UR5e vs Rainbow Robotics RB3-730: Cobot Comparison of Payload, Reach and Price
The Universal Robots UR5e and the Rainbow Robotics RB3-730 serve light automation at different scales. The UR5e carries 2 kg more, reaches 120 mm further and repeats more tightly. The RB3-730 weighs about half as much and costs about a third less.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the better choice when the task needs 5 kg, 850 mm of reach or force control. The Rainbow Robotics RB3-730 is the value choice for small-part assembly, inspection and education, with an 11 kg arm and a listed price about 33% lower.
UR5e and RB3-730 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The Rainbow Robotics RB3-730 carries 3 kg over 730 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm and weighs 11 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | Rainbow Robotics RB3-730 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Rainbow Robotics |
Listed price | $35,000 | $23,400 |
Payload | 5 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 730 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | Joint speeds: J1 to J4 180°/s, J5 and J6 360°/s |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 11 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | Rainbow Robotics CB07 small robot control box |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
Rainbow Robotics RB3-730: listed from $23,400
Difference: $11,600
The RB3-730 costs roughly 33% less
Payload, reach and precision
The UR5e carries 5 kg, 2 kg more, reaches 850 mm, 120 mm more, and publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability against ±0.05 mm. Machine tending and packaging with heavier grippers usually need the UR5e.
Weight and footprint
The RB3-730 weighs 11 kg on a Ø128 mm base, about 9.6 kg less than the UR5e, and mounts in any orientation. It runs on the compact CB07 control box, which suits benches, carts and teaching labs.
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 RB series is CE, KC and TÜV SÜD certified per ISO/TS 15066.
Best applications for the UR5e
Machine tending up to 5 kg
Force-controlled screwdriving
Packaging and kitting
Best applications for the RB3-730
Small-part assembly and dispensing
Inspection
Education and research
UR5e advantages
5 kg payload and 850 mm reach
±0.03 mm repeatability
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR5e limitations
About $11,600 higher listed price
20.6 kg arm
RB3-730 advantages
About 33% lower listed price
11 kg arm
Compact CB07 control box
RB3-730 limitations
3 kg payload
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for payload, reach, precision and force control. Choose the Rainbow Robotics RB3-730 for light, compact and lower-cost automation.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the Rainbow Robotics RB3-730?
The RB3-730 is listed from $23,400 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $11,600.
Which robot carries more?
The UR5e carries 5 kg and the RB3-730 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR5e reaches 850 mm and the RB3-730 730 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the RB3-730 ±0.05 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The RB3-730 weighs 11 kg and the UR5e 20.6 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for payload and precision. Choose the RB3-730 for light work at a lower price.
