UR3e vs UFACTORY xArm 7: Cobot Comparison of 6 and 7 Axes, Price and Precision
The Universal Robots UR3e and the UFACTORY xArm 7 differ in their basic design. The UR3e is a 6-axis production cobot built for precision and speed. The xArm 7 adds a seventh axis for dexterity, reaches further and costs under a third as much.
Quick verdict. The UFACTORY xArm 7 is the better choice for dexterous research and teaching tasks, with seven axes, 700 mm reach and a listed price about 69% lower. The UR3e is the better choice for precise production work, with ±0.03 mm repeatability, a 3 m/s speed and built-in force sensing.
UR3e and UFACTORY xArm 7 at a glance
The UR3e carries 3 kg over 500 mm on six axes, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.
The xArm 7 carries 3.5 kg over 700 mm on seven axes, repeats to ±0.1 mm and weighs 14.3 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR3e | UFACTORY xArm 7 |
Brand | Universal Robots | UFACTORY |
Listed price | $33,800 | $10,499 |
Payload | 3 kg | 3.5 kg |
Reach | 500 mm | 700 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.1 mm |
Axes | 6 | 7 |
Speed | 3 m/s maximum TCP speed | 1 m/s |
Arm weight | 11.2 kg | 14.3 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 xArm 7: listed from $10,499
Difference: $23,301
The UR3e listing is about 3.2 times the xArm 7 price
Seven axes versus six
The xArm 7's seventh axis lets the arm reach the same point in many different postures, which helps it work around obstacles, inside fixtures and in human-like manipulation research. The UR3e's six axes cover most industrial assembly and handling tasks with simpler programming.
Payload, reach and precision
The xArm 7 carries 3.5 kg and reaches 700 mm, against 3 kg and 500 mm for the UR3e. The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability, against ±0.1 mm for the xArm 7.
Speed and sensing
Universal Robots publishes a 3 m/s maximum tool speed for the UR3e and includes a ±30 N / ±10 Nm force/torque sensor. UFACTORY publishes 1 m/s for the xArm 7.
Programming and connectivity
The UR3e runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2. The xArm 7 is programmed in UFACTORY Studio with graphical blocks or a Python SDK, with Ethernet, RS-485 and an AC or DC control box.
Best applications for the UR3e
Precise benchtop assembly
Fast pick-and-place
Force-controlled insertion
Best applications for the UFACTORY xArm 7
Robotics research and teaching
Dexterous manipulation around obstacles
Low-cost mobile manipulators
UR3e advantages
±0.03 mm repeatability
3 m/s speed
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR3e limitations
About 3.2 times the xArm 7 listed price
UFACTORY xArm 7 advantages
Seven axes
700 mm reach
About 69% lower listed price
UFACTORY xArm 7 limitations
±0.1 mm repeatability
1 m/s speed
Final verdict
Choose the UFACTORY xArm 7 for dexterity, research and teaching on a budget. Choose the UR3e for precise and fast production assembly.
The need for a seventh axis is the clearest way to decide between them.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR3e or the UFACTORY xArm 7?
The xArm 7 is listed from $10,499 and the UR3e from $33,800, a difference of $23,301.
How many axes do they have?
The UR3e has six axes and the xArm 7 has seven.
Which robot carries more?
The xArm 7 carries 3.5 kg and the UR3e 3 kg.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR3e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the xArm 7 ±0.1 mm.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The xArm 7 reaches 700 mm and the UR3e 500 mm.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the xArm 7 for dexterity and research. Choose the UR3e for production precision.
