UR5e vs Elephant Robotics Panda3: Cobot Comparison of Payload, Reach and Price
The Universal Robots UR5e and the Elephant Robotics Panda3 serve light automation at different scales. The UR5e carries 2 kg more, reaches 300 mm further and repeats more tightly. The Panda3, sold as the P3, costs about 46% less and offers open programming.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the better choice for production work, with 5 kg payload, 850 mm reach, ±0.03 mm repeatability and a full industrial feature set. The Elephant Robotics Panda3 is the value choice for light tasks and developer-led projects, with Python, C++, Java and ROS programming and a listed price about 46% lower.
UR5e and Elephant Robotics Panda3 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The Elephant Robotics Panda3 carries 3 kg over 550 mm and repeats to ±0.05 mm.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | Elephant Robotics Panda3 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Elephant Robotics |
Listed price | $35,000 | $18,999 |
Payload | 5 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 550 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | Not specified |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | Not specified |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
Elephant Robotics Panda3: listed from $18,999
Difference: $16,001
The Panda3 costs roughly 46% less
Payload, reach and precision
The UR5e carries 5 kg, 2 kg more, and reaches 850 mm, 300 mm more than the Panda3. It also publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability against ±0.05 mm. Machine tending and packaging with heavier grippers need the UR5e.
Programming and software
The Panda3 runs the RoboFlow operating system and can be programmed in Python, C++ and Java or through ROS, which suits developers, labs and integrators. The UR5e runs PolyScope with ROS/ROS2 support and a large catalog of UR+ accessories.
Industrial features
The UR5e has a built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor, 17 configurable safety functions, IP54, and PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP. Its weight, speed and protection data are fully documented for cell design and safety assessment.
Best applications for the UR5e
Machine tending up to 5 kg
Force-controlled screwdriving
Packaging and kitting
Best applications for the Panda3
Light pick-and-place
Developer and research projects
Budget-conscious small cells
UR5e advantages
5 kg payload and 850 mm reach
±0.03 mm repeatability
Full industrial feature set
UR5e limitations
About $16,001 higher listed price
Panda3 advantages
About 46% lower listed price
Python, C++, Java and ROS programming
Panda3 limitations
3 kg payload and 550 mm reach
±0.05 mm repeatability
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for payload, reach and precision in production. Choose the Elephant Robotics Panda3 for light tasks and developer-led projects at a lower price.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the Elephant Robotics Panda3?
The Panda3 is listed from $18,999 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $16,001.
Which robot carries more?
The UR5e carries 5 kg and the Panda3 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR5e reaches 850 mm and the Panda3 550 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the Panda3 ±0.05 mm.
How is the Panda3 programmed?
It runs RoboFlow and supports Python, C++, Java and ROS.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for production. Choose the Panda3 for light tasks on a budget.
