UR3e vs AUBO-i3: 3 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Reach and Precision
The Universal Robots UR3e and the AUBO-i3 are 3 kg cobots for benchtop assembly and testing. The AUBO-i3 reaches further, repeats more tightly and costs about a third less. The UR3e is lighter, fast and has built-in force sensing.
Quick verdict. The AUBO-i3 is the value choice, with 125 mm more reach, ±0.02 mm repeatability and a listed price about 37% lower. The UR3e is the better choice for fast and force-controlled benchtop work, with an 11.2 kg arm and a 3 m/s tool speed.
UR3e and AUBO-i3 at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The AUBO-i3 carries 3 kg over 625 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm and weighs 16 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | AUBO-i3 |
Brand | Universal Robots | AUBO |
Listed price | $33,800 | $21,200 |
Payload | 3 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 625 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | Not specified |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 16 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | AUBO CB-M control box |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
AUBO-i3: listed from $21,200
Difference: $12,600
The AUBO-i3 costs roughly 37% less
Reach and precision
The AUBO-i3 reaches 625 mm, 125 mm more than the UR3e, and publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability against ±0.03 mm. Precise electronics assembly over a wider bench favors the AUBO-i3.
Speed, weight and sensing
Universal Robots publishes a 3 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR3e. The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg, about 5 kg less than the AUBO-i3, and has a built-in ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor with continuous rotation on its final joint.
Programming and connectivity
The UR3e runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2. AUBO publishes TCP/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP, PROFINET, ROS and SDKs for C/C++, C#, Lua and Python for the i3.
Best applications for the UR3e
Fast benchtop pick-and-place
Force-controlled insertion and screwdriving
Robots inside machines
Best applications for the AUBO-i3
Precise electronics assembly
Lab and research automation via SDKs
Budget-conscious benchtop cells
UR3e advantages
11.2 kg arm
3 m/s maximum tool speed
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR3e limitations
About $12,600 higher listed price
500 mm reach
AUBO-i3 advantages
About 37% lower listed price
625 mm reach
±0.02 mm repeatability
AUBO-i3 limitations
16 kg arm
Final verdict
Choose the AUBO-i3 for precision and reach at a lower price. Choose the UR3e for speed and force-controlled benchtop work.
Both suit compact benches, so precision needs and budget usually decide.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the AUBO-i3?
The AUBO-i3 is listed from $21,200 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $12,600.
Do both robots carry 3 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The AUBO-i3 reaches 625 mm and the UR3e 500 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The AUBO-i3 publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and the UR3e ±0.03 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg and the AUBO-i3 16 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the AUBO-i3 for value and precision. Choose the UR3e for speed and force control.
