UR5e vs Rainbow Robotics RB5-850: 5 kg Cobot Comparison of Price and Precision
The Universal Robots UR5e and the Rainbow Robotics RB5-850 are 5 kg cobots of similar weight. The RB5-850 reaches a little further and costs about 21% less. The UR5e repeats more tightly, is faster and has built-in force sensing.
Quick verdict. The Rainbow Robotics RB5-850 is the value choice for general machine tending and packaging, with 927.7 mm reach and a listed price about 21% lower. The UR5e is the better choice for precise and force-controlled work, with ±0.03 mm repeatability, a 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and the UR+ ecosystem.
UR5e and RB5-850 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The Rainbow Robotics RB5-850 carries 5 kg over 927.7 mm, repeats to ±0.05 mm and weighs 22 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | Rainbow Robotics RB5-850 |
Brand | Universal Robots | Rainbow Robotics |
Listed price | $35,000 | $27,500 |
Payload | 5 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 927.7 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | TCP 1 m/s; joint speeds: J1 to J6 180°/s |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 22 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | Rainbow Robotics CB06 standard robot control box |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
Rainbow Robotics RB5-850: listed from $27,500
Difference: $7,500
The RB5-850 costs roughly 21% less
Reach and precision
Both arms carry 5 kg. The RB5-850 reaches 927.7 mm, about 78 mm more. The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability against ±0.05 mm, which matters for precise assembly and insertion.
Speed and weight
Rainbow Robotics publishes a 1 m/s TCP speed and joint speeds up to 180°/s for the RB5-850. The UR5e weighs 20.6 kg, about 1.4 kg less, so both arms fit similar stands and carts. The RB5-850 mounts in any orientation on a Ø173 mm base.
Sensing, software and certification
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 RB5-850 runs on the CB06 control box and is CE, KC and TÜV SÜD certified per ISO/TS 15066.
Best applications for the UR5e
Precise assembly and insertion
Force-controlled screwdriving
Existing UR cells
Best applications for the RB5-850
Machine tending up to 5 kg
Packaging and inspection
Budget-conscious workstations
UR5e advantages
±0.03 mm repeatability
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR+ ecosystem
UR5e limitations
About $7,500 higher listed price
RB5-850 advantages
About 21% lower listed price
927.7 mm reach
Any-orientation mounting
RB5-850 limitations
±0.05 mm repeatability
1 m/s TCP speed
Final verdict
Choose the Rainbow Robotics RB5-850 for reach and value. Choose the UR5e for precision, force control and the UR+ ecosystem.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the Rainbow Robotics RB5-850?
The RB5-850 is listed from $27,500 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $7,500.
Do both robots carry 5 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 5 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The RB5-850 reaches 927.7 mm and the UR5e 850 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the RB5-850 ±0.05 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The UR5e weighs 20.6 kg and the RB5-850 22 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the RB5-850 for value. Choose the UR5e for precision and force control.
