UR5e vs Elite Robots EC66: 5–6 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Reach and Weight
The Universal Robots UR5e and the Elite Robots EC66 both repeat to ±0.03 mm and are rated IP54. The EC66 carries a little more, reaches a little further, weighs less and costs much less. The UR5e answers with built-in force sensing and the UR+ ecosystem.
Quick verdict. The Elite EC66 is the value choice, with 6 kg payload, 914 mm reach, a 17.5 kg arm and a listed price about 44% lower. The UR5e is the better choice for force-controlled tasks and plants built around UR robots.
UR5e and Elite Robots EC66 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg. The UR7e takes its place in the current Universal Robots range.
The EC66 carries 6 kg over 914 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 17.5 kg. Elite's newer CS66 also covers this class.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | Elite Robots EC66 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Elite Robots |
Listed price | $35,000 | $19,700 |
Payload | 5 kg | 6 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 914 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.03 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 2.8 m/s |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 17.5 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | Control cabinet, IP44, 100–240 VAC |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
Elite Robots EC66: listed from $19,700
Difference: $15,300
The EC66 costs roughly 44% less
Payload, reach and precision
The EC66 carries 6 kg, 1 kg more than the UR5e, and reaches 914 mm, 64 mm more. Both publish ±0.03 mm repeatability, so precision does not separate them.
Weight and speed
The EC66 weighs 17.5 kg, about 3 kg less than the UR5e, which helps on carts and light frames. Elite publishes a 2.8 m/s maximum speed for the EC66, while Universal Robots publishes 180°/s joint speed for the UR5e.
Sensing and safety
The UR5e has a built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and 17 configurable safety functions certified to EN ISO 13849-1 (PLd, Category 3), which suits insertion, press-fit and screwdriving with controlled force.
Programming and connectivity
The UR5e runs PolyScope with UR+ accessories and supports Modbus TCP, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP. Elite publishes Modbus TCP/RTU, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, CC-Link and RS485/RS232 for the EC66, with 16 digital inputs, 16 digital outputs and 4 analog outputs.
Best applications for the UR5e
Force-controlled assembly and screwdriving
Plants with existing UR cells
Projects built on UR+ accessories
Best applications for the Elite Robots EC66
Budget-conscious machine tending
Handling up to 6 kg
Lines that use CC-Link
UR5e advantages
Built-in force/torque sensor
17 configurable safety functions
UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
About $15,300 higher listed price
Elite Robots EC66 advantages
About 44% lower listed price
6 kg payload and 914 mm reach
17.5 kg arm
Elite Robots EC66 limitations
Smaller accessory ecosystem than UR+
Final verdict
Choose the Elite EC66 for more payload and reach at a much lower price. Choose the UR5e when force control and the UR+ ecosystem matter.
The two arms are close enough in size to replace each other in most cells.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the Elite EC66?
The EC66 is listed from $19,700 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $15,300.
Which robot carries more?
The EC66 carries 6 kg and the UR5e 5 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The EC66 reaches 914 mm and the UR5e 850 mm.
Are they equally precise?
Yes. Both publish ±0.03 mm repeatability.
Which robot is lighter?
The EC66 weighs 17.5 kg and the UR5e 20.6 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the EC66 for value. Choose the UR5e for force control and UR+ accessories.
