UR5e vs JAKA Zu 5: 5 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Reach and Precision
The Universal Robots UR5e and the JAKA Zu 5 are 5 kg cobots with the same IP54 rating. The Zu 5 reaches further, repeats more tightly and costs about 47% less. The UR5e is lighter and has built-in force sensing with a large accessory ecosystem.
Quick verdict. The JAKA Zu 5 is the value choice, with 954 mm reach, ±0.02 mm repeatability and a listed price about 47% lower. The UR5e is the better choice for force-controlled work and established UR cells, with a 20.6 kg arm, a 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and UR+ accessories.
UR5e and JAKA Zu 5 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The JAKA Zu 5 carries 5 kg over 954 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm, weighs 23 kg and is rated IP54.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | JAKA Zu 5 |
Brand | Universal Robots | JAKA |
Listed price | $35,000 | $18,600 |
Payload | 5 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 954 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 3 m/s |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 23 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | JAKA StandardCab control cabinet |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
JAKA Zu 5: listed from $18,600
Difference: $16,400
The JAKA Zu 5 costs roughly 47% less
Reach and precision
Both arms carry 5 kg. The Zu 5 reaches 954 mm, 104 mm more, and publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability against ±0.03 mm. JAKA publishes a 3 m/s maximum TCP speed for the Zu 5.
Weight and sensing
The UR5e weighs 20.6 kg, about 2.4 kg less. Its built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and 17 configurable safety functions support screwdriving, insertion and part detection next to people.
Software and ecosystem
The UR5e runs PolyScope and supports PROFINET with PROFIsafe, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ROS/ROS2, with a large catalog of UR+ grippers and kits. The Zu 5 can be mounted at any angle and runs on the JAKA StandardCab control cabinet.
Best applications for the UR5e
Force-controlled screwdriving
Packaging and kitting with UR+ tools
Existing UR cells
Best applications for the JAKA Zu 5
General-purpose handling
Machine tending up to 5 kg
Budget-conscious workstations
UR5e advantages
20.6 kg arm
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
About $16,400 higher listed price
JAKA Zu 5 advantages
About 47% lower listed price
954 mm reach
±0.02 mm repeatability
JAKA Zu 5 limitations
23 kg arm
Final verdict
Choose the JAKA Zu 5 for reach, precision and value. Choose the UR5e for force control and the UR+ ecosystem.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the JAKA Zu 5?
The JAKA Zu 5 is listed from $18,600 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $16,400.
Do both robots carry 5 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 5 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The JAKA Zu 5 reaches 954 mm and the UR5e 850 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The JAKA Zu 5 publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and the UR5e ±0.03 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR5e weighs 20.6 kg and the JAKA Zu 5 23 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the JAKA Zu 5 for value. Choose the UR5e for force control and the UR+ ecosystem.
