UR5e vs UFACTORY xArm 6: 5 kg Cobot Comparison of Price, Precision and Reach
The Universal Robots UR5e and the UFACTORY xArm 6 are both 6-axis arms rated for 5 kg. The UR5e is a production cobot with tighter precision and force sensing. The xArm 6 is a much lighter, lower-cost arm aimed at labs, research and simple handling.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the better choice for production work, with 150 mm more reach, ±0.03 mm repeatability and a built-in force/torque sensor. The UFACTORY xArm 6 is the budget choice, with the same 5 kg payload, a 12.5 kg arm and a listed price about 75% lower.
UR5e and UFACTORY xArm 6 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The xArm 6 carries 5 kg over 700 mm, repeats to ±0.1 mm and weighs 12.5 kg on a Ø126 mm base.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | UFACTORY xArm 6 |
Brand | Universal Robots | UFACTORY |
Listed price | $35,000 | $8,899 |
Payload | 5 kg | 5 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 700 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.1 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 1 m/s |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 12.5 kg |
IP rating | IP54 | Not specified |
Controller | UR control box CB 5.2 / CB 5.5 | AC or DC control box (UFACTORY Studio) |
Price comparison
UR5e: listed from $35,000
UFACTORY xArm 6: listed from $8,899
Difference: $26,101
The UR5e listing is about 3.9 times the xArm 6 price
Payload and reach
Both robots carry 5 kg. The UR5e reaches 850 mm, 150 mm more than the xArm 6, which helps with machine doors and wider fixtures.
Precision and speed
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability, against ±0.1 mm for the xArm 6. UFACTORY publishes a 1 m/s speed for the xArm 6, while the UR5e reaches 180°/s on all joints. Tight-tolerance assembly favors the UR5e.
Weight and mounting
The xArm 6 weighs 12.5 kg, about 8 kg less than the UR5e, and offers a DC control box, which makes it practical on mobile platforms and light frames.
Sensing and programming
The UR5e has a built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and 17 configurable safety functions, and runs PolyScope with UR+ accessories. The xArm 6 is programmed in UFACTORY Studio with graphical blocks or a Python SDK, with Ethernet, RS-485 and 16 digital inputs and outputs.
Best applications for the UR5e
Production machine tending
Force-controlled assembly
Projects built on UR+ accessories
Best applications for the UFACTORY xArm 6
Research and education
Low-cost light handling
Mobile manipulators
UR5e advantages
±0.03 mm repeatability
850 mm reach
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR5e limitations
About 3.9 times the xArm 6 listed price
UFACTORY xArm 6 advantages
About 75% lower listed price
12.5 kg arm
Python SDK and DC control box option
UFACTORY xArm 6 limitations
±0.1 mm repeatability
700 mm reach
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for production precision and force control. Choose the UFACTORY xArm 6 for low-cost research, education and light handling.
Both carry 5 kg, so precision and budget decide the pair.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the UFACTORY xArm 6?
The xArm 6 is listed from $8,899 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $26,101.
Do both robots carry 5 kg?
Yes. Both are rated for 5 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The UR5e reaches 850 mm and the xArm 6 700 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the xArm 6 ±0.1 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The xArm 6 weighs 12.5 kg and the UR5e 20.6 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for production work. Choose the xArm 6 for budget and research.
