Universal Robots UR5e Review: Specs, Price and Applications of the 5 kg Cobot
Updated: 2 days ago
The Universal Robots UR5e is a 6-axis collaborative robot with a 5 kg payload, a 850 mm reach and ±0.03 mm repeatability, listed from USD 35,000. 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 UR5e is the 5 kg, 850 mm model of the Universal Robots e-Series and one of the most widely used cobots of its generation. It is no longer part of the current Universal Robots range, where its place is taken by the UR7e, but it remains common in installed cells and on the market. It is listed from USD 35,000.
Universal Robots UR5e at a Glance
Payload: 5 kg
Reach: 850 mm
Axes: 6 rotating joints
Repeatability: ±0.03 mm
Speed: 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints
Arm weight: 20.6 kg
Protection: IP54
Price: from USD 35,000
Status: no longer in the current Universal Robots range; succeeded by the UR7e
Universal Robots UR5e Technical Specifications
The table below lists the published specifications of the Universal Robots UR5e.
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e |
Manufacturer | Universal Robots |
Model | UR5e |
Robot type | Collaborative robot (cobot), 6-axis |
Rated payload | 5 kg |
Reach | 850 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm |
Maximum joint speed | 180°/s on all six joints |
Joint range | ±360° |
Power consumption | 200 W moderate, 570 W maximum |
Force/torque sensor | 50 N / 10 Nm |
Safety functions | 17 configurable |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg |
Footprint | Ø149 mm |
IP rating | IP54 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 (OEM versions available) |
Software | PolyScope |
Communication | Modbus TCP, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP, with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports |
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 UR5e is a mid-size arm with ±360° rotation on every joint and a maximum joint speed of 180°/s across all six axes.
Protection and Footprint
The arm is rated IP54, weighs 20.6 kg and has a Ø149 mm footprint, so it fits on a cart, a pedestal or a machine table.
Power and Sensing
Power consumption is about 200 W in moderate use and 570 W at maximum. A force/torque sensor rated 50 N / 10 Nm is built into the tool flange, and the safety system offers 17 configurable safety functions.
Programming and Software
PolyScope and the Teach Pendant
The UR5e runs on the UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 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 50 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, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP, with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports. Universal Robots also maintains the UR+ ecosystem of certified grippers, vision systems and software that work with the UR5e.
Universal Robots UR5e Applications and Use Cases
Machine Tending
The 850 mm reach and 5 kg payload suit loading and unloading small parts on CNC machines, injection moulding machines and test equipment.
Assembly and Screwdriving
The built-in force/torque sensor supports insertion, press-fit and screwdriving tasks where contact force has to be controlled.
Pick and Place and Inspection
The UR5e is widely used for packaging, kitting and camera-based quality inspection of light parts.
Universal Robots UR5e Price and Value
The Universal Robots UR5e is listed from USD 35,000 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 UR5e vs FAIRINO FR5
The closest equivalent from FAIRINO is the FR5.
Universal Robots UR5e | FAIRINO FR5 | |
Payload | 5 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 922 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
IP rating | IP54 | IP66 |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 22 kg |
Starting price | From USD 35,000 | From USD 7,999 |
Pros and Cons
Pros
Proven, widely deployed platform
Built-in force/torque sensor
17 configurable safety functions
±360° rotation on all joints
UR+ ecosystem of certified accessories
Cons
No longer in the current Universal Robots range; succeeded by the UR7e
IP54 rather than a washdown rating
Starting price of USD 35,000 is several times that of the FAIRINO FR5
Who Should Buy the Universal Robots UR5e?
The UR5e fits plants that already run UR cobots and want a matching arm, and buyers who value the UR software and accessory ecosystem. For a new project, compare it with its successor, the UR7e, and with lower-cost 5 kg arms such as the FAIRINO FR5.
See the full Universal Robots UR5e product listing on All Things Cobots.
Universal Robots UR5e FAQ
How much does the Universal Robots UR5e cost?
The Universal Robots UR5e is listed from USD 35,000 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 UR5e?
The UR5e has a rated payload of 5 kg and a reach of 850 mm.
How accurate is the Universal Robots UR5e?
Its repeatability is ±0.03 mm.
What is the IP rating of the Universal Robots UR5e?
The UR5e is rated IP54, which means it is protected against dust ingress and water splashes.
How is the Universal Robots UR5e 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 UR5e weigh?
The arm weighs 20.6 kg and has a footprint of Ø149 mm.
Is the Universal Robots UR5e still in production?
No. The UR5e is no longer part of the current Universal Robots range. Its place is taken by the UR7e.
How does the Universal Robots UR5e compare with the FAIRINO FR5?
The UR5e offers a 5 kg payload and 850 mm reach from USD 35,000. The FAIRINO FR5 offers 5 kg and 922 mm, from USD 7,999.
Specifications and prices are based on manufacturer and distributor information. Prices are indicative, are not final and may change.
