Universal Robots UR30 — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Universal Robots |
|---|---|
| Model | UR30 |
| Year | 2023 |
| Category | Industrial Lite |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Weight | 63.5 kg |
| Country of origin | DK |
Key features
- 30 kg payload
- 1,300 mm reach
- ±0.05 mm repeatability
- Highest UR cobot payload
- Heavy welding capable
- ISO/TS 15066 compliant
- Multi-part gripper support
- OPC UA connectivity
What is it?
The Universal Robots UR30 is the highest-payload cobot in the UR range, a 6-axis arm with 30 kg payload and 1,300 mm reach. Launched in 2023 alongside the UR20, the UR30 uses the same new joint architecture and is designed for heavy machine tending, arc welding with heavy wire-feed torches, and applications where payload rather than reach is the constraining factor. The 30 kg capacity is a practical threshold: it enables multi-part grippers, heavy tooling, and combined gripper-plus-sensor configurations that were previously impossible with collaborative robots.
Who is it for?
- Automotive suppliers handling engine blocks, transmission housings, and large structural stampings
- Welding operations requiring collaborative deployment with heavy wire-feed MIG torches and cable assemblies
- Foundries and die-casting operators removing heavy parts from open moulds in proximity to operators
- Heavy electronics manufacturers handling large server chassis, UPS units, and power supply assemblies
Key specs
- Payload: 30 kg
- Reach: 1,300 mm
- Repeatability: ±0.05 mm
- Degrees of freedom: 6
- Weight (arm): 63.5 kg
- Power consumption: Typical 600 W
- Safety: ISO/TS 15066, configurable safety zones
- Connectivity: Modbus TCP, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA
How it compares
The nearest collaborative competitor is the Doosan H2017 (20 kg, 1,700 mm reach) and the Fanuc CRX-25iA (25 kg, 1,889 mm). The UR30 leads on payload at 30 kg; both Doosan and Fanuc exceed its reach. For heavy-payload tasks within 1,300 mm, the UR30 is unmatched in the collaborative category. Applications requiring both 30 kg payload and reach beyond 1,300 mm require a traditional industrial robot.
Limitations
- 1,300 mm reach is shorter than the UR20 (1,750 mm) at lower payload — applications need one or the other
- Collaborative speed limits constrain cycle times for high-throughput welding applications
- 63.5 kg arm mass requires substantial floor mounting infrastructure
- No built-in vision; arc welding applications require seam-tracking sensor integration
FAQ
What is the UR30 payload?
The UR30 has a 30 kg payload, the highest in the Universal Robots range. This enables heavy multi-part grippers, arc welding torches with cable assemblies, and combined gripper-plus-sensor configurations that exceed the capacity of all other UR models.
What is the UR30 reach?
The UR30 has a 1,300 mm reach. This is identical to the UR10e reach but at 30 kg payload versus 12.5 kg. Applications needing both high payload and extended reach beyond 1,300 mm require a traditional industrial robot.
What repeatability does the UR30 achieve?
The UR30 achieves ±0.05 mm repeatability, consistent with the UR20 and UR10e. This is appropriate for machine tending, welding, and assembly in its payload class.
What applications is the UR30 best suited to?
The UR30 is deployed for heavy machine tending (engine blocks, large castings), arc welding with heavy MIG torches, foundry part removal, and assembly with heavy multi-part grippers. Its 30 kg capacity opens collaborative deployment for tasks previously requiring fenced industrial robots.
How does the UR30 compare to the Fanuc CRX-25iA?
The Fanuc CRX-25iA has 25 kg payload and 1,889 mm reach. The UR30 exceeds it on payload (30 kg) but not reach (1,300 mm vs 1,889 mm). For heavy-payload tasks within 1,300 mm, the UR30 is the better choice; for applications needing long reach with moderate payload, the CRX-25iA is more appropriate.