UR5e vs JAKA Zu 7: Cobot Comparison of Price, Payload and Precision
The Universal Robots UR5e and the JAKA Zu 7 suit similar compact cells. The Zu 7 carries 2 kg more, repeats more tightly and costs about 43% less. The UR5e reaches a little further, weighs a little less and has built-in force sensing.
Quick verdict. The JAKA Zu 7 is the value choice when the gripper and part weigh more than 5 kg, with 7 kg payload, ±0.02 mm repeatability and a listed price about 43% lower. The UR5e is the better choice when reach and force control matter, with 850 mm reach and a 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor.
UR5e and JAKA Zu 7 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The JAKA Zu 7 carries 7 kg over 819 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm, weighs 22 kg and is rated IP54.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | JAKA Zu 7 |
Brand | Universal Robots | JAKA |
Listed price | $35,000 | $20,000 |
Payload | 5 kg | 7 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 819 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 2.5 m/s |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 22 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 7: listed from $20,000
Difference: $15,000
The JAKA Zu 7 costs roughly 43% less
Payload and reach
The Zu 7 carries 7 kg, 2 kg more than the UR5e, which leaves room for heavier grippers and parts in pick-and-place, assembly and machine tending. The UR5e reaches 850 mm, 31 mm more than the Zu 7.
Precision and speed
JAKA publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and a 2.5 m/s maximum TCP speed for the Zu 7. The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm. Both arms weigh about 21 to 22 kg and are rated IP54.
Sensing and software
The UR5e has a built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and 17 configurable safety functions, and runs PolyScope with PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, ROS/ROS2 and UR+ accessories. The Zu 7 can be mounted at any angle and runs on the JAKA StandardCab control cabinet.
Best applications for the UR5e
Machine tending that needs 850 mm reach
Force-controlled screwdriving
Packaging and kitting
Best applications for the JAKA Zu 7
Pick-and-place with heavier grippers
Compact machine tending up to 7 kg
Budget-conscious assembly cells
UR5e advantages
850 mm reach
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
About $15,000 higher listed price
5 kg payload
JAKA Zu 7 advantages
About 43% lower listed price
7 kg payload
±0.02 mm repeatability
JAKA Zu 7 limitations
819 mm reach
Final verdict
Choose the JAKA Zu 7 for extra payload and precision at a lower price. Choose the UR5e for reach, force control and the UR+ ecosystem.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the JAKA Zu 7?
The JAKA Zu 7 is listed from $20,000 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $15,000.
Which robot carries more?
The JAKA Zu 7 carries 7 kg and the UR5e 5 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR5e reaches 850 mm and the JAKA Zu 7 819 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The JAKA Zu 7 publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability and the UR5e ±0.03 mm.
Does the UR5e have force sensing?
Yes. A 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor is built into the tool flange.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the JAKA Zu 7 for payload and value. Choose the UR5e for reach and force control.
