Robotics in Manufacturing

Head to head

Comau AURA vs KUKA KR 120 R2700-2

A specification duel across payload, reach, precision, and footprint, with a plain read on which arm suits which job.

Comau2 of 5 categories
Comau AURA

Heavy payload robot that can run in collaborative mode

KUKA2 of 5 categories
KUKA KR 120 R2700-2

Workhorse heavy robot for general industrial handling

Specification duel

Green marks the stronger figure. Unconfirmed specs are shown but not scored.

170 kg
Payload
120 kg
2,790 mm
Reach
2,701 mm
±0.1 mm
Repeatability
±0.05 mm
6
Axes
6
1,615 kg
Robot mass
1,069 kg
2016
Introducedreference
2019

The verdict

The first question here is not specs but the cell: the Comau AURA is a collaborative arm designed for reduced-speed operation near people (fenceless only where an application risk assessment allows it), while the KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 is a 6-axis industrial arm that runs behind a guard at full speed. Both are aimed at material handling and machine tending, with the Comau AURA stretching to collaborative assembly and the KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 to palletizing and press tending.

Choose this one when

Job fit first, then the controller and cell constraints that decide which arm you can actually install.

Choose the Comau AURA when

  • Industrial payload with collaborative capable sensing
  • Long reach for heavy component handling
  • Can switch between guarded and collaborative operation
  • Rugged construction for continuous industrial duty

Watch for

  • Still requires a risk assessment for fence free use at this size
  • Large footprint and mass need foundation planning

Choose the KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 when

  • Well proven QUANTEC platform
  • Flexible mounting including ceiling
  • Strong payload to footprint ratio
  • Broad tooling and integration support

Watch for

  • Large swing radius needs cell space planning
  • Heavier tooling reduces effective payload margin

Controller ecosystem

Programming habits, spare parts, and pendant familiarity often decide the pick when payloads are close.

Comau AURA
Brand
Comau
Controller
Not confirmed
Class
collaborative

Confirm controller availability and spare-parts lead times with Comau for the Comau AURA before you lock the cell design.

KUKA KR 120 R2700-2
Brand
KUKA
Controller
KR C4
Class
6-axis industrial

Service, spares, and pendant training for the KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 run through KUKA's KR C4 stack.

Mounting, footprint, and mass

How the arm can be oriented in the cell, and how much mass you have to mount.

FieldComau AURAKUKA KR 120 R2700-2
MountingFloorFloor
Robot mass1,615 kg1,069 kg
Protection (IP)Not confirmedIP65 body / IP65 or IP67 in-line wrist

Heavier arms want stiffer bases and more clearance around the swept volume, and they push freight and rigging costs up on the install. IP ratings only cover the section they name, so a wrist-only rating protects the wrist and nothing else; check the body rating separately before you commit the arm to a washdown or dusty cell.

Application fit

Where each arm is aimed, based on the applications listed on its robot page.

Both pages list material handling and machine tending, with the differences below.

Comau AURA also covers

  • collaborative assembly

KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 also covers

Speed and cycle-time planning

Speed is rarely a single datasheet number across brands. Use payload, reach, and class as the planning frame, then confirm cycle time in a path study.

The Comau AURA is a collaborative arm rated 170 kg at 2790 mm with ±0.1 mm repeatability. The KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 120 kg at 2701 mm with ±0.05 mm. Class changes how speed shows up in a cell: collaborative arms slow down near people and can speed up in a guarded mode, while industrial arms run at rated speed inside a fence or scanner field. Which arm cycles faster on your part depends on the path, the payload, and the safeguarding, so confirm the takt with a path study before you quote it.

Common questions

Which has more payload, the Comau AURA or the KUKA KR 120 R2700-2?
The Comau AURA has more payload at 170 kg versus 120 kg.
Which reaches farther?
The Comau AURA has more reach at 2790 mm versus 2701 mm.
Which is more precise?
The KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 holds tighter repeatability at ±0.05 mm.
Should I choose the Comau AURA or the KUKA KR 120 R2700-2?
Match the pick to the job. The Comau AURA is a collaborative arm at 170 kg and 2790 mm. The KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 is a 6-axis industrial arm at 120 kg and 2701 mm.
Do the Comau AURA and KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 use the same controller?
No. The Comau AURA uses an unconfirmed controller and the KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 uses KR C4.
How do the IP ratings compare?
The Comau AURA is rated not confirmed. The KUKA KR 120 R2700-2 is rated IP65 body / IP65 or IP67 in-line wrist. Check wrist versus body coverage before washdown or dusty cells.