UR5e vs AUBO-i5: 5 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Reach and Precision
The Universal Robots UR5e and the AUBO-i5 are 5 kg cobots for machine tending, assembly and pick-and-place. The AUBO-i5 reaches a little further, repeats more tightly and costs about 38% less. The UR5e is lighter and has a built-in force/torque sensor.
Quick verdict. The AUBO-i5 is the value choice, with 886.5 mm reach, ±0.02 mm repeatability and a listed price about 38% lower. The UR5e is the better choice for force-controlled tasks and established UR cells, with a 20.6 kg arm and 17 configurable safety functions.
UR5e and AUBO-i5 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The AUBO-i5 carries 5 kg over 886.5 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm, weighs 24 kg, is rated IP54 and mounts at any angle.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | AUBO-i5 |
Brand | Universal Robots | AUBO |
Listed price | $35,000 | $21,800 |
Payload | 5 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 886.5 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 2.8 m/s max. linear speed |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 24 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | AUBO CB-M control box |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
AUBO-i5: listed from $21,800
Difference: $13,200
The AUBO-i5 costs roughly 38% less
Reach and precision
Both arms carry 5 kg. The AUBO-i5 reaches 886.5 mm, about 37 mm more, and publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability against ±0.03 mm for the UR5e. AUBO also publishes a 2.8 m/s maximum linear speed for the i5.
Weight and sensing
The UR5e weighs 20.6 kg, about 3.4 kg less than the AUBO-i5. Its built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and 17 configurable safety functions support force-controlled screwdriving, insertion and polishing next to people.
Programming and connectivity
The UR5e runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2, with UR+ accessories. AUBO publishes TCP/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP, PROFINET, ROS and SDKs for C/C++, C#, Lua and Python on its CB-M control box.
Best applications for the UR5e
Force-controlled screwdriving and insertion
Machine tending in existing UR cells
Packaging and kitting
Best applications for the AUBO-i5
Precise pick-and-place
Budget-conscious machine tending
Custom software integration via SDKs
UR5e advantages
Built-in force/torque sensor
20.6 kg arm
UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
About $13,200 higher listed price
AUBO-i5 advantages
About 38% lower listed price
±0.02 mm repeatability
886.5 mm reach
AUBO-i5 limitations
24 kg arm
IP54 rating
Final verdict
Choose the AUBO-i5 for precision and value at the same 5 kg payload. Choose the UR5e for force-controlled work and the UR+ ecosystem.
With the same payload and similar reach, budget and sensing needs usually decide between them.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the AUBO-i5?
The AUBO-i5 is listed from $21,800 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $13,200.
Do both robots carry 5 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 5 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The AUBO-i5 reaches 886.5 mm and the UR5e 850 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The AUBO-i5 publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and the UR5e ±0.03 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR5e weighs 20.6 kg and the AUBO-i5 24 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the AUBO-i5 for value and precision. Choose the UR5e for force control.
