Cobot Brand Comparison for CNC Tending
| Feature | Universal Robots (UR10e) | FANUC CRX-10iA | Doosan M1013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payload | 12.5 kg | 10 kg | 10 kg |
| Reach | 1300 mm | 1249 mm | 1300 mm |
| Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.04 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| IP Rating | IP54 | IP67 | IP54 |
| Programming | Teach pendant + Polyscope | Tablet + iHMI | Tablet + DART |
| CNC integration | UR+ ecosystem (machine tending kit) | Native FANUC controller integration | Open protocol, M-code triggers |
| List price (arm only) | $45,000–$55,000 | $40,000–$48,000 | $30,000–$40,000 |
| Ecosystem maturity | ★★★★★ (largest) | ★★★★ (strong) | ★★★ (growing) |
Next-Gen Cobots: 2025–2026 Models
The cobot landscape has expanded significantly. Universal Robots and FANUC both offer higher-payload models purpose-built for heavier CNC parts and dual-gripper setups:
- UR20: 25 kg payload, 1750 mm reach — designed for heavy parts or dual-gripper configurations where the extra reach covers large-envelope machines.
- UR30: 35 kg payload, 1300 mm reach — carries heavy EOAT + part simultaneously without payload compromise. Faster joint speeds than the UR10e.
- UR15: 17.5 kg payload, 1300 mm reach — announced at Automate 2025, offering up to 30% faster cycle times than previous-gen models.
- FANUC CRX-25iA / CRX-30iA: 25 kg and 30 kg payload options with the same IP67 rating and native FANUC controller integration.
Higher payloads enable dual-gripper configurations on heavier parts without compromise — previously a challenge when the part + gripper approached the UR10e's 12.5 kg limit.
Total Integration Cost Breakdown
The cobot arm is only 40–50% of the total integration cost. Budget for the complete system:
Full System Cost (Single Machine)
Payback Period by Shift Pattern
| Scenario | Hours Added | Annual Value | Payback ($75K system) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add unattended 2nd shift | 2,000 hrs/yr | $200,000–$300,000 | 3–5 months |
| Extend into 3rd shift | 1,000 hrs/yr | $100,000–$150,000 | 6–9 months |
| Weekend unattended | 500 hrs/yr | $50,000–$75,000 | 12–18 months |
| Free operator for other tasks | 2,000 hrs/yr | $60,000–$80,000 | 12–15 months |
The fastest payback comes from adding unattended shifts — this creates new productive hours that didn't exist before, rather than just saving labor cost on existing hours. Use our ROI Calculator to model your specific scenario.
Gripper Selection for CNC Parts
| Gripper Type | Best For | Grip Force | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-jaw parallel (Schunk PGN) | Round parts, shafts, cylinders | 200–2000 N | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 3-jaw concentric | Round parts with variation | 150–1500 N | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Vacuum suction | Flat surfaces, sheet parts | 50–200 N | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Magnetic (Schmalz) | Ferrous parts, irregular shapes | 100–500 N | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Dual-gripper (finger swap) | Load/unload in single cycle | Varies | $5,000–$12,000 |
Pro tip: A dual-gripper (one finger grabs the finished part, rotates, second finger loads the blank) reduces the load/unload portion of cycle time by 40–60% because the cobot only enters the machine once per cycle instead of twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cobot tend my CNC if I run 200 different part numbers?
Yes, but the economics are different from dedicated production. For high-mix environments, invest in universal grippers (adjustable jaw width) and flexible part staging (grid trays with adjustable locators). Changeover time should be under 10 minutes — reset the grip points, swap the part tray, load the new program. The key metric is: does changeover time amortized across the batch still yield positive ROI?
Do I need safety fencing with a cobot?
Not necessarily — that's the whole point of "collaborative." But you MUST perform a risk assessment per ISO 10218-1:2025 and ISO 10218-2:2025 (which now incorporates the former ISO/TS 15066 guidelines on collaborative operation). If the cobot handles sharp, heavy, or hot parts, the risk assessment may require area scanners, speed reduction zones, or physical barriers. Many CNC tending applications use area scanners that slow or stop the cobot when a person enters the work zone.
Should I choose the UR10e or the UR20 for CNC machine tending?
UR10e (12.5 kg payload, 1300 mm reach) is sufficient for most parts under 10 kg with a lightweight gripper. UR20 (25 kg, 1750 mm reach) is better when using heavy dual-grippers or tending large-envelope machines where the extra reach is needed. The UR20 also offers faster joint speeds for shorter load/unload cycle times. If your typical parts weigh under 8 kg and your machine door is within 1.2 m, the UR10e is typically the more cost-effective choice.