Finding the right collaborative robot arms can make or break your industrial automation project. This deep dive into the best robot arm models and their applications can save you time and hassles of automation component selection.
Popular Robot Arms Used in Production and Packaging
Collaborative robots (cobots) offer easy-to-use, and safe industrial automation solutions for a wide range of tasks. From material handling and assembly to machine tending, these 6-axis robot arms enhance productivity while ensuring close human-robot interaction without compromising safety.
With a variety of models designed for different payloads and reach capacities, cobots from the following six key players in the industry offer the versatility and precision you need in the real world. Click to navigate to their section to learn more about each of them.
Leading Collaborative Robot Arm Manufacturers
- Universal Robots
- FANUC
- ABB
- Kinova
Collaborative Robots from Universal Robots
The most widely known robot arms company, Universal Robots is often the best choice for a wide range of shop floor requirements. Here’s an overview of specific models from Universal Robots.
Universal Robots UR3e
The UR3e is a compact 6-axis robot arm designed for precision tasks in confined industrial spaces. This collaborative robot, or cobot, excels in applications ranging from packaging automation to end-of-line processes. With a payload capacity of 3 kg and a reach of 500 mm, the UR3e offers impressive versatility for its size.
As the smallest member of Universal Robots’ cobot family, the UR3e is ideal for bench-top applications and integration within production machinery. Its collaboration-friendly design ensures safe operation alongside human workers without the need for protective barriers, enhancing workplace efficiency and flexibility.
The UR3e’s user-friendly programming interface allows for quick setup and deployment, enabling most operators to unpack, mount, and program simple tasks in under an hour. This ease of use, combined with its adaptability, makes the UR3e an excellent choice for businesses looking to automate various processes, from assembly to quality inspection.
UR3e Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 3 kg
- Reach: 500 mm
- Degrees of Freedom: 6-axis
- Programming: Intuitive teach pendant interface
Benefits of UR3e Cobot:
By incorporating the UR3e into production lines, companies can optimize human resources, increase uptime, and reduce energy consumption. The cobot’s ability to be easily reprogrammed or relocated to new processes ensures responsiveness to changing business needs, making it a future-proof investment in industrial automation.
Universal Robots UR5e
The UR5e is a highly adaptable 6-axis robot arm designed to optimize energy consumption for industrial automation. This collaborative robot, or cobot, excels in applications ranging from packaging automation to end-of-line processes. With a payload capacity of 5 kg and a reach of 850 mm, the UR5e offers impressive versatility for light to medium-sized objects.
A key member of Universal Robots’ cobot family, the UR5e is perfect for businesses seeking to automate tasks without major facility changes. It was designed to ensure safe operation alongside human workers without protective barriers, to maximize workplace efficiency and flexibility. The UR5e’s intuitive programming interface allows for quick setup and deployment, with most operators able to unpack, mount, and program simple tasks in under an hour.
UR5e Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 5 kg (11 lbs)
- Reach: 850 mm
- Degrees of Freedom: 6-axis
- Programming: Intuitive teach pendant interface
- Safety Features: Built-in force sensing and collision detection
- Power Consumption: Average 200 watts
UR5e Cobot Benefits:
The UR5e’s adaptability makes it suitable for various industries and applications. By incorporating this cobot into production lines, companies can optimize human resources, increase uptime, and reduce energy consumption. The UR5e consumes only 200 watts on an average, comparable to a gaming console, making it an energy-efficient automation solution.
Universal Robots UR10e
The UR10e is a powerful 6-axis collaborative robot arm designed for medium-duty industrial automation tasks. This cobot offers an impressive 12.5 kg payload capacity and a 1300 mm reach, making it ideal for applications such as packaging automation and end-of-line processes. As Universal Robots’ most versatile robot, the UR10e excels in tasks ranging from robotic palletizing and machine tending to welding and sanding/surface finishing.
The UR10e’s design ensures safe operation alongside human workers, while also boosting efficiency. Its simple programming interface allows for quick setup and deployment, allowing most operators to unpack, mount, and program simple tasks in under an hour.
UR10e Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 12.5 kg (27.55 lbs)
- Reach: 1300 mm
- Degrees of Freedom: 6 rotating joints
- Power Consumption: Average 350 watts
UR10e Cobot Benefits:
With its unmatched adaptability and ease of use, the UR10e is an excellent choice for businesses looking to automate various processes across different industries. The user-friendly interface reduces the barriers to deployment, and ensures faster realization of ROI on industrial automation.
Universal Robots UR16e
The UR16e is a robust 6-axis collaborative robot arm designed for heavy-duty industrial automation tasks. This cobot excels in applications requiring both strength and precision, making it a good fit for packaging automation and end-of-line processes. With a 16 kg payload capacity and a 900 mm reach, the UR16e is perfectly suited for demanding applications such as heavy material handling, machine tending, and complex assembly operations.
Even though it’s Universal Robots’ most powerful collaborative robot, the UR16e comes with a user-friendly programming interface. It’s easy to set up and deploy, enabling businesses to automate complex, high-load tasks with ease.
UR16e Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 16 kg (35.3 lbs)
- Reach: 900 mm (35.4 in)
- Degrees of Freedom: 6 rotating joints
- Programming: 12-inch touchscreen with PolyScope graphical user interface
- Weight: 33.1 kg (73 lbs)
UR16e Benefits:
The UR16e’s versatility shines in various industries, from automotive to electronics, where it can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency. Its quick set up time lets manufacturers rapidly automate to gain competitive advantage.
Universal Robots UR20
The UR20 is Universal Robots’ most advanced 6-axis collaborative robot arm, designed for large-scale industrial automation tasks. This impressive cobot combines strength with exceptional reach to simplify a wide range of tasks on the shop floor. With a substantial 20 kg payload capacity and an extensive 1750 mm reach, the UR20 can be used as in automated material handling as robot pelletizers and metal fabrication as robot welders.
A state-of-the-art collaborative robot, the UR20 seamlessly integrates into existing production environments. Manufacturers can easily automate tasks with the user-friendly programming interface of UR20.
UR20 Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 20 kg (44.1 lbs)
- Reach: 1750 mm (68.9 in)
- Degrees of Freedom: 6 rotating joints
- Programming: Intuitive touchscreen interface with PolyScope software
- Weight: 64 kg (141.1 lbs)
UR20 Benefits:
The UR20 is highly adaptable and can benefit various industries such as automotive and logistics. Its ability to automate with precision by leveraging finer motor control, combined with its compact size makes it an instant productivity booster.
Universal Robots UR30
The UR30 is Universal Robots’ most robust 6-axis collaborative robot arm with the highest payload capacity, making it ideal for industries that need heavy-duty automation. This cobot offers the best of both worlds - superior strength and a compact size, making it an easy choice for packaging automation, end-of-line processes, and CNC Machining. With a 30 kg payload capacity and a 1300 mm reach, the UR30 excels in demanding applications such as machine tending robots, palletizing robots, and high-torque screw driving robots.
As an advanced collaborative robot, the UR30 is built for unmatched workplace efficiency. It can be easily integrated into the existing production environment, programmed without advanced coding knowledge, and deployed rapidly.
UR30 Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 30 kg (66.1 lbs)
- Reach: 1300 mm (51.2 in)
- Degrees of Freedom: 6 rotating joints
- Programming: Intuitive touchscreen interface
- Weight: 63.5 kg (140 lbs)
UR30 Benefits:
The UR30 is a heavy-duty collaborative robot, suitable for industries such as automotive where its ability to operate larger payloads can be an asset. The compact size and fast deployment makes it one of the most accessible cobot on the market, enabling businesses to streamline operations faster, without the need for a long drawn deployment phase.
FANUC Robot Arms
FANUC Robot Arms are preferred for their industrial-grade quality and reliability. They are well known for their completely in-house production of components. Here are five FANUC collaborative robots you need to know more about.
The FANUC CRX-5iA
The FANUC CRX-5iA is a compact 6-axis collaborative robot arm designed for precision tasks in industrial automation. This cobot excels in applications such as tight tolerance gear assembly, collaborative gear mesh assembly, and measurement tasks. With a payload capacity of 5 kg and a reach of 994 mm, the CRX-5iA offers versatility for light-duty operations.
As FANUC’s lightest payload collaborative robot, the CRX-5iA is perfect for businesses new to robotics and experienced manufacturers alike. Its user-friendly teach pendant allows for easy programming and quick deployment, enabling companies to automate various processes efficiently. The cobot’s compact design and flexible mounting options (floor, wall, or inverted) make it adaptable to diverse production environments.
FANUC CRX-5iA Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 5 kg
- Reach: 994 mm
- Axes: 6
- Weight: 25 kg
- Repeatability: ±0.03 mm
- Maximum Speed: 1000 mm/sec (Collaborative Mode), 2000 mm/sec (High Speed Mode)
FANUC CRX-5iA Benefits
The CRX-5iA’s IP67 protection rating for its body, wrist, and J3 arm ensures durability in various industrial settings. It can deftly perform tasks such as gear assembly, inspection/measurement, and welding. The enhanced durability and versatility of this collaborative robot arm makes it the preferred choice for a wide range of businesses trying to streamline their production processes.
The FANUC CRX-10iA
The FANUC CRX-10iA is a powerful and user-friendly 6-axis collaborative robot arm designed for manufacturers with little to no robotic experience. This FANUC cobot can help automate diverse applications, including packaging automation and end-of-line processes.
The FANUC CRX-10iA features an intuitive programming interface with simple drag and drop technology on a touchscreen teach pendant. This ease of use, combined with FANUC’s renowned reliability and sensitive contact detection, allows the cobot to work safely alongside humans in diverse manufacturing environments. The CRX-10iA’s capabilities extend to paint color matching, order fulfillment, machine tending, and even AI vision inspection, making it a valuable asset for businesses looking to enhance their automation capabilities.
FANUC CRX-10iA Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 10 kg
- Reach: 1,249 mm
- Axes: 6
- Weight: 40 kg
- Repeatability: ±0.04 mm
- Maximum Speed: 1000 mm/sec (Collaborative Mode), 2000 mm/sec (High Speed Mode)
FANUC CRX-10iA Benefits
CRX-10iA’s body, wrist, and J3 arm, all have the IP67 protection rating which ensures reliability in various industrial settings. This collaborative robot is ready for the real-world conditions across various industrial tasks such as welding, sanding, and automated pick and place operation.
The FANUC CRX-10iA/L
The FANUC CRX-10iA/L is a 6-axis collaborative robot arm ideal for processes that require a mix of both power and precision. It can be an asset in automating common applications such as packaging automation and end-of-line processes.
The CRX-10iA/L is one of the most accessible collaborative robots with an easy to use programming interface and its ability to work safely alongside humans. Whether it’s used for autonomous scanning, palletizing, or dispense applications, the CRX-10iA/L proves to be a valuable asset for businesses looking to enhance their automation capabilities. The FANUC CRX-10iA/L also features a unique underflip motion, making it ideal for complex operations. Its capabilities extend to AI-based sanding, welding, machine tending, and even EV battery inspection.
FANUC CRX-10iA/L Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 10 kg
- Reach: 1,418 mm
- Axes: 6
- Weight: 40 kg
- Repeatability: ±0.04 mm
- Maximum Speed: 1000 mm/sec (Collaborative Mode), 2000 mm/sec (High Speed Mode)
FANUC CRX-10iA/LBenefits:
The CRX-10iA/L’s IP67 protection rating for its body, wrist, and J3 arm ensures enhanced durability in demanding industrial environments. With its ability to perform tasks ranging from brake pad assembly to collaborative welding, this robot arm offers a versatile solution for businesses aiming to streamline their production processes and boost overall efficiency.
The FANUC CRX-20iA/L
The FANUC CRX-20iA/L is an industry-grade 6-axis collaborative robot arm optimized to handle larger payloads. This heavy-duty cobot has a significantly higher payload capacity of 20 kgs and excels in applications such as palletizing, machine tending, and large component handling. With a reach of 1,418 mm, the CRX-20iA/L ensures smooth part loading and unloading for CNC machining, as well as end-of-line processes and packaging automation.
The CRX-20iA/L offers the hallmark ease of use that the FANUC line is known for while providing enhanced capabilities for more demanding tasks. The under-flip motion in CRX-20iA/L allows for operation in confined spaces, making it adaptable to various production environments. The cobot’s intuitive tablet interface simplifies programming, enabling quick deployment and reducing integration time for businesses of all sizes.
FANUC CRX-20iA/L Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 20 kg
- Reach: 1,418 mm
- Axes: 6
- Mechanical Weight: 41 kg
- Repeatability: ± 0.04 mm
- Maximum Speed: 1000 mm/sec (both Collaborative and High Speed Modes)
FANUC CRX-20iA/L Benefits:
With its IP67 protection rating the CRX-20iA/L is a reliable cobot for challenging industrial settings. This collaborative robot arm offers a versatile solution for businesses looking to automate heavier-duty tasks while maintaining flexibility in their production processes.
The FANUC CRX-25iA
The FANUC CRX-25iA stands out as one of the most powerful 6-axis collaborative robots in the CRX series. This cobot boasts the highest payload capacity of 25-30 kg in the FANUC line, and a reach of 1756-1889 mm, making it ideal for demanding tasks in packaging automation and end-of-line processes. The CRX-25iA excels in applications such as palletizing, material handling, machine tending, and welding, offering unparalleled versatility for heavy-duty collaborative automation.
Like its other CRX counterparts, the CRX-25iA maintains FANUC’s commitment to user-friendly design and industrial reliability. It offers 8 years of zero maintenance, reducing downtime and operational costs. The robot’s interface allows for easy programming and quick deployment, making it accessible even to manufacturers new to robotics. With its ability to handle heavier loads while maintaining collaborative safety features, the CRX-25iA bridges the gap between traditional industrial robots and lighter cobots.
FANUC CRX-25iA Technical Specifications:
- Max Payload: 25/30 kg
- Reach: 1889 mm
- Axes: 6
- Mechanical Weight: 135 kg
- Repeatability: ± 0.05 mm
- Mounting Options: Floor, inverted, wall
FANUC CRX-25iA Benefits:
The CRX-25iA’s IP67 protection rating for its body, wrist, and J3 arm ensures durability in challenging industrial environments. Whether used for autonomous palletizing or complex welding applications, this robust collaborative robot arm offers a powerful solution for businesses looking to automate heavy-duty tasks while maintaining flexibility in their production processes.
ABB Robot Arms
ABB Robot Arms are renowned for their cutting-edge SafeMove Technology and focus on modular and scalable solutions for smart factories. Here are the best ABB Robot Arms that showcase their versatility.
ABB CRB15000 GoFa 5
The ABB GoFa CRB 15000 is a powerful and fast 6-axis collaborative robot arm designed for industrial automation tasks requiring both speed and precision. This ABB cobot excels in applications such as assembly, material handling, and packaging automation, making it ideal for end-of-line processes. With a payload capacity of 5 kg and a reach of 950 mm, the GoFa CRB 15000 offers impressive versatility for a wide range of industrial tasks.
As ABB’s fastest cobot, the GoFa CRB 15000 can operate at speeds up to 2.2 m/s, significantly enhancing productivity in various manufacturing environments. Its user-friendly lead-through programming and intuitive graphical interface allow for easy setup and quick deployment, even for operators with minimal robotics experience. The cobot’s built-in safety features, including integrated torque sensors in each axis, ensure safe collaboration with human workers while maintaining high performance.
ABB CRB15000 GoFa 5 Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 5 kg
- Reach: 950 mm
- Axes: 6
- Weight: 27 kg
- Maximum Speed: 2.2 m/s
- Repeatability: 0.05 mm
ABB CRB15000 GoFa 5 Benefits:
The GoFa CRB 15000’s IP54 protection rating ensures durability in industrial settings, while its compact design allows for flexible installation options. Its high speed makes this collaborative robot arm ideal to streamline multiple operations - such as pick and place, machine tending, or quality inspection.
ABB CRB15000 GoFa 10
The ABB GoFa CRB 15000 10 is a robust 6-axis collaborative robot arm designed for industrial automation tasks requiring higher payload capacity. This cobot is ideal for end-of-line processes with its excellent performance for diverse tasks like material handling, assembly, and packaging automation. With a payload capacity of 10 kg and a reach of 950 mm, the GoFa CRB 15000 10 offers impressive versatility for a wide range of industrial tasks.
As part of ABB’s collaborative robot family, the GoFa CRB 15000 10 combines power with user-friendly features. Its simple programming interface allows for easy setup and quick deployment, even for operators with minimal robotics experience. The cobot’s built-in safety features ensure safe collaboration with human workers while maintaining high performance in various manufacturing environments.
ABB CRB15000 GoFa 10 Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 10 kg
- Reach: 950 mm
- Axes: 6
- Weight: 38.5 kg
- Repeatability: 0.03 mm
ABB CRB15000 GoFa 10 Benefits:
The GoFa CRB 15000 10’s compact design allows for flexible installation options, making it adaptable to diverse production setups. It offers greater safety despite the higher payload capacity, without any need for extensive barriers. The versatility of CRB15000 makes it an easy choice for any industry.
ABB CRB15000 GoFa 12
The ABB GoFa CRB 15000 12 is a powerful 6-axis collaborative robot arm designed for large-scale industrial automation tasks requiring substantial payload capacity. This cobot excels in applications such as material handling, packaging automation, and end-of-line processes. With a payload capacity of 12 kg and a reach of 950 mm, the GoFa CRB 15000 12 is the largest model in the GoFa series.
As part of ABB’s collaborative robot family, the GoFa CRB 15000 12 combines strength with user-friendly features. It can be easily set up and deployed, even by operators with minimal robotics experience due to the simple and intuitive programming interface. The cobot’s built-in safety features ensure safe collaboration with human workers while maintaining high performance in various manufacturing environments - such as automotive, logistics, and heavy manufacturing.
ABB GoFa CRB 15000 12 Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 12 kg
- Reach: 950 mm
- Axes: 6
- Weight: 38.5 kg
- Repeatability: 0.03 mm
ABB GoFa CRB 15000 12 Benefits:
The GoFa CRB 15000 12’s compact design allows for flexible installation options, making it adaptable to any type of production setups. Whether used for heavy-duty pick and place operations, machine tending, or complex assembly tasks, this collaborative robot arm offers a robust solution for businesses looking for reliable automation.
Kinova Robot Arms
Kinova Robot Arms are preferred in various research and industrial settings where high precision is important. Here’s the best option from Kinova Robot Arms to consider for multiple applications.
Kinova Link 6 Collaborative Robot
The Kinova Link 6 is a sophisticated 6-axis collaborative robot arm designed for industrial automation tasks. This cobot offers excellent performance for CNC machine tending, small parts assembly, and material handling, making it suitable for packaging automation and end-of-line processes. With a payload capacity of 6 kg and a reach of 1000 mm, the Link 6 offers impressive versatility for a wide range of industrial tasks.
As Kinova’s industrial cobot, the Link 6 features an intuitive web-based graphical programming interface, allowing for easy setup and deployment. Its multi-usage wrist includes a colored ring annunciator and feed-through power and data, enhancing ease of use and efficiency. The Link 6 also boasts advanced safety features, including joint speed saturation near singularities and collision sensing capabilities, ensuring safe collaboration with human workers in various manufacturing environments.
Kinova Link 6 Technical Specifications:
- Payload: 6 kg
- Reach: 1000 mm
- Axes: 6
- Linear speed: 1650 mm/s
- Robot mass: 23.45 kg
- Footprint: 149 mm
Kinova Link 6 Benefits:
The Link 6’s compact design and superior hand-guiding capabilities make it adaptable to diverse production setups. With integration assistance from Kinova’s application engineering team, this collaborative robot arm offers an accessible solution for businesses looking to enhance their automation capabilities and streamline production processes.
Conclusion
Robot arms, particularly cobot arms, have become an essential part of profitably scaling modern manufacturing, offering flexible, safe, and reliable automation solutions. With their advanced safety features, ease of programming, and ability to work alongside human operators, cobots enable businesses to integrate automation more seamlessly than ever before. Leading cobot manufacturers, such as Universal Robots, FANUC, and ABB, offer models that can be tailored to a wide range of applications, making automation more accessible and scalable for businesses of all sizes.