UR3e vs Franka Panda: 3 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Reach and Precision
Updated: 8 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE Both are compared at 3 kg. Franka Panda has the longer stated reach, which may help reach separated fixtures; it does not guarantee access at every tool angle. Universal Robots UR3e has 6 axes, compared with 7 axes for Franka Panda. |
→ 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 Franka Panda Consider it when extra reach is useful while the compared load capacity is the same. This article compares 3 kg with a published reach of 855 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
💡 THE TAKEAWAY Check the required tool angles and approach path: different axis counts change movement options. Choose only after both suppliers demonstrate the loaded task and quote the same complete installation. |
The Universal Robots UR3e and the Franka Panda both carry 3 kg. The Panda adds a seventh axis, torque sensors in every joint and far more reach, at a much lower listed price. The UR3e is more precise, lighter, better protected and still in production.
Quick verdict. The UR3e is the better choice for production benchtop work, with ±0.03 mm repeatability, an 11.2 kg arm and current product support. The Franka Panda is a lower-cost option for labs and teaching, with 7 axes, 855 mm reach and joint torque sensing, but it is no longer part of the current Franka range.
UR3e and Franka Panda at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The Franka Panda carries 3 kg over 855 mm, repeats to ±0.1 mm, weighs about 18 kg and is rated IP30.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | Franka Panda |
Brand | Universal Robots | Franka |
Listed price | $33,800 | $18,100 |
Payload | 3 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 855 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.1 mm |
Axes | 6 | 7 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 2 m/s maximum end-effector speed |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | approx. 18 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP30 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | Franka 19-inch controller (355 × 483 × 89 mm, approx. 7 kg, IP20) |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
Franka Panda: listed from $18,100
Difference: $15,700
The Panda costs roughly 46% less
Reach and axes
The Panda has 7 axes and reaches 855 mm, 355 mm more than the UR3e. Torque sensors in all seven joints give it sensitive contact detection and compliant motion, which is why it became common in research labs.
Precision, speed and protection
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and a 3 m/s maximum tool speed. Franka publishes ±0.1 mm and a 2 m/s maximum end-effector speed for the Panda. The UR3e is rated IP54, while the Panda is rated IP30 and suits clean lab environments.
Weight, sensing and support
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg and has a built-in ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor with continuous rotation on its final joint. The Panda is no longer part of the current Franka product range, so spare parts and long-term support should be checked before buying.
Best applications for the UR3e
Production benchtop assembly
Screwdriving and insertion
Robots inside machines
Best applications for the Franka Panda
Robotics research and teaching
Contact-rich manipulation experiments
Budget lab setups
UR3e advantages
±0.03 mm repeatability
11.2 kg arm
Current product with UR+ ecosystem
UR3e limitations
About $15,700 higher listed price
500 mm reach
Franka Panda advantages
About 46% lower listed price
7 axes and 855 mm reach
Torque sensors in all joints
Franka Panda limitations
No longer in the current Franka range
IP30 rating
Final verdict
Choose the UR3e for production cells that need precision and long-term support. Choose the Franka Panda for research and teaching on a tight budget.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the Franka Panda?
The Panda is listed from $18,100 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $15,700.
Do both robots carry 3 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The Panda reaches 855 mm and the UR3e 500 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the Panda ±0.1 mm.
Is the Franka Panda still in production?
The Panda is no longer part of the current Franka product range.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR3e for production work. Choose the Panda for research on a budget.
