UR5e vs Franka Panda: Cobot Comparison of Price, Payload and Precision
Updated: 8 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE This is a load-versus-reach trade-off: Universal Robots UR5e has the higher stated load capacity, while Franka Panda has the longer stated reach. Start with the constraint your task actually has. Universal Robots UR5e has 6 axes, compared with 7 axes for Franka Panda. |
→ CONSIDER Universal Robots UR5e Consider it when additional load capacity matters more than extra reach. This article compares 5 kg with a published reach of 850 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER Franka Panda Consider it when reaching farther matters more than the higher payload of the alternative. This article compares 3 kg with a published reach of 855 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
💡 THE TAKEAWAY Check the required tool angles and approach path: different axis counts change movement options. Choose only after both suppliers demonstrate the loaded task and quote the same complete installation. |
The Universal Robots UR5e and the Franka Panda reach almost the same distance. The UR5e carries 2 kg more, repeats more tightly and is better protected. The Panda adds a seventh axis and joint torque sensing at about half the listed price.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the better choice for production work, with 5 kg payload, ±0.03 mm repeatability and current product support. The Franka Panda is a lower-cost option for research and teaching, with 7 axes and torque sensors in every joint, but it is no longer part of the current Franka range.
UR5e and Franka Panda at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The Franka Panda carries 3 kg over 855 mm, repeats to ±0.1 mm, weighs about 18 kg and is rated IP30.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | Franka Panda |
Brand | Universal Robots | Franka |
Listed price | $35,000 | $18,100 |
Payload | 5 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 855 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.1 mm |
Axes | 6 | 7 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 2 m/s maximum end-effector speed |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | approx. 18 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP30 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | Franka 19-inch controller (355 × 483 × 89 mm, approx. 7 kg, IP20) |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
Franka Panda: listed from $18,100
Difference: $16,900
The Panda costs roughly 48% less
Payload and reach
The UR5e carries 5 kg, 2 kg more than the Panda, which leaves room for heavier grippers and parts. Both arms reach about 850 mm, so they cover similar working areas.
Precision and protection
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability against ±0.1 mm for the Panda. The UR5e is rated IP54 and suits factory floors. The Panda is rated IP30 and is better suited to clean lab environments.
Axes, sensing and support
The Panda's 7 axes and torque sensors in every joint support compliant, contact-rich motion. The UR5e has a built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and 17 configurable safety functions. The Panda is no longer part of the current Franka product range, so spare parts and support should be checked before buying.
Best applications for the UR5e
Machine tending up to 5 kg
Packaging and kitting
Production screwdriving
Best applications for the Franka Panda
Robotics research and teaching
Contact-rich manipulation experiments
Budget lab setups
UR5e advantages
5 kg payload
±0.03 mm repeatability
Current product with UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
About $16,900 higher listed price
6 axes
Franka Panda advantages
About 48% lower listed price
7 axes with joint torque sensing
About 18 kg arm
Franka Panda limitations
3 kg payload
No longer in the current Franka range
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for production cells that need payload, precision and long-term support. Choose the Franka Panda for research and teaching on a tight budget.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the Franka Panda?
The Panda is listed from $18,100 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $16,900.
Which robot carries more?
The UR5e carries 5 kg and the Panda 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The Panda reaches 855 mm and the UR5e 850 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the Panda ±0.1 mm.
Is the Franka Panda still in production?
The Panda is no longer part of the current Franka product range.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for production work. Choose the Panda for research on a budget.
