Robotics in Manufacturing

Head to head

Universal Robots UR3e vs Universal Robots UR5e

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

Universal Robots1 of 5 categories
Universal Robots UR3e

Small tabletop cobot for light assembly tasks

Universal Robots2 of 5 categories
Universal Robots UR5e

The cobot that defined the category.

Specification duel

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

3 kg
Payload
5 kg
500 mm
Reach
850 mm
±0.03 mm
Repeatability
±0.03 mm
6
Axes
6
11.2 kg
Robot mass
20.6 kg
2018
Introducedreference
2018

The verdict

The specs separate them here: the Universal Robots UR5e carries more, 5 kg to the Universal Robots UR3e's 3 kg, and the Universal Robots UR5e reaches farther, 850 mm to 500 mm. They run different controllers, the Universal Robots UR3e on the e-Series Control Box and the Universal Robots UR5e on the PolyScope, so whichever platform your team already programs and stocks parts for is a real tiebreaker. For a tight or overhead cell, the Universal Robots UR3e lists Any orientation mounting while the Universal Robots UR5e lists Any mounting, which the other does not. They target different work: the Universal Robots UR3e at collaborative assembly and small parts handling, the Universal Robots UR5e at assembly and machine tending.

Universal Robots UR3e
  • Very compact for tight benchtop cells
  • Fast setup with polyscope programming
  • Any orientation mounting
  • Low integration cost for light tasks
Universal Robots UR5e
  • Huge ecosystem of UR+ end-effectors
  • Easy to program
  • Built-in force sensing

Common questions

Which has more payload, the Universal Robots UR3e or the Universal Robots UR5e?
The Universal Robots UR5e has more payload at 5 kg versus 3 kg.
Which reaches farther?
The Universal Robots UR5e has more reach at 850 mm versus 500 mm.
Which is more precise?
Both are rated at ±0.03 mm repeatability.
Should I choose the Universal Robots UR3e or the Universal Robots UR5e?
Match the pick to the job. The Universal Robots UR3e is a collaborative arm at 3 kg and 500 mm. The Universal Robots UR5e is a collaborative arm at 5 kg and 850 mm.