Universal Robots price guide: What to expect (new & used costs)

What are Universal Robots?

Universal Robots is a leading company in the collaborative robots (cobots) industry. Their cobots are designed to safely work alongside humans in various industries, such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. 

Here are some top robots made by Universal Robots: 

• UR3/UR3e: Compact, with a 3 kg payload, perfect for smaller jobs like light assembly.
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• UR5e: A mid-range option with a 5 kg payload — great for things like machine tending and pick-and-place jobs.
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• UR10e: A bigger guy with a 10 kg payload, used for heavier stuff like palletizing.
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• UR20: The biggest of the bunch, handling up to 20kg, ideal for more demanding jobs.

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Factors affecting the Universal Robots arm prices

When you’re looking at Universal Robots price scales, it’s not just the robot itself that affects the final cost. 

There are a few key things that can push the price up or down:

• How much can it lift? The bigger the payload, the bigger the Universal Robots arm price. A UR20 with a 20 kg capacity will cost you more than a smaller UR3 with a 3 kg limit.
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• How far can it reach? Longer reach and precision comes at a premium. If you need your robot to cover more ground or hit exact targets, you’re looking at a higher price tag.
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• What extras are you adding? Custom software, extra features, or specialized tools? That’s going to add to your total cost. Tailoring a robot to fit your specific needs can rack up some serious dollars.

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Typical costs of new Universal Robots

Universal Robots’ prices typically range from around $24,000 to over $62,000, depending on the model and the features you choose. 

Here’s a partial Universal Robots price list for newer models:

• UR3/UR3e: You’re looking at anywhere from $24,000 to $30,000 for the compact 3kg model. This is the smallest in the lineup, and it is great for lighter fare.
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• UR5e: For the 5kg payload model, the UR5e price ranges from $26,000 to $32,000, especially if you’re ordering in bulk. If not, it might be worth a bit more. 
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• UR10: Want more power? The UR10 with a 10kg payload will run you around $37,000.
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• UR20: The big one — with a 20 kg payload — costs anywhere from $52,000 to $62,000, depending on where you buy it.
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Keep in mind that the costs don’t stop there — software and support packages can add significantly to your investment. Make sure to factor in long-term operational costs and essential support services when planning your budget for the full lifecycle of the robot.

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Costs of used Universal Robots

If you’re thinking about a used Universal Robot, you can expect to pay anywhere from 15% to 40% less than the price of a new model. That could mean saving thousands of dollars, but just like buying a used car, there are trade-offs. 

Here’s what to expect when buying pre-owned: 

• You’ll save money upfront: Used robots typically cost less than new ones — sometimes by thousands of dollars. But make sure to weigh this against potential repair costs.
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• Condition is everything: A well-maintained used robot can still perform for years, but if it’s been heavily used or neglected, you might face higher maintenance and repair bills. And you might not get the same warranty — or any warranty at all. 
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• Limited customization options: A used robot might not come with all the bells and whistles that newer models have, and upgrading a used one can be pricey.

Additional costs to think about

When buying from Universal Robots, don’t just think about the price tag today; there are a bunch of other costs that can sneak up on you.

According to Rashidi Asari, operational costs for industrial robots like Universal Robots can range between 15% and 42% of the total cost (specifically in the automotive industry).  

Let’s break that down further:

• Maintenance and repairs: Every robot needs regular maintenance to run smoothly, and older models may require more frequent repairs. This upkeep isn't cheap. Based on research, maintenance costs alone can account for 2.8% to 10.0% of the total operational costs, so it’s crucial to budget for this.
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• Software updates and support: Don’t forget the software! Staying updated and paying for support can be a lifesaver, especially if your system is complicated. Software and support packages can cost an estimated $2,000 to $5,000 per year, depending on the level of service and updates needed.
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• Downtime and integration headaches: If your robot breaks down or doesn’t play nice with your existing setup, you’re looking at downtime. And that’s not just frustrating — it can mess with your whole operation. Research shows downtime can contribute between 6.6% and 27.5% of the total operational costs, making it a major expense.
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So before you commit, make sure to factor in these estimated costs. It’s a big reason why options like Standard Bots’ RO1 can save you more in the long run.

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How to get the best value for your Universal Robots

Buying a Universal Robots isn’t just about picking a model and signing a check. You want to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible — and that takes a little strategy. 

Here’s how to stretch your dollar further: 

• Negotiate smart: Don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal. Vendors often have some wiggle room, especially if you’re buying multiple robots or looking at a higher-end model like the UR20.
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• Check warranties and support: Make sure you’re covered for repairs and downtime. A good warranty and a solid support package can save you a lot of money and heartache down the road.
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• Think about the long-term ROI: The upfront cost is just one part of the picture. Think about how quickly the robot will pay for itself through increased productivity and reduced labor costs.

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Summing up

When it comes to Universal Robots’ pricing, there’s a lot to rack your brain about beyond the base model. 

From things like payload capacity to software and support costs, the final price tag can quickly add up.

And while Universal Robots are reliable, they’re not always the most affordable option.

That’s where Standard Bots’ RO1 comes in. With its affordable pricing and reliable performance, RO1 provides a cost-effective alternative without compromising on quality.

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Next steps

Ready to add a high-tech robot to your team? RO1 by Standard Bots is the six-axis cobot arm you’ve been waiting for. It’s affordable, easy to use, and driven by AI smarts. 

• Budget-friendly: Starting from $5/hour, RO1 won’t stretch your finances thin. It’s half the price of comparable models, so you get twice the value for your money.
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• Speedy & strong: RO1 has a leading payload capacity of 18 kg and operates efficiently, helping you increase productivity.
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• The total package: With advanced AI capabilities on par with GPT-4 and a no-code interface, RO1 is simple for anyone to use — no engineering know-how is needed. 
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• A focus on safety: RO1’s got all the safety features you need, including sensors, machine vision, and collision detection to keep your team safe.
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Get in touch with our team today to try RO1 risk-free for 30 days, and we’ll even help you get it set up and ready to roll.