UR3e vs DOBOT CR5A: Small Cobot Comparison of Price, Speed and Reach
Updated: 9 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE DOBOT CR5A has the higher stated load capacity and longer stated reach. Those figures help shortlist it for heavier loads or wider layouts, but do not prove a faster production cycle. |
→ CONSIDER Universal Robots UR3e Consider it when its stated load and reach already cover your task and its controls fit your equipment. This article compares 3 kg with a published reach of 500 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER DOBOT CR5A Consider it when additional load capacity and reach matter. This article compares 5 kg with a published reach of 900 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
💡 THE TAKEAWAY Check the real tool, movement path and safety assessment before choosing. A collaborative label does not make every task safe without guarding; compare complete installation quotes. |
The Universal Robots UR3e and the DOBOT CR5A differ most in price. The CR5A, from DOBOT's current CRA series, carries more, reaches much further, moves faster and costs about half as much. The UR3e is the more compact arm.
Quick verdict. The DOBOT CR5A delivers much more for the money, with 2 kg more payload, 400 mm more working radius, a 4 m/s speed and a listed price about 49% lower. The UR3e is the better choice only where an 11.2 kg arm, a small footprint or built-in force sensing is essential.
UR3e and DOBOT CR5A at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The CR5A carries 5 kg over a 900 mm working radius, repeats to ±0.02 mm, weighs 25 kg and mounts at any angle.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | DOBOT CR5A |
Brand | Universal Robots | DOBOT |
Listed price | $33,800 | $17,400 |
Payload | 3 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 900 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 4 m/s max. linear speed |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 25 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
DOBOT CR5A: listed from $17,400
Difference: $16,400
The CR5A costs roughly 49% less
Payload, reach and speed
The CR5A carries 5 kg against 3 kg, covers a 900 mm working radius against 500 mm, and publishes a 4 m/s maximum linear speed against 3 m/s.
Precision
The CR5A publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability, against ±0.03 mm for the UR3e.
Weight and sensing
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg on a Ø128 mm base, less than half the CR5A, and has a built-in ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor.
Programming and connectivity
The UR3e runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2. The CR5A is programmed in DobotStudio Pro and supports Modbus TCP and RTU, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, RS485, 24 digital inputs, 24 digital outputs and 10 safety I/O channels.
Best applications for the UR3e
Compact benchtop assembly
Robots mounted inside machines
Best applications for the DOBOT CR5A
Machine tending and packaging up to 5 kg
Fast pick-and-place
Low-cost multi-robot deployments
UR3e advantages
11.2 kg arm and Ø128 mm base
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR3e limitations
About $16,400 higher listed price
3 kg payload and 500 mm reach
DOBOT CR5A advantages
About 49% lower listed price
5 kg payload and 900 mm working radius
4 m/s speed and broad I/O
DOBOT CR5A limitations
25 kg arm
Final verdict
Choose the DOBOT CR5A for payload, reach and speed at about half the price. Choose the UR3e for very compact cells and force control.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the DOBOT CR5A?
The CR5A is listed from $17,400 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $16,400.
Which robot carries more?
The CR5A carries 5 kg and the UR3e 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The CR5A has a 900 mm working radius and the UR3e reaches 500 mm.
Which robot is faster?
The CR5A publishes 4 m/s and the UR3e 3 m/s.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg and the CR5A 25 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the CR5A for value and capability. Choose the UR3e for compact cells.
