UR5e vs FANUC CR-7iA/L: 5–7 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Payload and Precision
Updated: 2 days ago
The Universal Robots UR5e and the FANUC CR-7iA/L cover similar work areas, but the CR-7iA/L adds 2 kg of payload and much tighter repeatability. The UR5e answers with a much lighter arm, built-in force sensing and a lower price.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the more economical and flexible choice, with a listed price about 29% lower, a 20.6 kg arm and built-in force sensing. The FANUC CR-7iA/L is the better choice for heavier tools and precision work, with a 7 kg payload, ±0.01 mm repeatability and 61 mm more reach.
UR5e and FANUC CR-7iA/L at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm and repeats to ±0.03 mm. The UR7e takes its place in the current Universal Robots range.
The CR-7iA/L is the long-arm version of FANUC's CR-7iA. It carries 7 kg over 911 mm, repeats to ±0.01 mm and weighs 55 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | FANUC CR-7iA/L |
Brand | Universal Robots | FANUC |
Listed price | $35,000 | $49,000 |
Payload | 5 kg | 7 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 911 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.01 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | Not specified |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 55 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/L: listed from $49,000
Difference: $14,000
The UR5e costs roughly 29% less
Payload and reach
The CR-7iA/L carries 7 kg, 2 kg more than the UR5e, and reaches 911 mm, 61 mm more than the UR5e's 850 mm. The extra payload gives margin for heavier grippers, vacuum tools and screwdriving units.
Precision
FANUC publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability for the CR-7iA/L, against ±0.03 mm for the UR5e.
Weight and installation
The UR5e weighs 20.6 kg, about 34 kg less than the CR-7iA/L's 55 kg. The UR5e is easy to move between machines. The CR-7iA/L installs on the floor, at an angle or inverted and suits fixed cells.
Force sensing, safety and programming
The UR5e has a built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and 17 configurable safety functions. It runs PolyScope and has access to the UR+ ecosystem.
The CR-7iA/L runs on the R-30iB Plus series controller with the FANUC teach pendant and ROBOGUIDE simulation, and supports EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, CC-Link, OPC UA and other interfaces.
Best applications for the UR5e
Redeployable machine tending
Packaging, kitting and inspection
Force-controlled insertion and screwdriving
Best applications for the FANUC CR-7iA/L
Precision assembly with heavier tools
Machine tending in FANUC-standard plants
Fixed cells with angled or inverted mounting
UR5e advantages
About $14,000 lower listed price
20.6 kg arm
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
5 kg payload
Succeeded by the UR7e
FANUC CR-7iA/L advantages
7 kg payload and 911 mm reach
±0.01 mm repeatability
FANUC fieldbus and ROBOGUIDE support
FANUC CR-7iA/L limitations
55 kg arm
Higher listed price
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for lower cost, mobility and force-controlled tasks. Choose the FANUC CR-7iA/L for heavier tooling, tighter repeatability and fixed FANUC cells.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the FANUC CR-7iA/L?
The UR5e is listed from $35,000 and the CR-7iA/L from $49,000, a difference of $14,000.
Which robot carries more?
The CR-7iA/L carries 7 kg, 2 kg more than the UR5e.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The CR-7iA/L reaches 911 mm and the UR5e 850 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The CR-7iA/L 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/L 55 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for cost, mobility and force control. Choose the CR-7iA/L for payload and precision in fixed cells.
