UR5e vs UFACTORY xArm 7: Cobot Comparison of Payload, Axes and Price
The Universal Robots UR5e and the UFACTORY xArm 7 are built for different jobs. The UR5e carries more, reaches further and is more precise. The xArm 7 adds a seventh axis for dexterity at less than a third of the price.
Quick verdict. The UR5e is the better choice for production work, with 1.5 kg more payload, 150 mm more reach, ±0.03 mm repeatability and force sensing. The UFACTORY xArm 7 is the better choice for research and dexterous manipulation, with seven axes, a 14.3 kg arm and a listed price about 70% lower.
UR5e and UFACTORY xArm 7 at a glance
The UR5e carries 5 kg over 850 mm on six axes, repeats to ±0.03 mm and weighs 20.6 kg.
The xArm 7 carries 3.5 kg over 700 mm on seven axes, repeats to ±0.1 mm and weighs 14.3 kg.
Main specification comparison
Specification | Universal Robots UR5e | UFACTORY xArm 7 |
Brand | Universal Robots | UFACTORY |
Listed price | $35,000 | $10,499 |
Payload | 5 kg | 3.5 kg |
Reach | 850 mm | 700 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.03 mm | ±0.1 mm |
Axes | 6 | 7 |
Speed | 180°/s maximum joint speed on all six joints | 1 m/s |
Arm weight | 20.6 kg | 14.3 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 7: listed from $10,499
Difference: $24,501
The UR5e listing is about 3.3 times the xArm 7 price
Payload and reach
The UR5e carries 5 kg, 1.5 kg more than the xArm 7, and reaches 850 mm, 150 mm more.
Axes and dexterity
The xArm 7's seventh axis gives redundant postures, which helps the arm work around obstacles and inside tight spaces. The UR5e's six axes are sufficient for most machine tending, packaging and assembly tasks.
Precision and weight
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability, against ±0.1 mm for the xArm 7. The xArm 7 weighs 14.3 kg, about 6 kg less, and offers a DC control box for mobile use.
Sensing and programming
The UR5e has a built-in 50 N / 10 Nm force/torque sensor and runs PolyScope with UR+ accessories. The xArm 7 is programmed in UFACTORY Studio with graphical blocks or a Python SDK.
Best applications for the UR5e
Production machine tending
Force-controlled assembly
Packaging and kitting
Best applications for the UFACTORY xArm 7
Robotics research and teaching
Dexterous manipulation
Low-cost mobile manipulators
UR5e advantages
5 kg payload and 850 mm reach
±0.03 mm repeatability
Built-in force/torque sensor
UR5e limitations
About 3.3 times the xArm 7 listed price
UFACTORY xArm 7 advantages
Seven axes
About 70% lower listed price
14.3 kg arm
UFACTORY xArm 7 limitations
3.5 kg payload
±0.1 mm repeatability
Final verdict
Choose the UR5e for production work that needs payload and precision. Choose the UFACTORY xArm 7 for dexterity, research and teaching on a budget.
The two arms serve different users, so the application usually makes the choice clear.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the UR5e or the UFACTORY xArm 7?
The xArm 7 is listed from $10,499 and the UR5e from $35,000, a difference of $24,501.
Which robot carries more?
The UR5e carries 5 kg and the xArm 7 3.5 kg.
How many axes do they have?
The UR5e has six axes and the xArm 7 has seven.
Which robot is more precise?
The UR5e publishes ±0.03 mm repeatability and the xArm 7 ±0.1 mm.
Which robot is lighter?
The xArm 7 weighs 14.3 kg and the UR5e 20.6 kg.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the UR5e for production. Choose the xArm 7 for research and dexterity.
