UR5e vs Kinova Gen3 7DoF: Cobot Comparison of Payload, Reach and Weight
The Universal Robots UR5e and the Kinova Gen3 7DoF are listed within $800 of each other. The UR5e carries more, is more precise and is built for the factory floor. The Kinova Gen3 weighs about 40% as much, adds a seventh axis and runs on 24 VDC.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the better choice for production work, with 5 kg payload over its full reach, ±0.03 mm repeatability and IP54. The Kinova Gen3 7DoF is the better choice for research and mobile manipulation, with 7 axes, 902 mm reach and an 8.2 kg arm.
UR5e and Kinova Gen3 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The Kinova Gen3 7DoF carries 4 kg at mid-range and 2 kg at full range over 902 mm, weighs 8.2 kg and is rated IP33.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | Kinova Gen3 7DoF |
Brand | Universal Robots | Kinova |
Listed price | $35,000 | $35,795 |
Payload | 5 kg | 4 kg mid-range, 2 kg full-range |
Reach | 850 mm | 902 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | Not specified |
Axes | 6 | 7 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 50 cm/s maximum Cartesian translation speed |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 8.2 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP33 |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
Kinova Gen3 7DoF: listed from $35,795
Difference: $795
At almost the same listed price, the decision rests on the application rather than the budget.
Payload and reach
The UR5e carries 5 kg across its full 850 mm reach. Kinova rates the Gen3 at 4 kg mid-range and 2 kg at its full 902 mm reach. Machine tending and packaging with heavier grippers favor the UR5e.
Weight, axes and power
The Gen3 weighs 8.2 kg, about 12.4 kg less than the UR5e, and has 7 axes. It runs on 18 to 30 VDC with a 36 W average draw and is programmed through the Kinova Kortex API in C++, Python or MATLAB, which suits mobile robots and research teams.
Precision, sensing and protection
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability, has a built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and 17 configurable safety functions, and is rated IP54. The Gen3 publishes a 50 cm/s maximum Cartesian speed and is rated IP33 for lab and indoor service use.
Best applications for the UR5e
Machine tending up to 5 kg
Packaging and kitting
Force-controlled screwdriving
Best applications for the Kinova Gen3 7DoF
Robotics research and AI labs
Mobile manipulation on battery power
Assistive and service robotics
UR5e advantages
5 kg payload over full reach
±0.03 mm repeatability
IP54 and UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
20.6 kg arm
6 axes
Kinova Gen3 advantages
8.2 kg arm
7 axes and 902 mm reach
24 VDC supply and Kortex API
Kinova Gen3 limitations
2 kg payload at full reach
IP33 rating
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for production cells. Choose the Kinova Gen3 7DoF for research, mobile platforms and tasks that need a seventh axis.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the Kinova Gen3 7DoF?
The UR5e is listed from $35,000 and the Kinova Gen3 7DoF from $35,795, a difference of $795.
Which robot carries more?
The UR5e carries 5 kg over its full reach. The Gen3 carries 4 kg at mid-range and 2 kg at full reach.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The Kinova Gen3 reaches 902 mm and the UR5e 850 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The Kinova Gen3 weighs 8.2 kg and the UR5e 20.6 kg.
How many axes do they have?
The Kinova Gen3 has 7 axes and the UR5e 6.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for production. Choose the Kinova Gen3 for research and mobile manipulation.
