UR3e vs AUBO-i5: Small Cobot Comparison of Price, Payload and Reach
The Universal Robots UR3e and the AUBO-i5 cover very different work areas. The AUBO-i5 carries 2 kg more, reaches almost 400 mm further, repeats more tightly and costs about a third less. The UR3e is the compact, light benchtop arm of the pair.
Quick verdict. The AUBO-i5 offers more capability for less, with 5 kg payload, 886.5 mm reach, ±0.02 mm repeatability and a listed price about 36% lower. The UR3e is the better choice for compact benchtop and in-machine cells, with an 11.2 kg arm and built-in force sensing.
UR3e and AUBO-i5 at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The AUBO-i5 carries 5 kg over 886.5 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm, weighs 24 kg, is rated IP54 and mounts in any orientation.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | AUBO-i5 |
Brand | Universal Robots | AUBO |
Listed price | $33,800 | $21,800 |
Payload | 3 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 886.5 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 2.8 m/s max. linear speed |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 24 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | AUBO CB-M control box |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
AUBO-i5: listed from $21,800
Difference: $12,000
The AUBO-i5 costs roughly 36% less
Payload and reach
The AUBO-i5 carries 5 kg against 3 kg and reaches 886.5 mm against 500 mm. Machine tending, packaging and conveyor tasks usually need the AUBO-i5's envelope.
Precision and speed
AUBO publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and a 2.8 m/s maximum linear speed for the i5. The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm and 3 m/s.
Weight and sensing
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg, less than half the AUBO-i5, and has a built-in ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor. It suits benches, light frames and in-machine mounting.
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 i5.
Best applications for the UR3e
Compact benchtop assembly
Force-controlled insertion
Robots inside machines
Best applications for the AUBO-i5
Machine tending up to 5 kg
Precise pick-and-place over a wider area
Budget-conscious deployments
UR3e advantages
11.2 kg arm
Built-in force/torque sensor
3 m/s speed
UR3e limitations
About $12,000 higher listed price
3 kg payload and 500 mm reach
AUBO-i5 advantages
About 36% lower listed price
5 kg payload and 886.5 mm reach
±0.02 mm repeatability
AUBO-i5 limitations
24 kg arm
Final verdict
Choose the AUBO-i5 for payload, reach and precision at a lower price. Choose the UR3e for compact, light and force-controlled benchtop cells.
For most machine-side work, the AUBO-i5's envelope decides the comparison.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the AUBO-i5?
The AUBO-i5 is listed from $21,800 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $12,000.
Which robot carries more?
The AUBO-i5 carries 5 kg and the UR3e 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The AUBO-i5 reaches 886.5 mm and the UR3e 500 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The AUBO-i5 publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and the UR3e ±0.03 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg and the AUBO-i5 24 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the AUBO-i5 for payload and reach. Choose the UR3e for compact benchtop work.
