UR5e vs AUBO-i3: Cobot Comparison of Price, Payload and Precision
The Universal Robots UR5e and the AUBO-i3 serve light automation at different scales. The UR5e carries more and reaches further. The AUBO-i3 is lighter, more precise and costs about 39% less.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the better choice when the task needs 5 kg, 850 mm of reach or force control. The AUBO-i3 is the value choice for precise benchtop work, with ±0.02 mm repeatability and a 16 kg arm.
UR5e and AUBO-i3 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The AUBO-i3 carries 3 kg over 625 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm and weighs 16 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | AUBO-i3 |
Brand | Universal Robots | AUBO |
Listed price | $35,000 | $21,200 |
Payload | 5 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 625 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | Not specified |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 16 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | AUBO CB-M control box |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
AUBO-i3: listed from $21,200
Difference: $13,800
The AUBO-i3 costs roughly 39% less
Payload and reach
The UR5e carries 5 kg, 2 kg more than the AUBO-i3, and reaches 850 mm, 225 mm more. Machine tending and packaging with heavier grippers usually need the UR5e.
Precision and weight
AUBO publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability for the i3, against ±0.03 mm for the UR5e. The AUBO-i3 weighs 16 kg, about 4.6 kg less, which helps on benches and carts.
Sensing and programming
The UR5e has a built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and 17 configurable safety functions, and runs PolyScope with UR+ accessories. AUBO publishes TCP/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP, PROFINET, ROS and SDKs for C/C++, C#, Lua and Python.
Best applications for the UR5e
Machine tending up to 5 kg
Force-controlled screwdriving
Packaging and kitting
Best applications for the AUBO-i3
Precise benchtop assembly
Lab and research automation
Budget-conscious light handling
UR5e advantages
5 kg payload and 850 mm reach
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
About $13,800 higher listed price
AUBO-i3 advantages
About 39% lower listed price
±0.02 mm repeatability
16 kg arm
AUBO-i3 limitations
3 kg payload and 625 mm reach
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for payload, reach and force control. Choose the AUBO-i3 for precise, lighter and lower-cost benchtop automation.
The required payload is usually the deciding factor between these two arms.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the AUBO-i3?
The AUBO-i3 is listed from $21,200 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $13,800.
Which robot carries more?
The UR5e carries 5 kg and the AUBO-i3 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR5e reaches 850 mm and the AUBO-i3 625 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The AUBO-i3 publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and the UR5e ±0.03 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The AUBO-i3 weighs 16 kg and the UR5e 20.6 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for payload and reach. Choose the AUBO-i3 for value and precision.
