UR3e vs FAIRINO FR5: Small Cobot Comparison of Price, Payload and Reach
Updated: 12 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE FAIRINO FR5 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 FAIRINO FR5 Consider it when additional load capacity and reach matter. This article compares 5 kg with a published reach of 922 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 FAIRINO FR5 are aimed at different cell sizes. The FR5 carries 2 kg more and reaches almost twice as far, at about a quarter of the price. The UR3e is compact, light, fast and has built-in force sensing.
Quick verdict. The FAIRINO FR5 offers far more capability for the money, with 5 kg payload, 922 mm reach, ±0.02 mm repeatability and a listed price about 76% lower. The UR3e is the better choice only for compact benchtop and in-machine cells that need speed and force control.
UR3e and FAIRINO FR5 at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The FR5 carries 5 kg over 922 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm and weighs about 22 kg on a 128 mm base.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | FAIRINO FR5 |
Brand | Universal Robots | FAIRINO |
Listed price | $33,800 | $7,999 |
Payload | 3 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 922 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 1 m/s typical TCP speed |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 22 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP66 |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
FAIRINO FR5: listed from $7,999
Difference: $25,801
The UR3e listing is about 4.2 times the FR5 price
Payload and reach
The FR5 carries 5 kg against 3 kg and reaches 922 mm against 500 mm. Machine tending, packaging and conveyor tasks usually need the FR5's envelope, while the UR3e is sized for parts within easy reach on a bench.
Precision and speed
FAIRINO publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability for the FR5, against ±0.03 mm for the UR3e. Universal Robots publishes a 3 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR3e, against a 1 m/s typical TCP speed for the FR5.
Weight and mounting
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg, about half the FR5, so it can sit on a light frame or inside a machine. The FR5 fits on a mobile cart, a pedestal or a machine table on its 128 mm base.
Sensing and programming
The UR3e has a built-in ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor and runs PolyScope with PROFINET, PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2.
The FR5 uses closed-loop torque feedback in each joint for collision detection and hand-guiding, and is programmed on a 10.1-inch teach pendant or a web app with drag teaching.
Best applications for the UR3e
Compact benchtop assembly
Force-controlled insertion
Robots inside machines
Best applications for the FAIRINO FR5
CNC and injection machine tending
Packaging and pick-and-place up to 5 kg
Budget-conscious deployments
UR3e advantages
11.2 kg arm
3 m/s maximum tool speed
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR3e limitations
About 4.2 times the FR5 listed price
3 kg payload and 500 mm reach
FAIRINO FR5 advantages
About 76% lower listed price
5 kg payload and 922 mm reach
±0.02 mm repeatability
FAIRINO FR5 limitations
About 22 kg arm
1 m/s typical TCP speed
Final verdict
Choose the FAIRINO FR5 for more payload and reach at a much lower price. Choose the UR3e for compact, fast and force-controlled benchtop cells.
For most machine-side tasks, the FR5's envelope is the deciding advantage.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the FAIRINO FR5?
The FR5 is listed from $7,999 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $25,801.
Which robot carries more?
The FR5 carries 5 kg and the UR3e 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The FR5 reaches 922 mm and the UR3e 500 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The FR5 publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and the UR3e ±0.03 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg and the FR5 about 22 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the FR5 for payload, reach and price. Choose the UR3e for compact benchtop work.
