Robotics in Manufacturing

Head to head

KUKA KR 3 AGILUS vs Universal Robots UR3e

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

KUKA2 of 5 categories
KUKA KR 3 AGILUS

Compact high speed arm for small parts assembly

Universal Robots1 of 5 categories
Universal Robots UR3e

Small tabletop cobot for light assembly tasks

Specification duel

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

3 kg
Payload
3 kg
541 mm
Reach
500 mm
±0.02 mm
Repeatability
±0.03 mm
6
Axes
6
26.5 kg
Robot mass
11.2 kg
2016
Introducedreference
2018

The verdict

The first question here is not specs but the cell: the Universal Robots UR3e is a collaborative arm designed for reduced-speed operation near people (fenceless only where an application risk assessment allows it), while the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS is a 6-axis industrial arm that runs behind a guard at full speed. They run different controllers, the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS on the KR C4 compact and the Universal Robots UR3e on the e-Series Control Box, so whichever platform your team already programs and stocks parts for is a real tiebreaker. For a tight or overhead cell, the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS lists Floor and Ceiling mounting while the Universal Robots UR3e lists Any orientation mounting, which the other does not. Both are aimed at small parts handling and pick and place, with the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS stretching to assembly and dispensing and the Universal Robots UR3e to collaborative assembly.

KUKA KR 3 AGILUS
  • Very fast cycle times for light payloads
  • Small footprint fits crowded cells
  • Multiple mounting orientations
  • Low integration cost
Universal Robots UR3e
  • Very compact for tight benchtop cells
  • Fast setup with polyscope programming
  • Any orientation mounting
  • Low integration cost for light tasks

Common questions

Which has more payload, the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS or the Universal Robots UR3e?
The KUKA KR 3 AGILUS and Universal Robots UR3e match at 3 kg.
Which reaches farther?
The KUKA KR 3 AGILUS has more reach at 541 mm versus 500 mm.
Which is more precise?
The KUKA KR 3 AGILUS holds tighter repeatability at ±0.02 mm.
Should I choose the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS or the Universal Robots UR3e?
Match the pick to the job. The KUKA KR 3 AGILUS is a 6-axis industrial arm at 3 kg and 541 mm. The Universal Robots UR3e is a collaborative arm at 3 kg and 500 mm.