Buying Robotic Arms: Best Collaborative Robots of 2025 for Small Manufacturers

As collaborative robots become more affordable and flexible, 2025 is proving to be a breakout year for small manufacturers automating repetitive or hazardous tasks.

Whether you're adding your first robot or expanding your production line, choosing the best robotic arm for your depends on your workload, workspace, and integration needs.

This guide breaks down the top collaborative robotic arms of 2025, each selected for a specific type of application, from hazardous environments to budget-friendly automation.

These picks focus on ease of use, integration, safety, and return on investment, not just brand recognition.

Best for Hazardous Environments: Fairino FR20

• Payload: 20 kg

• Reach: 1854 mm

• Repeatability: ±0.1 mm

• Price: ~$15,500

• Why it stands out: With an optional explosion-proof configuration and IP66 protection, the Fairino FR20 is purpose-built for environments like welding, flammable materials handling, and chemical processing. It combines industrial durability with a collaborative design, making it one of the safest high-load arms available for rugged use cases.

Great fit for welding shops, chemical processing, and heavy industrial cells needing rugged, safe automation.

Fairino FR20

Best for Budget-Conscious Teams: UFactory xArm 6

• Payload: 5 kg

• Reach: 700 mm

• Repeatability: ±0.1 mm

• Price: ~$5,800–$8,899

  
  

• Why it stands out: Ideal for small manufacturers looking to automate on a budget. The xArm 6 offers a great balance of performance and affordability, with an intuitive interface and open-source SDK for easy customization. Best suited for light-duty pick-and-place, inspection, and machine tending tasks.

Excellent for pick-and-place, inspection stations, machine tending, and education.

Best for Heavy Lifting: Universal Robots UR20

• Payload: 20 kg

• Reach: 1750 mm

• Repeatability: ±0.05 mm

• Price: ~$45,000–$55,000

  
  

  Why it stands out: The UR20 builds on Universal Robots' proven platform, featuring reengineered joints for faster motion and improved precision. Its long reach and robust payload capacity make it ideal for machine tending, long-reach palletizing, and heavy material handling.

Best for manufacturers who need speed, reach, and a trusted UR ecosystem.

Fanuc CRX-25iA

Best for Reliable Uptime: Fanuc CRX-25iA

• Payload: 25 kg

• Reach: 1889 mm

• Repeatability: ±0.05 mm

• Price: ~$55,000–$65,000

• Why it stands out: Fanuc's CRX-25iA is engineered for reliability in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing. Backed by one of the largest U.S. service networks, it's an excellent fit for teams prioritizing uptime and durability over user interface simplicity. Great for automotive, packaging, and metalworking.

Recommended for teams wanting rock-solid durability and local support.

Best for Compact Workspaces: ABB GoFa™ CRB 15000

• Payload: 5 kg

• Reach: 950 mm

• Repeatability: ±0.02 mm

• Price: ~$32,000–$35,000

  
  

• Why it stands out: Designed for high-speed, lightweight tasks like electronics assembly or small part handling. Its native SafeMove safety features, intuitive tablet interface, and small footprint make it ideal for crowded floors or clean rooms where space and precision matter.

Perfect for electronics assembly, medical devices, and cleanroom environments.

Universal Robots UR20

How to Choose the Right Robotic Arm

Choosing the right collaborative robot isn’t about picking the most powerful or expensive model, it’s about fit. Focus on:

• Matching the robot’s specs (payload, reach, repeatability) to your specific application

• Ensuring compatibility with your current systems and operator skill level

• Prioritizing support and training resources if your team is new to robotics

• Considering total ROI, not just the up-front price

If you're just getting started, begin with one focused application, test performance in a pilot cell, and scale from there based on proven success.

For many small and mid-sized manufacturers, a successful automation rollout depends just as much on having the right integration partner as it does on the robot itself. That’s why working with a platform-agnostic provider— one that understands both hardware and the software layer —  like Blue Sky Robotics is key to avoiding lock-in and getting long-term value from your automation investment.

Solutions that are robot-agnostic by design allow teams to adapt to different brands and use cases, whether in food-safe, explosion-proof, or high-mix environments — all without rewriting your workflow every time you upgrade a component. Looking for a robotic arm supplier? Get in touch with Blue Sky Robotics today and see what robotics can do for your warehouse.