UR3e vs Techman TM5-900: Small Cobot Comparison of Reach, Vision and Precision
Updated: 2 days ago
The Universal Robots UR3e and the Techman TM5-900 are listed only $3,500 apart but cover very different work areas. The TM5-900 reaches almost twice as far and has built-in vision. The UR3e is a compact, light and precise benchtop arm.
Quick verdict. The Techman TM5-900 is the better choice for wider work areas and vision-guided tasks, with 446 mm more reach, 1 kg more payload and a listed price about 10% lower. The UR3e is the better choice for compact, precise benchtop cells, with an 11.2 kg arm and ±0.03 mm repeatability.
Availability note (October 2026): Techman Robot is discontinuing the TM5-900 (HW3.2 series). Final orders close on December 1, 2026 in Europe and March 31, 2027 elsewhere. Techman recommends the TM5S as its replacement.
UR3e and Techman TM5-900 at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The TM5-900 carries 4 kg over 946 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs 22 kg and has a vision system built into the arm.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | Techman TM5-900 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Techman |
Listed price | $33,800 | $30,300 |
Payload | 3 kg | 4 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 946 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 4 m/s |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 22 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP54 (control box IP32) |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | TM control box, programmed with TMflow |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
Techman TM5-900: listed from $30,300
Difference: $3,500
The TM5-900 costs roughly 10% less
Payload and reach
The TM5-900 carries 4 kg against 3 kg and reaches 946 mm against 500 mm. That lets it serve conveyors, trays and machine doors that the UR3e cannot reach from a benchtop position.
Precision and speed
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability, against ±0.05 mm for the TM5-900. Techman publishes a 4 m/s maximum speed for the TM5-900, and Universal Robots publishes 3 m/s for the UR3e.
Vision versus force sensing
The TM5-900's built-in vision system can locate parts and read codes without an external camera. The UR3e's ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor supports insertion and screwdriving with controlled force.
Weight and mounting
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg on a Ø128 mm base, about half the TM5-900, and can be mounted inside machines or on light frames.
Programming and connectivity
The UR3e runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2. The TM5-900 is programmed in TMflow and publishes RS-232, Ethernet, Modbus TCP/RTU and 16 digital inputs and outputs.
Best applications for the UR3e
Compact benchtop assembly
Force-controlled insertion
Robots inside machines
Best applications for the Techman TM5-900
Vision-guided pick-and-place over a wide area
Inspection and code reading
Light machine tending
UR3e advantages
11.2 kg arm
±0.03 mm repeatability
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR3e limitations
3 kg payload and 500 mm reach
Techman TM5-900 advantages
946 mm reach and 4 kg payload
Built-in vision system
About 10% lower listed price
Techman TM5-900 limitations
22 kg arm
±0.05 mm repeatability
Final verdict
Choose the Techman TM5-900 for reach and vision at a slightly lower price. Choose the UR3e for compact, precise benchtop work.
The size of the work area is usually the deciding factor in this pair.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the Techman TM5-900?
The TM5-900 is listed from $30,300 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $3,500.
Which robot carries more?
The TM5-900 carries 4 kg and the UR3e 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The TM5-900 reaches 946 mm and the UR3e 500 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the TM5-900 ±0.05 mm.
Which robot has built-in vision?
The TM5-900 has a vision system built into the arm.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the TM5-900 for reach and vision. Choose the UR3e for compact precision work.
