UR5e vs Elephant Robotics Panda5: 5 kg, 850 mm Cobot Comparison
The Universal Robots UR5e and the Elephant Robotics Panda5 match on paper in payload and reach: both carry 5 kg over 850 mm. The Panda5, sold as the P5, costs about 43% less. The UR5e repeats more tightly and has a fuller set of published industrial features.
Quick verdict. The Elephant Robotics Panda5 is the value choice for general 5 kg handling and developer-led projects, with a listed price about 43% lower. The UR5e is the better choice for precise production work, with ±0.03 mm repeatability, a 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and documented safety and protection data.
UR5e and Elephant Robotics Panda5 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The Elephant Robotics Panda5 carries 5 kg over 850 mm and repeats to ±0.05 mm.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | Elephant Robotics Panda5 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Elephant Robotics |
Listed price | $35,000 | $19,999 |
Payload | 5 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 850 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 Panda5: listed from $19,999
Difference: $15,001
The Panda5 costs roughly 43% less
With the same payload and reach, the price gap is the main difference for basic handling tasks.
Precision
Both arms carry 5 kg over 850 mm. The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability against ±0.05 mm for the Panda5, which matters for precise assembly and insertion.
Programming and software
The Panda5 runs the RoboFlow operating system and can be programmed in Python, C++ and Java or through ROS, which suits developers and integrators who write their own software. The UR5e runs PolyScope with ROS/ROS2 support and a large catalog of UR+ grippers and kits.
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
Precise assembly and insertion
Force-controlled screwdriving
Existing UR cells
Best applications for the Panda5
General 5 kg handling
Developer-led projects
Budget-conscious cells
UR5e advantages
±0.03 mm repeatability
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
About $15,001 higher listed price
Panda5 advantages
About 43% lower listed price
Same 5 kg payload and 850 mm reach
Python, C++, Java and ROS programming
Panda5 limitations
±0.05 mm repeatability
Speed, weight and IP rating not listed in the reviewed specification
Final verdict
Choose the Elephant Robotics Panda5 for general 5 kg handling at a lower price. Choose the UR5e for precision, force control and documented industrial features.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the Elephant Robotics Panda5?
The Panda5 is listed from $19,999 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $15,001.
Do both robots carry 5 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 5 kg.
Do they have the same reach?
Yes. Both reach 850 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the Panda5 ±0.05 mm.
How is the Panda5 programmed?
It runs RoboFlow and supports Python, C++, Java and ROS.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the Panda5 for value. Choose the UR5e for precision and force control.
