Franka Panda Review: Specs, Price and Applications of the 3 kg Collaborative Robot
Updated: 2 days ago
The Franka Panda is a 7-axis collaborative robot with a maximum payload of 3 kg, a reach of 855 mm and ±0.1 mm repeatability, listed from USD 18,100. This review covers its full specifications, design, programming options, applications and price, so you can decide whether it fits your automation project.
Quick Verdict
The Panda is a 7-axis collaborative robot arm with torque sensors in every joint, a 3 kg payload and a maximum reach of 855 mm. Repeatability is ±0.1 mm and the end effector moves at up to 2 m/s. The arm weighs about 18 kg and runs from a 19-inch controller. It is listed from USD 18,100. The Panda is no longer part of the current Franka product range.
Franka Panda at a Glance
Maximum payload: 3 kg
Reach: 855 mm
Axes: 7
Repeatability: ±0.1 mm
Speed: 2 m/s maximum end-effector speed
Weight: : approx. 18 kg. Protection rating: IP30. Power supply: 100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz. Power consumption: approx. 300 W average, 600 W maximum. Torque sensors in all 7 axes. Mounting flange: DIN ISO 9409-1-A50. Installation position: upright. Joint velocity limits: 150 °/s (A1-A4), 180 °/s (A5-A7)
Controller: Franka 19-inch controller (355 × 483 × 89 mm, approx. 7 kg, IP20)
Price: from USD 18,100
Status: no longer part of the current Franka product range
Franka Panda Technical Specifications
The table below lists the published specifications of the Franka Panda.
Specification | Franka Panda |
Manufacturer | Franka Robotics |
Model | Panda |
Robot type | 7-axis collaborative robot |
Maximum payload | 3 kg |
Reach | 855 mm |
Axes | 7 |
Repeatability | ±0.1 mm |
Speed | 2 m/s maximum end-effector speed |
Controller | Franka 19-inch controller (355 × 483 × 89 mm, approx. 7 kg, IP20) |
Interfaces | Ethernet (TCP/IP), inputs for external enabling device and safeguard, control and hand connectors |
Starting price | From USD 18,100 |
Detailed Technical Data
Weight: approx. 18 kg. Protection rating: IP30. Power supply: 100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz. Power consumption: approx. 300 W average, 600 W maximum. Torque sensors in all 7 axes. Mounting flange: DIN ISO 9409-1-A50. Installation position: upright. Joint velocity limits: 150 °/s (A1-A4), 180 °/s (A5-A7)
Design and Build Quality
The Panda is a 7-axis collaborative robot made by Franka Robotics. Published build data: Weight: approx. 18 kg. Protection rating: IP30. Power supply: 100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz. Power consumption: approx. 300 W average, 600 W maximum. Torque sensors in all 7 axes. Mounting flange: DIN ISO 9409-1-A50. Installation position: upright. Joint velocity limits: 150 °/s (A1-A4), 180 °/s (A5-A7).
Programming and Software
Controller and Software
Published controller for the Panda: Franka 19-inch controller (355 × 483 × 89 mm, approx. 7 kg, IP20). Franka robots are programmed in the browser-based Desk interface, and the Franka Control Interface (FCI) gives researchers low-level real-time access. Programming interfaces, software licences and simulation tools vary by package, so confirm what is included before ordering.
Industrial Communication
Published interfaces are Ethernet (TCP/IP), inputs for external enabling device and safeguard, control and hand connectors.
Franka Panda Applications and Use Cases
Typical applications for the Panda are robotics research, AI manipulation, force control and laboratory automation.
Robotics research
The Panda is used for robotics research within its 3 kg payload and 855 mm reach.
AI manipulation
The Panda is used for AI manipulation within its 3 kg payload and 855 mm reach.
Force control
The Panda is used for force control within its 3 kg payload and 855 mm reach.
Franka Panda Price and Value
The Franka Panda is listed from USD 18,100 on All Things Cobots. The controller, end effectors, safety equipment and integration affect the final price and are quoted separately. Prices are indicative, are not final and may change.
Pros and Cons
Pros
3 kg maximum payload with a 855 mm reach
Speed: 2 m/s maximum end-effector speed
Collaborative design for work near people, subject to a risk assessment
Seventh axis adds flexibility in tight cells
Graphical programming environment
Cons
No longer part of the current Franka product range
Repeatability of ±0.1 mm is wider than on smaller precision robots
The 3 kg maximum payload includes the end effector
End effectors, safety equipment and integration are quoted separately
Who Should Buy the Franka Panda?
The Franka Panda fits manufacturers that want a robot working near people without full fencing, subject to a risk assessment. For a new project, ask Franka for the current equivalent.
See the full Franka Panda product listing on All Things Cobots.
Franka Panda FAQ
How much does the Franka Panda cost?
The Franka Panda is listed from USD 18,100 on All Things Cobots. The price is indicative and may change, and it does not include end effectors, safety equipment or integration.
What is the payload and reach of the Franka Panda?
The Panda has a maximum payload of 3 kg and a reach of 855 mm.
How accurate is the Franka Panda?
Its published repeatability is ±0.1 mm.
How many axes does the Franka Panda have?
The Panda has 7 axes.
How is the Franka Panda programmed?
Franka robots are programmed in the browser-based Desk interface, and the Franka Control Interface (FCI) gives researchers low-level real-time access.
Which controller does the Franka Panda use?
Published controller: Franka 19-inch controller (355 × 483 × 89 mm, approx. 7 kg, IP20).
How much does the Franka Panda weigh?
Published weight: approx. 18 kg. Protection rating: IP30. Power supply: 100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz. Power consumption: approx. 300 W average, 600 W maximum. Torque sensors in all 7 axes. Mounting flange: DIN ISO 9409-1-A50. Installation position: upright. Joint velocity limits: 150 °/s (A1-A4), 180 °/s (A5-A7).
Is the Franka Panda a collaborative robot?
Yes. The Panda is a collaborative robot. Every collaborative application still needs its own risk assessment.
Is the Franka Panda still in production?
No. The Panda is no longer part of the current Franka product range.
What is the Franka Panda used for?
Typical applications are robotics research, AI manipulation, force control and laboratory automation.
Specifications and prices are based on manufacturer and distributor information. Prices are indicative, are not final and may change.
