Universal Robots UR3e

Universal Robots describes the UR3e as the lightest, most compact and most precise robot in its e-Series line-up. It carries 3 kg and reaches 500 mm, which makes it the smallest arm in the range and the one meant for work that sits on a bench or a small table rather than on a production floor.

Wrist rotation

The maker calls infinite rotation of the last wrist joint unique to this model, while the other joints turn through plus or minus 360 degrees. In practice the arm can keep a screwdriver, dispenser or polishing tool turning without stopping to unwind, which Universal Robots links to fewer reset moves, simpler programs and less twisting of cables and dress packs. The page names screw driving, finishing and assembly with tight tolerances as the typical jobs.

Industries and applications

Four industries are listed: electronics manufacturing (small-part assembly, testing and quality inspection), lab automation (sample transfer and assembly at benchtop scale), education and research (teaching automation basics in classrooms and small labs) and metal fabrication and machining (tabletop automation in crowded cells). The applications named are material handling, machine tending, precision assembly and screw driving.

Tool connector and CB7 variant

The flange has an M8 8-pin female connector with an EN ISO 9409-1-50-4-M6 tool flange. It supplies 12 V or 24 V at the tool, two digital I/O configurable as sinking or sourcing, and either two analog inputs or one RS-485 channel.

A second page covers the UR3e-540, a variant with 540 mm reach that runs on the CB7 controller with the TP7 Core teach pendant. Universal Robots says this pairing opens up PolyScope X, faster program execution and wider connectivity than the base e-Series set-up. Payload, speed and weight are listed as the same as the standard UR3e.

Key facts

• Payload: 3 kg (6.6 lbs)
• Reach: 500 mm (19.7 in); 540 mm on the UR3e-540 with CB7 controller
• Maximum TCP speed: 3 m/s
• Weight: 11.2 kg (24.7 lbs)
• Wrist rotation: Infinite on the last wrist joint, plus or minus 360 degrees on all other joints
• Tool connector: M8 8-pin female, 12 V or 24 V
• Controller: CB5 standard; CB7 with TP7 Core pendant on the UR3e-540