---
title: "Collaborative Robots: 2026 Comparison and Applications"
description: "Compare collaborative robots from Universal Robots, FANUC, OMRON, Yaskawa and ABB: payloads, reach and key industrial applications in 2026."
image: https://revtechsys.com/hubfs/cobots-differences.jpg
---

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# Collaborative Robots: 2026 Comparison and Applications

![robots collaboratifs](https://revtechsys.com/hubfs/cobots-differences.jpg)

*Updated: November 4, 2026*

A collaborative robot can automate assembly, machine tending, welding or palletizing. However, two cobots with similar payload capacities will not necessarily meet the same needs.

Choosing a model requires looking at the workpiece, tooling, required reach, cycle time and working environment. This comparison features a selection of robots from Universal Robots, FANUC, OMRON, Yaskawa and ABB, with their published specifications and examples of potential applications.

## How to Read This Comparison

The payload must account for the workpiece, gripper and any accessories carried by the robot. The applications listed are examples of potential projects: feasibility depends on tooling, process requirements, programming and risk assessment. These applications are not exclusive to each model.

Reach figures follow each manufacturer’s definitions. ABB distinguishes between wrist reach and flange reach; the GoFa and PoWa figures below refer to flange reach. Yaskawa publishes horizontal reach for the models shown. Simulation is still needed to confirm actual access to the workpieces.

## Collaborative Robot Comparison Tables

### Universal Robots

| Model | Payload (kg) | Published reach (mm) | Key application types — examples |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| UR3e (CB5) / UR3e-540 (CB7) | 3 | 500 / 540 | Light assembly, screwdriving, pick-and-place |
| UR7e (CB5) / UR7e-920 (CB7) | 7.5 | 850 / 920 | Assembly, inspection, machine tending |
| UR12e / UR12e-1300 | 12.5 | 1,300 | CNC machine tending, material handling, packaging |
| UR16e | 16 | 900 | Part handling, machine tending |
| UR10g-1750 | 8; up to 10¹ | 1,750 | Welding, long-reach pick-and-place |
| UR17g-1300 | 15; up to 17.5¹ | 1,300 | Material handling, machine tending, packaging |
| UR18g-950 | 18 | 950 | Machine tending, heavy part handling |
| UR20 / UR20-1750 | 20; up to 25¹ | 1,750 | Palletizing, welding, material handling |
| UR30 / UR30-1300 | 30; up to 35¹ | 1,300 | Heavy-load palletizing, machine tending |

Source: [Universal Robots — manufacturer specifications](https://www.universal-robots.com/products/robot-arms/).

CB5 and CB7 variants are identified separately to avoid mixing reach specifications. Universal Robots now uses the names UR7e and UR12e for the ranges previously known as UR5e and UR10e. The g-Series succeeds the UR8 Long, UR15 and UR18.

The capabilities of an existing robot must be checked against its own documentation. [See the manufacturer’s explanation](https://www.universal-robots.com/insights/faq/).

### FANUC — CRX Series

| Model | Payload (kg) | Published reach (mm) | Key application types — examples |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CRX-3iA | 3 | 692 | Light assembly, pick-and-place, welding with suitable equipment |
| CRX-5iA | 5 | 994 | Assembly, inspection, pick-and-place |
| CRX-10iA | 10 | 1,249 | Machine tending, assembly, welding |
| CRX-10iA/L | 10 | 1,418 | Welding, material handling, machine tending |
| CRX-20iA/L | 20 | 1,418 | Material handling, CNC machine tending, palletizing |
| CRX-30iA | 30 / 25² | 1,756 / 1,889² | Palletizing, heavy-load handling |

Source: [FANUC — 2026 CRX brochure](https://crx.fanucamerica.com/uploads/files/2026-CRX-Brochure.pdf).

### OMRON — TM S Series

| Model | Payload (kg) | Published reach (mm) | Key application types — examples |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| TM5S | 5 | 900 | Assembly, inspection, pick-and-place |
| TM6S | 6 | 1,800 | Long-reach light handling, multi-station machine tending |
| TM7S | 7 | 700 | Assembly in compact workcells, testing, component handling |
| TM12S | 12 | 1,300 | Machine tending, packaging, material handling |
| TM14S | 14 | 1,100 | Material handling, packaging, machine tending |
| TM20S | 20 | 1,300 | Heavy handling, packaging, compact palletizing |
| TM25S | 25³ | 1,902 | Palletizing, large part handling |
| TM30S | 30³ | 1,702 | Heavy-load palletizing and depalletizing |

Source: [OMRON — TM S Series](https://robotics.omron.com/products/collaborative-robots/tms-series/).

### Yaskawa Motoman — HC Series

| Model | Payload (kg) | Published reach (mm) | Key application types — examples |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| HC10DTP | 10 | 1,200⁴ | Assembly, machine tending, pick-and-place |
| HC20DTP | 20 | 1,700⁴ | Material handling, palletizing, machine tending |
| HC30PL | 30 | 1,700⁴ | Palletizing, packaging, material handling |

Source: [Yaskawa Motoman — HC Series](https://www.motoman.com/en-us/products/robots/collaborative/hc-series).

### ABB — GoFa and YuMi

| Model | Payload (kg) | Published reach (mm) | Key application types — examples |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GoFa 5 | 5 | 1,050⁵ | Assembly, screwdriving, small part handling |
| GoFa 10 | 10; up to 12⁶ | 1,620⁵ | Welding, machine tending, palletizing |
| GoFa 12 | 12; up to 14⁶ | 1,370⁵ | Material handling, machine tending, welding |
| YuMi IRB 14000 — dual-arm | 0.5 per arm | 559 per arm | Small part assembly, component handling |
| YuMi IRB 14050 — single-arm | 0.5 | 559 | Light assembly, workstation feeding, small part handling |

Sources: [ABB GoFa](https://www.abb.com/global/en/areas/robotics/products/robots/collaborative-robots/gofa), [dual-arm YuMi](https://www.abb.com/global/en/areas/robotics/products/robots/collaborative-robots/dual-arm-yumi) and [single-arm YuMi](https://www.abb.com/global/en/areas/robotics/products/robots/collaborative-robots/single-arm-yumi).

The earlier SWIFTI range is not detailed in this selection.

### ABB — PoWa

| Model | Payload (kg) | Published reach (mm) | Key application types — examples |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| PoWa 7 | 7 | 1,050⁵ | Assembly, screwdriving, pick-and-place |
| PoWa 10 | 10 | 1,670⁵ | Welding, machine tending, material handling |
| PoWa 13 | 13 | 1,490⁵ | Material handling, welding, assembly |
| PoWa 16 | 16 | 2,100⁵ | Long-reach welding, material handling, palletizing |
| PoWa 20 | 20 | 1,820⁵ | Palletizing, machine tending, material handling |
| PoWa 30 | 30 | 1,500⁵ | Palletizing, heavy-load handling |

Source: [ABB — PoWa](https://www.abb.com/global/en/areas/robotics/products/robots/collaborative-robots/powa).

### Conditions to Keep in Mind

1. **Universal Robots:** extended payload capacities are subject to the manufacturer’s requirements, compatible configurations and software. They do not automatically apply to every robot path.
2. **FANUC CRX-30iA:** 30 kg with a reach of 1,756 mm; the 25 kg mode enables an extended working envelope of 1,889 mm.
3. **OMRON:** the tables show nominal values. The manufacturer also offers PalletBoost 5, allowing up to 30 kg for the TM25S and 35 kg for the TM30S during eligible palletizing movements.
4. **Yaskawa:** published horizontal reach for the specified DTP/PL versions. These figures should not be confused with those of other HC generations.
5. **ABB:** flange reach is used for GoFa and PoWa. For example, the GoFa 5 is specified with a wrist reach of 950 mm and a flange reach of 1,050 mm.
6. **GoFa 10 and GoFa 12:** increased payload capacities of 12 kg and 14 kg respectively are available in a wrist-down configuration, according to ABB.

## What to Check Before Choosing a Cobot

### 1. The Total Load, Not Just the Workpiece Weight

An 8 kg workpiece handled with a 3 kg gripper already represents 11 kg, before accounting for any other accessories. The centre of gravity, allowable torque and process forces must also be checked.

### 2. Usable Reach Within Your Cell

Maximum reach does not guarantee access to every position with the required orientation. For a CNC machine, the robot must reach the fixture without collisions. For a pallet, it must cover the corners and the full stack height while carrying the tool and load.

### 3. Cycle Time and Production Changeovers

A robot arm may meet payload and reach requirements without achieving the required production rate. Permitted speed near operators, travel paths, gripper performance and part changeovers all affect actual output.

### 4. The Process and Supporting Equipment

Welding requires suitable equipment, including a power source, torch, fixtures and fume management. Inspection requires a camera, lighting and a validation method. Robot selection must therefore be part of the design of the complete cell.

### 5. Application Safety

Using a cobot does not automatically make a cell collaborative. A sharp workpiece, welding torch or pinch point may require additional safeguards. A risk assessment determines the necessary protective measures and operating conditions.

## Which Collaborative Robot Fits Your Application?

**Assembly and pick-and-place:** start with the total load, component dimensions, workstation access and required accuracy.

**CNC machine tending:** check the machine opening, reach to the fixture, chip management and communication interfaces.

**Welding:** consider joint access, part stability, production changeovers and required weld quality. [Explore Revtech’s collaborative welding robot solutions](https://revtechsys.com/en/automated-welding-robot-welder?hsLang=en).

**Palletizing:** validate the combined weight of the boxes and tooling, pallet height and required picks per minute. For variable products, [explore mixed palletizing and robotic depalletizing](https://revtechsys.com/en/mixed-case-palletizing-and-automated-depalletizing?hsLang=en).

## Have Your Collaborative Robotics Application Evaluated

The right cobot meets your production requirements and can be integrated into a reliable, safe and straightforward cell to operate.

Revtech Systèmes helps you assess your needs and integrate a [robotic solution suited to your facility](https://revtechsys.com/en/industrial-collaborative-and-mobile-robotics-integrator?hsLang=en).

[**Tell us about your application**](https://revtechsys.com/en/contact-us?hsLang=en)**.** Share your workpiece weights and dimensions, target production rate, and a few photos or a video of the workstation to get the evaluation started.

*Specifications reviewed on November 4, 2026. This selection is not exhaustive; models, options and local availability must be confirmed for each project. Similar model names do not guarantee identical specifications across generations.*

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