UR5e vs FANUC CRX-5iA: 5 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Specs and Applications
Updated: 2 days ago
The Universal Robots UR5e and the FANUC CRX-5iA are 5 kg collaborative robots from two of the best-known names in automation. The UR5e is one of the most widely deployed cobots of its generation, with a built-in force/torque sensor and the large UR+ ecosystem. The CRX-5iA brings FANUC's industrial controller, tablet programming and a 994 mm reach.
This comparison uses the published specifications and listed prices of both robots to show where each one is stronger and which projects suit each one.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the more economical choice, with a listed price about 19% lower, a lighter arm and built-in force sensing for assembly work. The FANUC CRX-5iA is the stronger choice when the cell needs more reach, flexible mounting and FANUC's broad fieldbus support, or when the plant already runs FANUC robots.
UR5e and FANUC CRX-5iA at a glance
The UR5e is the 5 kg, 850 mm model of the Universal Robots e-Series. It is no longer part of the current Universal Robots range, where the UR7e takes its place, but it remains common in installed cells and on the market.
The CRX-5iA is the 5 kg model of FANUC's CRX series. It reaches 994 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm, weighs 25 kg and runs on the R-30iB Mini Plus controller.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | FANUC CRX-5iA |
Brand | Universal Robots | FANUC |
Listed price | $35,000 | $43,200 |
Payload | 5 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 994 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.03 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 1000 mm/s (collaborative mode); 2000 mm/s (high-speed mode) |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 25 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP67 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | R-30iB Mini Plus |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
FANUC CRX-5iA: listed from $43,200
Difference: $8,200
The UR5e costs roughly 19% less
Both listings exclude end effectors, safety equipment and integration. Buyers moving from the UR5e to its successor, the UR7e, should compare current quotes for both.
Payload and precision
Both robots carry 5 kg, including the gripper, and both repeat to ±0.03 mm. For most handling and assembly tasks in this class, the deciding factors are reach, tooling and software rather than raw precision.
Reach and working envelope
The CRX-5iA reaches 994 mm, 144 mm more than the UR5e's 850 mm. That is about 17% more reach, which helps with wider machine doors, deeper fixtures and larger pallets.
The UR5e rotates ±360° on every joint, which gives freedom in posture and cable routing. The CRX-5iA can be mounted on the floor, upside-down or at an angle, which helps in overhead and machine-side layouts.
Weight and mounting
The UR5e arm weighs 20.6 kg on a Ø149 mm footprint, about 4.4 kg less than the CRX-5iA's 25 kg. The lighter arm suits carts, pedestals and mobile platforms.
Force sensing and safety
The UR5e has a built-in force/torque sensor (50 N / 10 Nm) at the tool flange for insertion, press-fit and screwdriving. Its safety system offers 17 configurable safety functions certified to EN ISO 13849-1 (PLd, Category 3) and EN ISO 10218-1.
The CRX-5iA stops on contact and supports hand-guided teaching. As with any cobot, the final cell layout should be confirmed by a risk assessment.
Programming and software
The UR5e is programmed in PolyScope on the UR teach pendant. Operators can hand-guide the arm to set waypoints and build programs from ready-made blocks.
The CRX-5iA supports drag-and-drop programming on a tablet teach pendant and hand guiding, with ROBOGUIDE for offline programming and cell simulation. Plants that already use FANUC robots can keep the same controller family and engineering tools.
Connectivity and ecosystem
The UR5e supports Modbus TCP, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP, and has access to the UR+ ecosystem of certified grippers, vision systems and software.
The CRX-5iA publishes a wider list of interfaces: EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, DeviceNet, CC-Link, CC-Link IE Field, PROFIBUS, FL-net, Modbus and OPC UA.
Best applications for the UR5e
Screwdriving, insertion and press-fit with force control
Small-part machine tending on compact machines
Packaging, kitting and camera-based inspection
Mobile and cart-mounted cells
Labs and integrators that rely on UR+ accessories
Best applications for the FANUC CRX-5iA
Machine tending on larger machine tools and presses
Light palletizing of cases and crates up to 5 kg
Arc welding and assembly cells
Overhead or angled mounting
Plants standardized on FANUC controllers and fieldbuses
UR5e advantages
About $8,200 lower listed price
Built-in force/torque sensor
17 configurable safety functions
20.6 kg arm and Ø149 mm base
±360° rotation on all joints
Large UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
850 mm reach
No longer in the current Universal Robots range
FANUC CRX-5iA advantages
994 mm reach
Floor, upside-down or angled mounting
Tablet drag-and-drop programming and ROBOGUIDE simulation
Broad fieldbus and OPC UA support
FANUC CRX-5iA limitations
Higher listed price
Heavier arm at 25 kg
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for force-controlled assembly, compact and mobile cells, and projects where the UR+ ecosystem and a lower listed price matter.
Choose the FANUC CRX-5iA for longer reach, flexible mounting and integration into plants that already run FANUC robots and industrial fieldbuses.
Both robots carry 5 kg with ±0.03 mm repeatability, so the decision mostly comes down to reach, force sensing, software environment and the existing equipment on the shop floor.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the FANUC CRX-5iA?
The UR5e is listed from $35,000 and the FANUC CRX-5iA from $43,200 on All Things Cobots, a difference of $8,200.
Do the UR5e and CRX-5iA have the same payload?
Yes. Both carry 5 kg, including the end effector.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The CRX-5iA reaches 994 mm, 144 mm more than the UR5e's 850 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
Both publish ±0.03 mm repeatability.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR5e arm weighs 20.6 kg and the CRX-5iA 25 kg.
Does either robot have built-in force sensing?
The UR5e has a built-in force/torque sensor rated 50 N / 10 Nm at the tool flange.
Is the UR5e still in production?
The UR5e is no longer part of the current Universal Robots range, where the UR7e takes its place, but it remains widely used in installed cells.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for force-controlled assembly, compact cells and a lower price. Choose the CRX-5iA for more reach, flexible mounting and FANUC-standard plants.
