UR5e vs Hanwha HCR-5A: 5 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Precision and Protection
Updated: 9 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE Both are compared at 5 kg. Hanwha HCR-5A 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 Hanwha HCR-5A 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 915 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 Hanwha HCR-5A are 5 kg cobots of almost identical weight. The HCR-5A reaches a little further, is sealed to IP66 and costs about 20% less. The UR5e repeats more tightly and has built-in force sensing.
Quick verdict. The Hanwha HCR-5A is the value choice, with 915 mm reach, IP66 and a listed price about 20% lower. The UR5e is the better choice for precise and force-controlled work, with ±0.03 mm repeatability, a 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and the UR+ ecosystem.
UR5e and HCR-5A at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The Hanwha HCR-5A carries 5 kg over 915 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs 21 kg and is rated IP66.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | Hanwha HCR-5A |
Brand | Universal Robots | Hanwha |
Listed price | $35,000 | $28,000 |
Payload | 5 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 915 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 1 m/s linear speed; joint speeds up to 180°/s |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 21 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP66 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | HC-S2DC controller, 450 x 470 x 223 mm, 17.6 kg, 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz, 1 kW; 12.1-inch teach pendant |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
Hanwha HCR-5A: listed from $28,000
Difference: $7,000
The HCR-5A costs roughly 20% less
Reach and precision
Both arms carry 5 kg. The HCR-5A reaches 915 mm, 65 mm more. The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability against ±0.05 mm, which matters for precise assembly and insertion.
Protection and mounting
The HCR-5A is sealed to IP66 against IP54 for the UR5e, which helps in wet, dusty or coolant-exposed areas. Hanwha supports floor, wall and ceiling mounting and fits two wrist tool connectors with 24 V power, digital I/O, analog inputs and RS-485.
Sensing and programming
The UR5e has a built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and 17 configurable safety functions, runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2. The HCR-5A runs on the HC-S2DC controller with a 12.1-inch teach pendant.
Best applications for the UR5e
Precise assembly and insertion
Force-controlled screwdriving
Existing UR cells
Best applications for the HCR-5A
Machine tending in wet or dusty areas
Wall or ceiling mounted cells
Budget-conscious 5 kg handling
UR5e advantages
±0.03 mm repeatability
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
About $7,000 higher listed price
IP54 rating
HCR-5A advantages
About 20% lower listed price
915 mm reach
IP66
HCR-5A limitations
±0.05 mm repeatability
1 m/s linear speed
Final verdict
Choose the Hanwha HCR-5A for protection and value. Choose the UR5e for precision and force control.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the Hanwha HCR-5A?
The HCR-5A is listed from $28,000 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $7,000.
Do both robots carry 5 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 5 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The HCR-5A reaches 915 mm and the UR5e 850 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the HCR-5A ±0.05 mm.
Which robot has better protection?
The HCR-5A is rated IP66 and the UR5e IP54.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the HCR-5A for value and protection. Choose the UR5e for precision and force control.
