Collaborative Robotic Arm Cost Breakdown by Payload Class (2025)

The cost of cobot arms can range greatly, and much of the excess cost can be attributed to how much payload the robotic arm is cleared to carry. Here are the a few of the latest collaborative robotic arms on the market right now and their respective weight categories.

🔹 1. Lightweight Cobots (Payload: 3–5 kg)

Typical Cost: $6,000 – $33,000

Use Cases: Small part assembly, electronics, benchtop automation

Examples:

• Universal Robots UR3e (3 kg) – ~$33,000

• Techman TM5 (5 kg) – ~$30,000

• Fairino FR3 (3 kg) – ~$6,000

• UFactory xArm 6 Lite (3.5 kg) – ~$6,000–$8,000 (lower-end, for lighter-duty tasks)

These systems are great for space-limited workcells and labs. uFactory models are popular in R&D and prototyping; Fairino’s FR series offers collaborative features at competitive prices.

🔹 2. Mid-Range Cobots (Payload: 6–12 kg)

Typical Cost: $35,000 – $55,000

Use Cases: Machine tending, pick-and-place, inspection, basic welding

Examples:

• Universal Robots UR10e (12.5 kg) – ~$50,000

• Doosan M1013 (10 kg) – ~$50,000

• Fanuc CRX-10iA (10 kg) – ~$50,000

• Fairino FR10 (10 kg) – ~$10,200

• UFactory xArm 6 (5–6 kg) – ~$9,000 (limited industrial use, good for training or light automation)

Fairino’s FR10 is a solid contender for high-mix/low-volume tasks, with built-in collision detection and simplified programming. uFactory models in this range are better suited to entry-level or educational automation environments.

🔹 3. Heavy-Duty Cobots (Payload: 13–25+ kg)

Typical Cost: $50,000 – $80,000

Use Cases: Heavy payloads, palletizing, large part handling, material removal

Examples:

• Universal Robots UR20 (20 kg) – ~$60,000

• Doosan H2515 (25 kg) – ~$75,000

• Fanuc CRX-20iA (20 kg) – ~$56,000

• Fairino FR20 (20 kg) – ~$16,000

uFactory currently does not compete in this payload category, but Fairino’s FR20 is a notable newer entrant, offering large payload capacity with built-in torque sensing and IP ratings for rugged environments.

⚠️ What About Industrial (Non-Collaborative) Arms?

While traditional industrial robotic arms offer higher speeds, larger payloads, and rigid repeatability, they typically require safety cages, complex integration, and dedicated programming expertise. For that reason, they’re often better suited for high-throughput environments with specialized staff and floor space.

In contrast, cobots prioritize flexibility, safety, and ease of deployment — making them the preferred choice for small and mid-sized manufacturers looking to automate incrementally, without restructuring their entire operation.

Total Cost of Ownership: Collaborative Robotic Arm (2025)

Cost Component	Typical Range (USD)	Details
Cobot Arm (Base Unit)	$6,000 – $80,000	Depends on brand, payload, and reach
End-of-Arm Tooling	$2,000 – $20,000	Grippers, welders, screwdrivers, force sensors
Robot Controller & Software	Often included, or +$5,000–$15,000	Some systems bundle these; others license separately
Workcell Integration	$10,000 – $50,000+	Includes fixturing, I/O, conveyors, vision systems, etc.
Safety Equipment (if needed)	$2,000 – $15,000	May include light curtains, safety scanners, or e-stop systems
Installation & Setup	$5,000 – $15,000	Basic setup, calibration, and testing
Training & Onboarding	$2,000 – $10,000	In-house training or vendor support depending on complexity
Maintenance (Annual)	$1,000 – $3,000	Minimal compared to industrial robots; includes consumables & servicing
Software Updates / Support	$0 – $5,000/year	You often pay for support subscriptions

As cobot technology matures, the cost of entry continues to fall while capability and flexibility rise. Whether you’re automating a single station or planning a phased rollout, understanding the true cost of ownership — not just the sticker price — is key to making a smart, scalable investment. With the right planning and support, a collaborative robotic arm can quickly become one of the most productive assets in your operation.