UR3e vs Rainbow Robotics RB5-850: Cobot Comparison of Payload, Reach and Price
The Universal Robots UR3e and the Rainbow Robotics RB5-850 serve different cell sizes. The RB5-850 carries 2 kg more, reaches about 428 mm further and costs about 19% less. The UR3e is lighter, faster and more precise.
Quick verdict. The Rainbow Robotics RB5-850 offers more envelope for less, with 5 kg payload, 927.7 mm reach and a listed price about 19% lower. The UR3e is the better choice for compact and precise benchtop work, with ±0.03 mm repeatability, an 11.2 kg arm and a 3 m/s tool speed.
UR3e and RB5-850 at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The Rainbow Robotics RB5-850 carries 5 kg over 927.7 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm and weighs 22 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | Rainbow Robotics RB5-850 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Rainbow Robotics |
Listed price | $33,800 | $27,500 |
Payload | 3 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 927.7 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | TCP 1 m/s; joint speeds: J1 to J6 180°/s |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 22 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | Rainbow Robotics CB06 standard robot control box |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
Rainbow Robotics RB5-850: listed from $27,500
Difference: $6,300
The RB5-850 costs roughly 19% less
Payload and reach
The RB5-850 carries 5 kg against 3 kg and reaches 927.7 mm against 500 mm. As the standard model of the RB series, it suits machine tending, assembly, inspection and packaging over a full workstation.
Precision and speed
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and a 3 m/s maximum tool speed. Rainbow Robotics publishes ±0.05 mm and a 1 m/s TCP speed for the RB5-850. Precise electronics assembly and fast pick-and-place favor the UR3e.
Weight, sensing and certification
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg, about half the 22 kg RB5-850, and has a built-in ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor. The RB5-850 sits on a Ø173 mm base, mounts in any orientation, runs on the CB06 control box and is CE, KC and TÜV SÜD certified per ISO/TS 15066.
Best applications for the UR3e
Precise benchtop assembly
Fast pick-and-place
Robots inside machines
Best applications for the RB5-850
Machine tending up to 5 kg
Packaging and inspection
Budget-conscious workstations
UR3e advantages
±0.03 mm repeatability
11.2 kg arm
3 m/s maximum tool speed
UR3e limitations
3 kg payload and 500 mm reach
About $6,300 higher listed price
RB5-850 advantages
5 kg payload and 927.7 mm reach
About 19% lower listed price
Any-orientation mounting
RB5-850 limitations
22 kg arm
1 m/s TCP speed
Final verdict
Choose the Rainbow Robotics RB5-850 for payload and reach at a lower price. Choose the UR3e for compact, precise and fast benchtop work.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the Rainbow Robotics RB5-850?
The RB5-850 is listed from $27,500 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $6,300.
Which robot carries more?
The RB5-850 carries 5 kg and the UR3e 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The RB5-850 reaches 927.7 mm and the UR3e 500 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the RB5-850 ±0.05 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg and the RB5-850 22 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the RB5-850 for payload and reach. Choose the UR3e for compact precise work.
