UR3e vs JAKA Zu 5: Cobot Comparison of Price, Payload and Reach
The Universal Robots UR3e and the JAKA Zu 5 share a 3 m/s top speed and an IP54 rating. The Zu 5 carries 2 kg more, reaches almost twice as far, repeats more tightly and costs about 45% less. The UR3e is the compact, light benchtop arm.
Quick verdict. The JAKA Zu 5 offers more capability for less, with 5 kg payload, 954 mm reach, ±0.02 mm repeatability and a listed price about 45% 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 JAKA Zu 5 at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The JAKA Zu 5 carries 5 kg over 954 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm, weighs 23 kg and is rated IP54.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | JAKA Zu 5 |
Brand | Universal Robots | JAKA |
Listed price | $33,800 | $18,600 |
Payload | 3 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 954 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 3 m/s |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 23 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | JAKA StandardCab control cabinet |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
JAKA Zu 5: listed from $18,600
Difference: $15,200
The JAKA Zu 5 costs roughly 45% less
Payload and reach
The Zu 5 carries 5 kg against 3 kg and reaches 954 mm against 500 mm. Its reach of almost one metre covers a full workstation, which suits general handling, assembly and machine tending.
Precision and speed
JAKA publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability for the Zu 5 against ±0.03 mm for the UR3e. Both publish a 3 m/s maximum speed, so cycle times are comparable for light parts.
Weight and sensing
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg, less than half the 23 kg Zu 5, and has a built-in ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor with continuous rotation on its final joint. It suits benches, light frames and robots mounted inside machines. The Zu 5 can be mounted at any angle and runs on the JAKA StandardCab control cabinet.
Best applications for the UR3e
Compact benchtop assembly
Force-controlled insertion
Robots inside machines
Best applications for the JAKA Zu 5
General-purpose handling
Machine tending up to 5 kg
Budget-conscious workstations
UR3e advantages
11.2 kg arm
Built-in force/torque sensor
Compact footprint
UR3e limitations
About $15,200 higher listed price
3 kg payload and 500 mm reach
JAKA Zu 5 advantages
About 45% lower listed price
5 kg payload and 954 mm reach
±0.02 mm repeatability
JAKA Zu 5 limitations
23 kg arm
Final verdict
Choose the JAKA Zu 5 for payload, reach and value. Choose the UR3e for compact, light and force-controlled benchtop cells.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the JAKA Zu 5?
The JAKA Zu 5 is listed from $18,600 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $15,200.
Which robot carries more?
The JAKA Zu 5 carries 5 kg and the UR3e 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The JAKA Zu 5 reaches 954 mm and the UR3e 500 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The JAKA Zu 5 publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and the UR3e ±0.03 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg and the JAKA Zu 5 23 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the JAKA Zu 5 for capability and value. Choose the UR3e for compact benchtop work.
