UR3e vs UFACTORY 850: Cobot Comparison of Price, Payload and Precision
Updated: 9 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE UFACTORY 850 has the higher stated load capacity and longer stated reach. Those figures help shortlist it for heavier loads or wider layouts, but do not prove a faster production cycle. |
→ 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 UFACTORY 850 Consider it when additional load capacity and reach matter. This article compares 5 kg with a published reach of 850 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
💡 THE TAKEAWAY Check the real tool, movement path and safety assessment before choosing. A collaborative label does not make every task safe without guarding; compare complete installation quotes. |
The Universal Robots UR3e and the UFACTORY 850 target small-part automation from different angles. The UFACTORY 850 carries more, reaches further and repeats more tightly at under a third of the price. The UR3e is compact, light, fast and has built-in force sensing.
Quick verdict. The UFACTORY 850 offers more capability for the money, with 5 kg payload, 850 mm reach, ±0.02 mm repeatability and a listed price about 71% lower. The UR3e is the better choice for compact, fast and force-controlled benchtop cells.
UR3e and UFACTORY 850 at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The UFACTORY 850 carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm and weighs 20 kg on a Ø190 mm base. It runs on an AC or DC control box with UFACTORY Studio.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | UFACTORY 850 |
Brand | Universal Robots | UFACTORY |
Listed price | $33,800 | $9,899 |
Payload | 3 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 850 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 1 m/s |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 20 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.5 / CB 5.6 | AC or DC control box (UFACTORY Studio) |
Price comparison
UR3e: listed from $33,800
UFACTORY 850: listed from $9,899
Difference: $23,901
The UR3e listing is about 3.4 times the UFACTORY 850 price
Payload and reach
The UFACTORY 850 carries 5 kg against 3 kg and reaches 850 mm against 500 mm. Machine tending and packaging tasks usually need the 850's envelope, while the UR3e is sized for parts within easy reach on a bench.
Precision and speed
UFACTORY publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability for the 850, against ±0.03 mm for the UR3e. Universal Robots publishes a 3 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR3e, against 1 m/s for the 850.
Weight and mounting
The UR3e weighs 11.2 kg on a Ø128 mm base, about half the 850's 20 kg, which suits benches, light frames and in-machine mounting. The 850's DC control box option makes it practical on mobile platforms.
Sensing and programming
The UR3e has a built-in ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor and runs PolyScope with PROFINET, PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2. The UFACTORY 850 is programmed in UFACTORY Studio with graphical blocks or a Python SDK, and publishes Ethernet, RS-485 and 16 digital inputs and outputs.
Best applications for the UR3e
Fast benchtop pick-and-place
Force-controlled insertion
Robots inside machines
Best applications for the UFACTORY 850
Low-cost machine tending up to 5 kg
Research, education and labs
Mobile manipulators with a DC control box
UR3e advantages
11.2 kg arm
3 m/s maximum tool speed
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR3e limitations
About 3.4 times the UFACTORY 850 listed price
3 kg payload and 500 mm reach
UFACTORY 850 advantages
About 71% lower listed price
5 kg payload and 850 mm reach
±0.02 mm repeatability
UFACTORY 850 limitations
1 m/s speed
20 kg arm
Final verdict
Choose the UFACTORY 850 for more payload, reach and precision at a much lower price. Choose the UR3e for compact, fast and force-controlled benchtop work.
For most machine-side tasks, the 850's envelope is the deciding advantage.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the UFACTORY 850?
The UFACTORY 850 is listed from $9,899 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $23,901.
Which robot carries more?
The UFACTORY 850 carries 5 kg and the UR3e 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UFACTORY 850 reaches 850 mm and the UR3e 500 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The UFACTORY 850 publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and the UR3e ±0.03 mm.
Which robot is faster?
The UR3e publishes 3 m/s and the UFACTORY 850 1 m/s.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UFACTORY 850 for value and reach. Choose the UR3e for compact, fast benchtop work.
