> QuickAnswer: The ABB GoFa 10 suits high-speed food, electronics, and cleanroom applications where throughput and IP67 washdown matter. The UR10e suits flexible SME deployments where a large integrator network, a vast library of end-of-arm tooling, and easy reprogramming take priority. Used GoFa 10 costs £16,000-£24,000; used UR10e £15,000-£22,000 in the UK.
Introduction
The 10 kg payload cobot category is one of the most competitive in industrial automation. Two robots dominate shortlists across UK manufacturing, logistics, and research: the ABB GoFa 10 and the Universal Robots UR10e. Both are capable, both are safe to deploy alongside people without hard guarding, and both carry a price tag that has become achievable for smaller UK businesses -- particularly when bought used.
This guide compares them head to head on every specification that matters: reach, speed, programming, IP rating, used pricing, UK integrators, and long-term resale value. By the end, you will know which robot suits your application and how to find one at the right price in the UK.
If you are newer to the category, our used cobot buyers guide covers the fundamentals before you dive into model specifics. You can also check live listings on our browse page and current resale values on the resale index.
Specification Comparison
| Specification | ABB GoFa 10 | Universal Robots UR10e |
|---|---|---|
| Payload | 10 kg | 10 kg |
| Reach | 1,650 mm | 1,300 mm |
| Degrees of freedom | 6 | 6 |
| Max TCP speed | 2.2 m/s | 1.0 m/s |
| Repeatability | ±0.05 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| IP rating | IP67 (arm) | IP54 (standard) |
| Weight | 41 kg | 33.5 kg |
| Power consumption | Max 1,400 W | Max 500 W |
| Mounting | Any angle | Any angle |
| New price (approx.) | £45,000-£55,000 | £38,000-£48,000 |
| Used price UK (2026) | £16,000-£24,000 | £15,000-£22,000 |
Reach: GoFa Has a Meaningful Advantage
This is the specification difference that surprises most buyers at first glance. Both robots are marketed in the 10 kg payload bracket, but their reach is very different: the GoFa 10 extends to 1,650 mm while the UR10e stops at 1,300 mm.
That 350 mm difference is significant. In a palletising cell, a pick-and-place line, or any application where the robot needs to cover a wide sweep without repositioning the base, the GoFa 10 provides more flexibility. In a tight cell where you are working closely with the robot arm, the UR10e's shorter reach is less of a disadvantage and may actually simplify safety zone configuration.
If your application requires covering a large work envelope -- for example reaching across a conveyor to place parts at varying positions -- the GoFa 10's reach makes it the stronger candidate without any compromise on payload.
Speed: GoFa 10 Is More Than Twice as Fast
The ABB GoFa 10 achieves a maximum TCP speed of 2.2 m/s. The UR10e achieves 1.0 m/s. In cycle time terms, this gap translates directly into throughput.
For applications where the robot is performing many short moves repeatedly -- packaging, electronics assembly, kitting, pick-and-place from a conveyor -- the GoFa's speed advantage compounds across thousands of cycles per shift. ABB quotes typical cycle time improvements of 20-40% versus comparable cobots in pick-and-place benchmarks.
The UR10e's 1.0 m/s is competitive for applications where speed is not the primary constraint: quality inspection, machine tending with long machine cycle times, or collaborative work where the robot moves slowly by design. But if throughput is a key metric, the GoFa 10 has a demonstrable edge.
Programming and Software
ABB GoFa 10: Wizard Easy Programming and RobotStudio
ABB provides two programming routes. Wizard Easy Programming is a graphical, flowchart-style interface designed for operators with no robotics background. It allows basic pick-and-place and machine tending tasks to be set up without writing any code. For more complex applications, ABB's RobotStudio software provides full offline programming, simulation, and fine-tuning. RobotStudio is well-regarded in UK automotive and aerospace supply chains where engineers are already familiar with it.
The GoFa controller runs on ABB's OmniCore platform, which supports modern connectivity including OPC UA, MQTT, and EtherNet/IP as standard.
UR10e: PolyScope and a Large App Ecosystem
Universal Robots' PolyScope interface runs on the teach pendant and is widely considered one of the most user-friendly programming environments in cobotincs. New operators can typically be programming basic routines within a day. The UR+ marketplace lists over 300 validated application kits, end-of-arm tools, and software packages that integrate directly with PolyScope, which is a significant practical advantage.
The UR10e also supports URScript for advanced users and has solid ROS integration for research and academic environments. Python wrappers are well-maintained by the community.
For a UK SME deploying a cobot for the first time, PolyScope's approachability and the depth of the UR+ ecosystem are genuine advantages that reduce time-to-deployment and the cost of ongoing reprogramming.
IP Rating and Environment Suitability
The ABB GoFa 10 is rated IP67 on the arm as standard. This means it is dust-tight and can withstand temporary immersion in water -- making it suitable for washdown environments in food and beverage production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and cleanroom applications without additional protection.
The UR10e carries an IP54 rating as standard (dust-protected, splash-resistant). UR does offer IP67-rated tool flanges and accessories through the UR+ ecosystem, but the arm itself is not washdown-rated. For wet or wash-down environments, the GoFa 10 is the appropriate choice.
For dry manufacturing, assembly, and logistics environments where neither robot will face moisture, the IP rating difference is largely irrelevant.
UK Integrators and Support
Universal Robots
Universal Robots has one of the largest integrator networks in the UK. The UR Certified Systems Integrator programme lists dozens of UK partners across every region, spanning small specialist firms and large automation houses. This matters for deployment: a larger integrator network means more competitive quotes, faster turnaround, and integrators with prior experience of your specific application.
UR's UK training infrastructure is also mature. The Universal Robots Academy online training is free and covers PolyScope from beginner to advanced level, which reduces operator training costs.
ABB
ABB's UK presence is substantial, with a direct service network and certified integrators across England, Scotland, and Wales. ABB's integrator base skews toward medium and large manufacturers, particularly in automotive, food and beverage, and electronics sectors. For a first-time cobot buyer running a smaller operation, finding an ABB integrator willing to take on a small project may require more effort than with UR.
For larger UK manufacturers that already have ABB relationships -- for example through existing IRB industrial robots -- onboarding the GoFa 10 is straightforward.
Used Market in the UK
Both robots have an active used market in the UK, though the volumes differ.
The UR10e has been on sale since 2019 and is one of the most widely deployed cobots in UK manufacturing. Used units appear regularly through robot dealers, auction houses, and direct-from-manufacturer sales. This volume keeps used prices competitive and means buyers can typically be selective about condition.
The ABB GoFa 10 launched in 2022 and has a smaller installed base. Used units are available but less common, and sellers are often manufacturers upgrading capacity rather than distressed sales. The thinner used market means there is less price pressure at the lower end.
Both robots depreciate at approximately 40-60% of new price by the time they reach the used market, which reflects healthy residual values. Condition at purchase matters significantly: always request run hours from the controller log, check the teach pendant screen condition, and verify that the safety configuration can be reset and modified.
For current pricing, see the resale index and live browse listings.
Resale Value
Used UR10e units hold resale value well due to the depth of the second-hand market and the large buyer base. A well-maintained UR10e retains approximately 40-50% of its new price after three years in service.
The ABB GoFa 10 is newer and its long-term resale trajectory is less established, but ABB cobots have historically held value reasonably well in the UK. The IP67 rating and speed advantages give it a broader set of potential buyers when it eventually comes to resale.
Neither robot is a poor choice on resale grounds. The UR10e's liquid used market makes it slightly easier to sell quickly if priorities change.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the ABB GoFa 10 if:
- You need longer reach (1,650 mm) to cover a wide work envelope
- Throughput is critical and 2.2 m/s TCP speed will directly reduce cycle times
- Your environment requires IP67 washdown capability (food, pharma, cleanroom)
- You already have ABB infrastructure or RobotStudio expertise in house
- You are in automotive, electronics, or food and beverage manufacturing
Choose the UR10e if:
- You need the widest possible range of UK integrators and a fast deployment
- A large end-of-arm tooling and application ecosystem is important
- Ease of reprogramming by non-specialist operators matters
- You are in an SME, research, or educational environment
- You want the most liquid used market and easiest resale if the application changes
Finding Used Units in the UK
For live listings, see the Robot AutoTrader browse page. The robot database has full technical specifications for both models. Pricing benchmarks are updated monthly on the resale index.
When inspecting either cobot used, request the controller log for total run hours, check that the arm shows no signs of collision damage (inspect joint covers), verify the teach pendant screen is undamaged, and confirm with the seller that the safety configuration and any third-party software licences can be transferred. For the UR10e, verify any UR+ application licences with Universal Robots directly before completing the purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the used price of an ABB GoFa 10 in the UK? Used ABB GoFa 10 units sell for approximately £16,000 to £24,000 in the UK, depending on age, condition, and included accessories. Newer units with low run hours command the higher end of that range.
What is the used price of a UR10e in the UK? Used UR10e cobots typically sell for £15,000 to £22,000 in the UK. The UR10e has a large second-hand market due to its widespread adoption, so well-maintained units are generally available.
Is the ABB GoFa 10 faster than the UR10e? Yes. The ABB GoFa 10 has a maximum TCP speed of 2.2 m/s, more than double the UR10e's 1 m/s. For high-throughput assembly, pick-and-place, or food packaging applications, the GoFa is significantly quicker.
Which cobot has more UK integrators -- ABB GoFa or UR? Universal Robots has a considerably larger UK integrator network through its UR+ ecosystem. ABB's integrator base is strong but more concentrated in larger industrial accounts. For SME deployments, UR10e tends to be easier to commission locally.
Can I transfer the software licence when buying a used UR10e? PolyScope is embedded in the controller and transfers with the unit. Any UR+ application licences purchased separately need to be transferred through Universal Robots. Confirm this with the seller before completing a purchase.
Which cobot is better for food production? The ABB GoFa 10 is rated IP67 washdown and is specifically designed for food and beverage environments. The UR10e can be fitted with IP67 accessories but is not washdown-rated as standard. For wet food environments, GoFa has a clear advantage.
What should I check when buying either cobot used? Request the controller log for total run hours, inspect joint covers for collision damage, check the teach pendant screen, verify that safety configurations can be reset, and confirm any third-party licences are transferable. For used cobots generally, our used cobot buyers guide covers the full inspection checklist.
