UR5e vs ROKAE xMate SR3: Cobot Comparison of Payload, Reach and Price
The Universal Robots UR5e and the ROKAE xMate SR3 share ±0.03 mm repeatability, IP54 and force sensing at the flange. The UR5e carries 2 kg more and reaches 145 mm further. The SR3 is much lighter and costs about 57% less.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the better choice when the task needs 5 kg or 850 mm of reach. The ROKAE xMate SR3 is the value choice for light assembly and inspection, with the same precision, a 13.8 kg arm and a listed price about 57% lower.
UR5e and xMate SR3 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The ROKAE xMate SR3 carries 3 kg over 705 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm, weighs about 13.8 kg and is rated IP54.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | ROKAE xMate SR3 |
Brand | Universal Robots | ROKAE |
Listed price | $35,000 | $15,200 |
Payload | 5 kg | 3 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 705 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.03 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 1.5 m/s (tool end) |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | about 13.8 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | xMate SR Cab (MSC) |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
ROKAE xMate SR3: listed from $15,200
Difference: $19,800
The xMate SR3 costs roughly 57% less
Payload and reach
The UR5e carries 5 kg, 2 kg more, and reaches 850 mm, 145 mm more than the SR3. Machine tending and packaging with heavier grippers usually need the UR5e.
Precision and weight
Both arms repeat to ±0.03 mm and have six-axis force sensing at the tool flange. The SR3 weighs about 13.8 kg, roughly 6.8 kg less, runs on 48 VDC and mounts at any angle, which suits benches, carts and service robots.
Speed and ecosystem
ROKAE publishes a 1.5 m/s tool-end speed for the SR3. The UR5e has 17 configurable safety functions and runs PolyScope with PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, ROS/ROS2 and a large catalog of UR+ grippers and kits.
Best applications for the UR5e
Machine tending up to 5 kg
Packaging and kitting
Existing UR cells
Best applications for the xMate SR3
Light assembly and inspection
Commercial service tasks
Budget-conscious benchtop cells
UR5e advantages
5 kg payload and 850 mm reach
UR+ ecosystem
17 configurable safety functions
UR5e limitations
About $19,800 higher listed price
20.6 kg arm
xMate SR3 advantages
About 57% lower listed price
About 13.8 kg arm
Same ±0.03 mm repeatability
xMate SR3 limitations
3 kg payload and 705 mm reach
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for payload, reach and the UR+ ecosystem. Choose the ROKAE xMate SR3 for light, precise work at well under half the price.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the ROKAE xMate SR3?
The xMate SR3 is listed from $15,200 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $19,800.
Which robot carries more?
The UR5e carries 5 kg and the xMate SR3 3 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR5e reaches 850 mm and the xMate SR3 705 mm.
Are they equally precise?
Yes. Both publish ±0.03 mm repeatability.
Which robot is lighter?
The xMate SR3 weighs about 13.8 kg and the UR5e 20.6 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for payload and reach. Choose the xMate SR3 for value.
