Universal Robots UR3e Review: Specs, Price and Applications of the 3 kg Cobot
Updated: 2 days ago
The Universal Robots UR3e is a 6-axis collaborative robot with a 3 kg payload, a 500 mm reach and ±0.03 mm repeatability, listed from USD 33,800. This review covers its full specifications, build quality, programming options, applications and price, so you can decide whether it fits your automation project.
Quick Verdict
The UR3e is the compact table-top model of the Universal Robots e-Series. It handles 3 kg within a 500 mm reach at ±0.03 mm repeatability, weighs only 11.2 kg and has infinite rotation on its last wrist joint. It is built for light assembly, screwdriving, dispensing and laboratory automation in tight workspaces, and is listed from USD 33,800.
Universal Robots UR3e at a Glance
Payload: 3 kg
Reach: 500 mm
Axes: 6 rotating joints
Repeatability: ±0.03 mm
Speed: 3 m/s maximum TCP speed
Arm weight: 11.2 kg
Protection: IP54
Price: from USD 33,800
Universal Robots UR3e Technical Specifications
The table below lists the published specifications of the Universal Robots UR3e.
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e |
Manufacturer | Universal Robots |
Model | UR3e |
Robot type | Collaborative robot (cobot), 6-axis |
Rated payload | 3 kg |
Reach | 500 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm |
Maximum TCP speed | 3 m/s |
Joint speeds | 180°/s (base, shoulder, elbow), 360°/s (wrists) |
Joint range | ±360°, infinite rotation on wrist 3 |
Maximum power consumption | 300 W |
Force/torque sensor | ±30 N / ±10 Nm |
Tool flange | EN ISO 9409-1-50-4-M6 |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg |
Footprint | Ø128 mm |
IP rating | IP54 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 (OEM versions available) |
Software | PolyScope |
Communication | Modbus TCP (client/server), EtherNet/IP adapter, PROFINET device, PROFIsafe and ROS / ROS2 |
Controller I/O | 16 digital inputs, 16 digital outputs, 2 analog inputs, 2 analog outputs, 4 quadrature digital inputs |
Tool I/O | 2 digital inputs, 2 digital outputs, 2 analog inputs or RS-485 |
Certifications | EN ISO 13849-1 (PLd, Category 3); EN ISO 10218-1 |
Design and Build Quality
The UR3e is small enough to sit on a workbench or inside a machine, with every joint able to rotate ±360° and the final wrist joint able to spin continuously.
Protection and Footprint
The arm is rated IP54 and has a Ø128 mm footprint. At 11.2 kg it can be mounted on a bench, a wall or a light frame.
Power and Sensing
Maximum power consumption is 300 W. A force/torque sensor rated ±30 N / ±10 Nm is built into the tool flange, which follows EN ISO 9409-1-50-4-M6.
Programming and Software
PolyScope and the Teach Pendant
The UR3e runs on the UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 and is programmed in PolyScope on the UR teach pendant. Operators can hand-guide the arm to teach waypoints and assemble programs from ready-made blocks, so most handling tasks need no text programming.
Force Sensing and Safety
A force/torque sensor rated ±30 N / ±10 Nm is built into the tool flange and supports force-controlled tasks such as insertion, polishing and screwdriving. The safety system is certified to EN ISO 13849-1 (PLd, Category 3) and EN ISO 10218-1.
Connectivity and Ecosystem
The controller supports Modbus TCP (client/server), EtherNet/IP adapter, PROFINET device, PROFIsafe and ROS / ROS2. Universal Robots also maintains the UR+ ecosystem of certified grippers, vision systems and software that work with the UR3e.
Universal Robots UR3e Applications and Use Cases
Screwdriving and Light Assembly
Infinite rotation on wrist 3 lets the UR3e drive screws and turn fasteners without unwinding, and the built-in force/torque sensor helps with insertion and press-fit steps on small components.
Dispensing and Soldering
The ±0.03 mm repeatability suits glue dispensing, sealing and soldering paths on electronics and small housings.
Laboratory Automation and Inspection
The small footprint fits inside lab enclosures and test stations for sample handling, pipetting support and camera-based inspection.
Universal Robots UR3e Price and Value
The Universal Robots UR3e is listed from USD 33,800 on All Things Cobots. End effectors, mounting hardware, safety equipment and integration are quoted separately. Prices are indicative, are not final and may change.
Universal Robots UR3e vs FAIRINO FR3
The closest equivalent from FAIRINO is the FR3.
Universal Robots UR3e | FAIRINO FR3 | |
Payload | 3 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 622 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
IP rating | IP54 | IP66 |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 15 kg |
Starting price | From USD 33,800 | From USD 6,799 |
Pros and Cons
Pros
Compact 11.2 kg arm on a Ø128 mm footprint
Infinite rotation on the last wrist joint
Built-in force/torque sensor
3 m/s maximum TCP speed
UR+ ecosystem of certified accessories
Cons
500 mm reach limits it to a single small workstation
IP54 rather than a washdown rating
Starting price of USD 33,800 is several times that of the FAIRINO FR3
Who Should Buy the Universal Robots UR3e?
The UR3e fits electronics assembly, medical device and laboratory users who need a small, well-supported arm with force sensing and a large accessory ecosystem. Buyers focused on price or on IP66 protection should compare it with the FAIRINO FR3.
See the full Universal Robots UR3e product listing on All Things Cobots.
Universal Robots UR3e FAQ
How much does the Universal Robots UR3e cost?
The Universal Robots UR3e is listed from USD 33,800 on All Things Cobots. The price is indicative and may change, and it does not include end effectors, mounting hardware or integration.
What is the payload and reach of the Universal Robots UR3e?
The UR3e has a rated payload of 3 kg and a reach of 500 mm.
How accurate is the Universal Robots UR3e?
Its repeatability is ±0.03 mm.
What is the IP rating of the Universal Robots UR3e?
The UR3e is rated IP54, which means it is protected against dust ingress and water splashes.
How is the Universal Robots UR3e programmed?
It is programmed in PolyScope on the UR teach pendant, where waypoints can be taught by hand-guiding the arm.
How much does the Universal Robots UR3e weigh?
The arm weighs 11.2 kg and has a footprint of Ø128 mm.
How does the Universal Robots UR3e compare with the FAIRINO FR3?
The UR3e offers a 3 kg payload and 500 mm reach from USD 33,800. The FAIRINO FR3 offers 3 kg and 622 mm, from USD 6,799.
Specifications and prices are based on manufacturer and distributor information. Prices are indicative, are not final and may change.
