UR3e Collaborative Robotic Arm (Manipulator)
Ultra-lightweight, compact collaborative robots
UR3e specification parameters
The UR3e is the smallest industrial collaborative robotic arm in the Universal Robots product line, designed to automate processes in compact workspaces such as workstations or inside production machinery, offering unparalleled flexibility and precision.
True patterns are revealed in subtle details
Due to its compact size, the UR3e is considered an ideal example of collaborative industrial robots. Its design aims to optimize efficiency within confined workspaces, offering unparalleled flexibility and precision. This collaborative robot can be installed on a workstation to work alongside employees or integrated into standalone workstations, suitable for solutions such as part picking, assembly, and placement. With its compact footprint and lightweight design, the UR3e can be seamlessly integrated into any production environment, complementing human employees and maximizing productivity. This collaborative robot is equipped with cutting-edge safety features to ensure safe human-machine collaboration. With this compact automation solution, boost your operational efficiency, improve quality, and maintain a leading position in the competition.
Practical application shots
Technical diagram
Load curve and footprint.
UR3e exclusive highlights
Unique to the UR3e, the end wrist joint can rotate infinitely, supporting continuous processes, simplifying programming, and improving high-cycle application uptime; Eliminates backwinding and reset actions, reducing beat interruptions.
e Series Collaborative Robots · Series technical features
Stable performance in scenarios requiring high precision and deployment flexibility, such as precision assembly, inspection, and testing, also supports machine tool care and light-load material handling in compact spaces, without the need for complex setup or dedicated infrastructure.
The E Series collaborative robots have been deployed tens of thousands of times, and with a strong track record of reliability and efficiency, they continuously help businesses streamline operations and boost productivity.
The E Series collaborative robots feature self-calibration, fully installation capabilities, and on-site replaceable connectors, maximizing runtime and delivering consistent performance with minimal downtime.
The E Series offers a variety of payloads and compact base sizes, allowing seamless integration into tight workspaces and easy redeployment across multiple tasks.
Shared advantages
For untrained operators, the programming process for ready-to-use collaborative robots—from unpacking, installation, to completing the first simple task—usually takes less than an hour.
Collaborative robots occupy a small footprint and are ideal for performing automated tasks within existing production spaces, where space is often limited and space utilization is ideal.
After automating tasks, each task can run autonomously without the need for continuous employee monitoring. In addition, Universal Silicon collaborative robots are more energy-efficient than traditional industrial robots.
All Universal collaborative robots feature built-in safety features, including force sensing technology and collision detection, allowing them to work alongside employees without safety barriers or guardrails, boosting productivity and creating a safe working environment.
Contents of the kit
The standard order includes the robotic arm, control box, teach pendant (3PE optional), a power cable, a cable connecting the robotic arm and control box, and documentation. Application kits or other options are not included in the standard packaging and must be ordered separately.
Standard teach pendants come standard by default, including industry-leading PolyScope software for controlling collaborative robots and ensuring high safety. The three-position enable device (3PE teach pendant) is an optional configuration and can be purchased via the UR+ platform.
The standard control box weighs only 12 kilograms, can be equipped with a teach pendant, and is easy to store, suitable for any environment. The controller serves as a centralized hub for power, safety functions, and communication, providing a compact and efficient solution for system operation.
In addition to the standard warranty, access to the myUR customer portal for 24×7 technical support. It is recommended to enroll in the core training courses at Universal Academy, fully leveraging the capabilities of collaborative robots.
Applicable industries
Typical applications of this model in the following industries (click to view industry solutions).
Handles fine small parts with high repeatability, suitable for assembly, testing, and quality inspection.
Precise handling of sample transfer and assembly processes, compact size adapts to countertop environments and shared collaborative spaces.
Compact, safe, and easy to program, suitable for classroom teaching and space-constrained laboratories.
Minimal setup for adding desktop automation in confined spaces, compact footprint adapts to crowded machining units.
UR3e application scenarios
This model is commonly used in the following applications.
Using collaborative robots to improve the efficiency, consistency, and reliability of palletizing operations.
View details → Machine careCollaborative robots handle loading, unloading, and monitoring operations for CNC, injection molding machines, and other equipment.
View details → DispensingProvides precise and repeatable fluid control in scenarios such as dispensing, laminating, and gluing.
View details → Grinding and polishingAutomating surface treatment operations improves consistency and protects operator safety.
View details → Material handlingAchieve stable and flexible material flow during component handling and loading/unloading.
View details → Subtractive manufacturingAchieve precise force control and consistency in processes such as deburring, milling, and trimming.
View details → Quality inspectionAutomated inspection, measurement, and quality analysis are completed in conjunction with vision systems.
View details → AssemblyAchieve repeatable and precise component assembly and positioning on the assembly line.
View details →
OEM systems
This model is also available as an OEM system, suitable for system integrators, OEM partners, or users who wish to create custom designs.
Unleash the full potential of your robotics team
By integrating your robot with our fully connected platform, you will be able to boost productivity, minimize downtime, and achieve efficient device group management—no matter where you are, you can conveniently accomplish all of this in the office.
Make the most of your robot
The academy provides a series of step-by-step programming examples and tutorials for troubleshooting and repair tasks.
Learn how to set up the tool center point (TCP) and how to properly adjust payload and center of gravity.
Watch the video → Safety planeLearn how to create and configure the safety plane to prevent robots from moving outside the safe plane in normal or reduced mode, and can also trigger the reduction mode.
Watch the video → More informationVisit Universal Robots Academy to browse our popular topics and resource catalog to learn key programming points for Universal Robots.
Watch the video → Ensuring ultra-long uptimeWith Universal Care Services, you can rest assured that our commitment to excellence ensures ultra-long uptime through 24×7 support, remote connectivity, and on-site on-site service (for rapid faults/repairs).
Watch the video →Typical application scenarios
Common application processes for this model (click to view process details):
e Series Collaborative Robots · Other models in the same series
Compare load and reach to choose the model that best suits your process.
UR3e model positioning and working condition adaptation
UR3e It belongs to the Universal collaborative robot model, with a rated load of 3kg, a motion radius of 500mm, and a repeatability of ±0.03mm. Universal's technical foundation is that it is a pioneer of collaborative robots, with the richest UR+ certification ecosystem and industry benchmarks for deployment and redeployment efficiency; The control platform is the UR control box (CB3 / e-Series), and the program ecosystem is Polyscope graphical programming + URScript.
From the perspective of working condition adaptation, typical applications for small load (3kg) positioning are:High-speed sorting, precision assembly, dispensing coating, and inspection/pick-and-place processingCommon application processes for this model include material handling, machine tool maintenance, and precision assembly. The short boom (500mm) model has a compact structure, suitable for dense workstations and close-range pick-and-place operations, with a small working unit footprint. ± 0.03mm repeatability is the standard level for six-axis industrial robots, covering most working conditions such as welding, handling, palletizing, and loading/unloading. Although the load is light, it is recommended to keep the total weight of the end and workpiece within 70% of the rated value, leaving ample acceleration margin at high speeds.
| Parameters | Engineering interpretation and usage recommendations |
|---|---|
| Rated load 3kg | It is recommended to reserve a load margin of 20%–30%; Verification is made by combining end self-weight + workpiece + imbalanced load inertia, especially sensitive to high-speed conditions |
| Movement radius: 500mm | Determine the radius of the workcell layout: bins, tooling, and fences are bounded by maximum arm span + safety distance; Verify the accessibility of each pick-and-place point during cross-station service |
| Repeatability: ±0.03mm | Repeatability ≠ absolute accuracy: Precision assembly requires external measurement closed-loop or visual guidance; Long-term accuracy trends rely on annual retest management |
| Main body weight: 11.2kg | Installation base and foundation load-bearing check based on weight + dynamic load; Floor slab installation requires structural calculation, with heavy-duty models serving as independent foundations |
| Controller: UR control box (CB3 / e-Series) | Decide on the process ecosystem, spare parts channels, and second-hand residual value; Currently, spare parts channels are smooth, and repair and upgrade paths are mature |
Control systems and common failure modes
The UR control box (CB3 / e-Series) controller accompanying UR3e uses Polyscope graphical programming + URScript programming language and development environment. Maintenance of this generation of control platforms focuses on three basic components: power, storage, and cooling—most "sudden downtime" can be detected in advance when preventive maintenance is in place.
| Failure mode | Typical performance | Disposal recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Joint fault code | Joint fault codes (overheat/overcurrent, often related to collision history or high load rate) | Included as a mandatory inspection item for annual maintenance, with spare parts stocked in advance |
| Power box | Power supply failure | Initial interpretation of alarm codes by reference with manuals, remote diagnosis allows for early positioning |
| The teach pendant screen is aging with touch | The teach pendant screen is aging with touch | Daily inspection coverage, with abnormal trends (abnormal noises/temperature rise/errors) recorded |
| Terminal tool communication malfunction | Terminal tool communication abnormalities (UR+ third-party inconsistency) | Quarterly dust removal maintenance and cabinet temperature monitoring |
| Maintenance projects | Cycle recommendations | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Joint health is regularly checked using official diagnostic tools | Periodically | Joint health is regularly checked using official diagnostic tools |
| Power box cooling and input voltage management | According to the manufacturer's manual cycle | Power box cooling and input voltage management |
| Program backup and version management | According to the manufacturer's manual cycle | Program backup and version management |
| Cable and drag chain inspection | every six months | Insulation, shielding, and bending radius inspection of power and encoder lines, as well as wear of cables inside the drag chain, are the main causes of intermittent faults |
| Zero point and accuracy retest | Every year | Repeatability measured by dial gauges or laser trackers, drift trend digitization—accuracy degradation can be seen six months in advance |
| Control cabinet dust removal and fans | Every quarter | Filter cleaning, fan speed and noise checks, cabinet temperature recording; Dust environments shorten the cycle |
Henghuan's service capabilities for UR3e
This site is a third-party robotics technology service provider. The eight major services supported by UR3e are as follows (listed by service frequency of each model):
- Maintenance and repair: For UR3e's on-site diagnostics, board-level maintenance, and annual maintenance contract—including regular reading of joint health using official diagnostic tools—we follow SOPs and respond to Sichuan-Chongqing on the same day.
- Used & in-stock robot sales: There is a large circulation of second-hand products but refurbished parts are mixed in. Purchasers must check joint serial numbers and repair history. We provide full joint inspection reports; Equipped with UR3e or equivalent models comes with a full-function test report and a 12-month warranty.
- Sales of new industrial robots: When adding new production lines or replacing entire batches, we conduct cross-brand selection comparisons based on process requirements (including models of the same class as Universal Universal), and provide configuration and pricing plans.
- Applied technology services: UR3e process programming, trajectory optimization, tap time potential, and model change formula management, with targeted commissioning for material handling, machine tool maintenance, and precision assembly conditions.
- Research and development of automation equipment: Custom fixture ends, peripheral tooling, and safety fences for UR3e, with interfaces designed according to Universal flange and IO standards.
- Robot rental: During short-term capacity or process validation periods, UR3e equivalent in-stock models can be rented, including transportation, installation, and commissioning, with flexible rental periods and flexible purchase options.
Common issues with this device
Is it easy to find UR3e spare parts?
Universal International's spare parts channels for this generation are smooth; we have in-stock or short-cycle channels for standard parts such as drivers, power modules, batteries, and teach pendant components; Joint health is monitored regularly with official diagnostic tools, and consumables are recommended to be configured according to the annual maintenance contract.
With a rated load of 3kg, how much weight can it actually handle?
The rated load is the static load limit of the flange surface. In actual selection, three factors must be considered: the self-weight of the end fixture (vacuum suction cup groups or grippers often account for 2–5kg), the inertia generated by the workpiece offload (checked according to the inertia ratio when the center of gravity deviates from the flange center), and the dynamic load during high-speed movement. The conventional engineering practice is to keep the "end + workpiece" within 70%–80% of the rated value to ensure cycle time and service life.
If the equipment's accuracy deteriorates after several years of use, how can it be restored?
According to the inspection order: first check whether the zero point is drifting (common after collision or battery depletion), then perform zero calibration; Check the reducer's return error (actual measurement of forward and reverse positioning deviation; if exceeded, disassemble or replace); Then check the installation base fastening and foundation settlement; Finally, trajectory compensation parameter restructuring. Most accuracy issues can be mostly restored after calibration and maintenance, so there is no need to rush into major repairs—we first release the inspection data before deciding on the plan.
Is the used UR3e worth buying?
There is a large circulation of second-hand products, but refurbished parts are mixed in. Buyers must check joint serial numbers and repair history. We provide full joint inspection reports. Three essential items for second-hand procurement: comprehensive inspection reports (axial accuracy, driver status, insulation and battery), maintenance history and operating hours, controller generation, and software license integrity. Every used machine we sell comes with inspection records and a 12-month warranty, and we can also accept third-party inspections designated by customers.
Need technical support or procurement for this model?
Whether it's model selection comparison, installation and commissioning, or maintenance of in-use equipment, you can contact Henghuan. Tell us about your processes, loads, and equipment status, and we will provide third-party technical support and solution recommendations.
Contact Henghuan Back to the full series