UR3e vs Productive Robotics OB7 Stretch: Cobot Comparison of Reach and Price
The Universal Robots UR3e and the Productive Robotics OB7 Stretch suit very different cells. The OB7 Stretch carries 1 kg more, reaches 750 mm further, adds a seventh axis and costs about 26% less. The UR3e is the compact, precise benchtop arm.
Quick verdict. The Productive Robotics OB7 Stretch is the better choice for lathe and machine tending, with 1250 mm reach, 7 axes, teaching by demonstration and a listed price about 26% lower. The UR3e is the better choice for precise benchtop work, with ±0.03 mm repeatability, an 11.2 kg arm and a built-in force/torque sensor.
UR3e and OB7 Stretch at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The Productive Robotics OB7 Stretch carries 4 kg over 1250 mm with 7 axes, repeats to ±0.1 mm and weighs 22 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | Productive Robotics OB7 Stretch |
Brand | Universal Robots | Productive Robotics |
Listed price | $33,800 | $25,000 |
Payload | 3 kg | 4 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 1250 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.1 mm |
Axes | 6 | 7 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 2 m/s |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 22 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | OB7 control computer with zero-programming teach tablet |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
Productive Robotics OB7 Stretch: listed from $25,000
Difference: $8,800
The OB7 Stretch costs roughly 26% less
Reach and axes
The OB7 Stretch reaches 1250 mm, two and a half times the UR3e's 500 mm, and its 7 axes let it reach into machines around doors and fixtures. It is widely used for tending lathes. At 22 kg it can be mounted on a cart or pedestal.
Precision and payload
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability against ±0.1 mm for the OB7 Stretch, which matters for precise electronics assembly and insertion. The OB7 Stretch carries 4 kg against 3 kg and publishes a 2 m/s speed.
Programming and features
OB7 jobs are taught by demonstration from a tablet, with EtherNet/IP, TCP/IP and Modbus for machine communication. The UR3e has a built-in ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor, a 3 m/s maximum tool speed and PolyScope with PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, ROS/ROS2 and UR+ accessories.
Best applications for the UR3e
Precise benchtop assembly
Force-controlled insertion
Robots inside machines
Best applications for the OB7 Stretch
Lathe and CNC tending
Cart-mounted machine service
Teams without programming staff
UR3e advantages
±0.03 mm repeatability
11.2 kg arm
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR3e limitations
500 mm reach
About $8,800 higher listed price
OB7 Stretch advantages
1250 mm reach and 7 axes
Teaching by demonstration
About 26% lower listed price
OB7 Stretch limitations
±0.1 mm repeatability
Final verdict
Choose the Productive Robotics OB7 Stretch for machine tending with long reach. Choose the UR3e for precise, compact benchtop work.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the OB7 Stretch?
The OB7 Stretch is listed from $25,000 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $8,800.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The OB7 Stretch reaches 1250 mm and the UR3e 500 mm.
How many axes do they have?
The OB7 Stretch has 7 axes and the UR3e 6.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the OB7 Stretch ±0.1 mm.
What is the OB7 Stretch used for?
It is widely used for tending lathes and other machines.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the OB7 Stretch for machine tending. Choose the UR3e for precise benchtop work.
