RankedFranka Research 3 vs Universal Robots UR5e
Key facts
Franka Research 3 (Franka Robotics GmbH; Shipping) and Universal Robots UR5e (Universal Robots; Shipping) are both collaborative robot arm (cobot)s. Published figures: weight 18.3 kg (40 lb) vs 20.7 kg (46 lb); payload 3 kg (7 lb) vs 5 kg (11 lb); reach 855 mm (33.7 in) vs 850 mm (33.5 in); repeatability 0.1 mm vs 0.03 mm; tool speed 2 m/s (7.2 km/h · 4.5 mph) vs 1 m/s (3.6 km/h · 2.2 mph). Only Universal Robots UR5e has a public price: US$34,527 (Standard), US (Electromate, authorized distributor) (reported price). Robot 500: Franka Research 3 #104 (score 51.8), Universal Robots UR5e #68 (score 58.5). Disclosure: Franka Research 3 has 19 sourced values (90% of tracked fields), Universal Robots UR5e has 21 (100%).
Cite: RankedRobot, https://rankedrobot.com/compare/franka-research-3-vs-universal-robots-ur5e/ (checked 2026-09-25) · Every figure below links to its source · Franka Research 3 spec sheet · Universal Robots UR5e spec sheet
| Spec | Franka Research 3 | Universal Robots UR5e |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Shipping | Shipping |
| Price | Not published | US$34,527 (Standard), US (Electromate, authorized distributor) (reported price) source |
| Robot 500 | #104 · 51.8 | #68 · 58.5 |
| Launch | ||
| Announced | ||
| Status | ||
| Body | ||
| Weight | ||
| IP rating | ||
| Arm | ||
| Reach | ||
| Axes | ||
| Repeatability | ||
| Max tool speed | 2 m/s (7.2 km/h · 4.5 mph)ManufacturerSource: franka.de (2026-09-25)Maker's figure is an "up to" value. | |
| Joint ranges | A1: ±166°; A2: ±105°; A3: ±166°; A4: -176° to -7°; A5: ±165°; A6: 25° to 265°; A7: ±175°ManufacturerSource: franka.de (2026-09-25) | Unlimited rotation of tool flange; ±360° for all other jointsManufacturerSource: universal-robots.com (2026-09-25) |
| Footprint | ||
| Power consumption | ||
| Programming | Three interfaces: Desk (workflow/app-based), Ride (integration/teaching), FCI (1 kHz low-level real-time control)ManufacturerSource: franka.de (2026-09-25) | PolyScope graphical user interface on 12-inch touchscreenManufacturerSource: universal-robots.com (2026-09-25) |
| Payload | ||
| Payload | 3 kg (7 lb)ManufacturerSource: franka.de (2026-09-25)Conditions: Rated payload of the arm (stationary, mounted). | 5 kg (11 lb)ManufacturerSource: universal-robots.com (2026-09-25)Conditions: Maximum payload of the arm as stated on the official tech spec sheet; not a mobile/carry robot. |
| Software | ||
| SDK | libfranka (open-source C++ interface) via Franka Control Interface (FCI); franka_ros for ROS 2ManufacturerSource: franka.de (2026-09-25) | URScript scripting language; official ROS and ROS2 drivers (ur_robot_driver)ManufacturerSource: docs.universal-robots.com (2026-09-25) |
| ROS support | ||
| Safety | ||
| Certifications | EN ISO 13849-1:2015 and EN ISO 10218-1:2011 (certification process ongoing); collaborative operation modes (monitored stop, hand-guiding) fully integrated in PLd, Cat.3ManufacturerSource: franka.de (2026-09-25) | |
Confidence labels: Manufacturer = stated by the maker · Verified = independently confirmed · Reported = credible media or retailer, not confirmed by the maker · ⚠ Unconfirmed = leak or single source · Not disclosed = not published. We never estimate missing figures. Add more robots to this comparison.
Quick answers
What is the difference between the Franka Research 3 and the Universal Robots UR5e?
Published figures: weight 18.3 kg (40 lb) vs 20.7 kg (46 lb); payload 3 kg (7 lb) vs 5 kg (11 lb); reach 855 mm (33.7 in) vs 850 mm (33.5 in); repeatability 0.1 mm vs 0.03 mm; tool speed 2 m/s (7.2 km/h · 4.5 mph) vs 1 m/s (3.6 km/h · 2.2 mph). Only Universal Robots UR5e has a public price: US$34,527 (Standard), US (Electromate, authorized distributor) (reported price).
Which is cheaper, the Franka Research 3 or the Universal Robots UR5e?
Only Universal Robots UR5e has a public price: US$34,527 (Standard), US (Electromate, authorized distributor) (reported price). Prices are shown exactly as published, never converted or estimated.
Which ranks higher in the Robot 500, the Franka Research 3 or the Universal Robots UR5e?
Robot 500: Franka Research 3 #104 (score 51.8), Universal Robots UR5e #68 (score 58.5). Method: https://rankedrobot.com/robot500/#method
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