UR3e vs Elephant Robotics Panda5: Cobot Comparison of Payload, Reach and Price
The Universal Robots UR3e and the Elephant Robotics Panda5 serve different cell sizes. The Panda5, sold as the P5, carries 2 kg more, reaches 350 mm further and costs about 41% less. The UR3e repeats more tightly and has a fuller set of published industrial features.
Quick verdict. The Elephant Robotics Panda5 offers more envelope for less, with 5 kg payload, 850 mm reach and a listed price about 41% lower. The UR3e is the better choice for compact, precise benchtop cells, with ±0.03 mm repeatability, an 11.2 kg arm and a built-in force/torque sensor.
UR3e and Elephant Robotics Panda5 at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The Elephant Robotics Panda5 carries 5 kg over 850 mm and repeats to ±0.05 mm.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | Elephant Robotics Panda5 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Elephant Robotics |
Listed price | $33,800 | $19,999 |
Payload | 3 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 850 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | Not specified |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | Not specified |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
Elephant Robotics Panda5: listed from $19,999
Difference: $13,801
The Panda5 costs roughly 41% less
Payload and reach
The Panda5 carries 5 kg against 3 kg and reaches 850 mm against 500 mm. Assembly, pick-and-place and machine tending over a wider area favor the Panda5.
Precision and programming
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability against ±0.05 mm for the Panda5. The Panda5 runs the RoboFlow operating system and can be programmed in Python, C++ and Java or through ROS. The UR3e runs PolyScope with ROS/ROS2 and UR+ accessories.
Industrial features
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg, has a built-in ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor, a 3 m/s maximum tool speed, IP54 and PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP. Its weight, speed and protection data are fully documented.
Best applications for the UR3e
Precise benchtop assembly
Force-controlled insertion
Robots inside machines
Best applications for the Panda5
Pick-and-place up to 5 kg
Machine tending over 850 mm
Developer-led projects
UR3e advantages
±0.03 mm repeatability
Built-in force/torque sensor
Documented speed, weight and IP data
UR3e limitations
3 kg payload and 500 mm reach
About $13,801 higher listed price
Panda5 advantages
5 kg payload and 850 mm reach
About 41% lower listed price
Python, C++, Java and ROS programming
Panda5 limitations
±0.05 mm repeatability
Final verdict
Choose the Elephant Robotics Panda5 for payload and reach at a lower price. Choose the UR3e for compact, precise benchtop work.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the Elephant Robotics Panda5?
The Panda5 is listed from $19,999 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $13,801.
Which robot carries more?
The Panda5 carries 5 kg and the UR3e 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The Panda5 reaches 850 mm and the UR3e 500 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the Panda5 ±0.05 mm.
How is the Panda5 programmed?
It runs RoboFlow and supports Python, C++, Java and ROS.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the Panda5 for payload and value. Choose the UR3e for precision.
