and the FANUC CR-7iA split the advantages almost evenly. The UR5e reaches further and is far lighter. The CR-7iA carries more and repeats more tightly.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the better choice for reach and flexibility, with 133 mm more reach, a 20.6 kg arm, built-in force sensing and a listed price about 26% lower. The FANUC CR-7iA is the better choice for compact precision work, with a 7 kg payload and ±0.01 mm repeatability.
UR5e and FANUC CR-7iA at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm and weighs 20.6 kg. The UR7e takes its place in the current Universal Robots range.
The CR-7iA carries 7 kg over 717 mm, repeats to ±0.01 mm and weighs 53 kg. FANUC publishes 500 mm/s in collaborative mode and 1000 mm/s in high-speed mode.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | FANUC CR-7iA |
Brand | Universal Robots | FANUC |
Listed price | $35,000 | $47,000 |
Payload | 5 kg | 7 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 717 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 | 53 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-7iA: listed from $47,000
Difference: $12,000
The UR5e costs roughly 26% less
Payload and reach
The CR-7iA carries 7 kg, 2 kg more than the UR5e. The UR5e reaches 850 mm, 133 mm more than the CR-7iA's 717 mm, or about 19% more. Wider work areas favor the UR5e, while heavier tools close to the robot favor the CR-7iA.
Precision and speed
The CR-7iA publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability against ±0.03 mm for the UR5e. The CR-7iA can switch to a high-speed mode of 1000 mm/s when the cell layout allows it.
Weight and installation
The UR5e weighs 20.6 kg, about 32 kg less than the CR-7iA's 53 kg. The CR-7iA 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, 17 configurable safety functions and PolyScope programming with the UR+ ecosystem. The CR-7iA uses the R-30iB Plus series controller, the FANUC teach pendant and ROBOGUIDE, with broad fieldbus support.
Best applications for the UR5e
Machine tending with wider reach
Packaging, kitting and inspection
Force-controlled screwdriving and insertion
Best applications for the FANUC CR-7iA
Compact precision assembly
Heavier small-part handling
FANUC-standard production cells
UR5e advantages
About $12,000 lower listed price
850 mm reach
20.6 kg arm
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR5e limitations
5 kg payload
±0.03 mm repeatability
FANUC CR-7iA advantages
7 kg payload
±0.01 mm repeatability
High-speed mode up to 1000 mm/s
FANUC CR-7iA limitations
717 mm reach
53 kg arm
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for reach, mobility, force control and lower cost. Choose the FANUC CR-7iA for compact precision cells and heavier tools in FANUC-standard plants.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the FANUC CR-7iA?
The UR5e is listed from $35,000 and the CR-7iA from $47,000, a difference of $12,000.
Which robot carries more?
The CR-7iA carries 7 kg, 2 kg more than the UR5e.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR5e reaches 850 mm, 133 mm more than the CR-7iA's 717 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The CR-7iA 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-7iA 53 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for reach and flexibility. Choose the CR-7iA for payload and precision in compact cells.
