UR5e vs Flexiv Rizon 4: Cobot Comparison of Payload, Reach and Force Control
The Universal Robots UR5e and the Flexiv Rizon 4 weigh about the same and cover similar working areas. The UR5e carries more and repeats more tightly. The Rizon 4 adds a seventh axis, fine force control and IP65, at a slightly lower listed price.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the better general-purpose choice, with 5 kg payload, ±0.03 mm repeatability and the UR+ ecosystem. The Flexiv Rizon 4 is the better choice for force-controlled contact tasks, with 0.1 N force sensing accuracy, 7 axes, IP65 and a listed price about 9% lower.
UR5e and Rizon 4 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The Flexiv Rizon 4 carries 4 kg over 876 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm, weighs 20 kg and is rated IP65.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | Flexiv Rizon 4 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Flexiv |
Listed price | $35,000 | $32,000 |
Payload | 5 kg | 4 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 876 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 7 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 1.0 m/s typical TCP linear speed |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 20 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP65 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | Flexiv Hesper robot controller (12 kg, 423 × 230 × 230 mm, IP20, 500 W) |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
Flexiv Rizon 4: listed from $32,000
Difference: $3,000
The Rizon 4 costs roughly 9% less
Payload, reach and precision
The UR5e carries 5 kg, 1 kg more, and publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability against ±0.05 mm for the Rizon 4. The Rizon 4 reaches 876 mm, about 26 mm more, and its 7 axes let it work around fixtures while holding the tool orientation.
Force control
Flexiv publishes 0.1 N force sensing accuracy and a 200 N maximum TCP force for the Rizon 4. That supports polishing, finishing and assembly with controlled contact. The UR5e's built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor covers standard screwdriving, insertion and part detection.
Protection, speed and controller
The Rizon 4 is rated IP65 and runs on the 12 kg Flexiv Hesper controller, with a published typical TCP linear speed of 1.0 m/s. The UR5e has 17 configurable safety functions, runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2.
Best applications for the UR5e
Machine tending up to 5 kg
Packaging and kitting
Screwdriving in existing UR cells
Best applications for the Rizon 4
Polishing and surface finishing
Force-controlled assembly and insertion
Tasks around fixtures that benefit from 7 axes
UR5e advantages
5 kg payload
±0.03 mm repeatability
UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
About $3,000 higher listed price
6 axes
Rizon 4 advantages
0.1 N force sensing accuracy
7 axes and IP65
About 9% lower listed price
Rizon 4 limitations
4 kg payload
Separate 12 kg controller
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for general machine tending, packaging and assembly. Choose the Flexiv Rizon 4 when force control or a seventh axis decides the result.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the Flexiv Rizon 4?
The Rizon 4 is listed from $32,000 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $3,000.
Which robot carries more?
The UR5e carries 5 kg and the Rizon 4 4 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The Rizon 4 reaches 876 mm and the UR5e 850 mm.
How many axes do they have?
The Rizon 4 has 7 axes and the UR5e 6.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the Rizon 4 ±0.05 mm.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for general tasks. Choose the Rizon 4 for force-controlled tasks.
