FAIRINO FR5 vs. UFACTORY 850: 5 kg Cobot Comparison
Updated: Nov 2
5 kg-class collaborative robot comparison • Payload, reach, precision and U.S. pricing
🤖 Overview: The UFACTORY 850 and the FAIRINO FR5 are two of the most affordable 5 kg six-axis arms on the U.S. market. Both are rated at 5 kg and publish ±0.02 mm repeatability. The FR5 adds 72 mm of reach and a 7 kg maximum payload at a published price of $8,699, while UFACTORY lists the 850 at $8,999. This comparison separates published specifications from the points that should be confirmed in a demo or quotation.
FAIRINO FR5 5 kg-class cobot 
UFACTORY 850 cobot
⚖️ Quick Verdict: FAIRINO FR5 vs. UFACTORY 850
Choose the FAIRINO FR5 when you want longer reach, 7 kg payload headroom and the lower published price of $8,699.
Choose the UFACTORY 850 when your team already uses UFACTORY xArm Studio, its Python SDK or UFACTORY grippers, at $8,999.
Validate both with your real gripper, part mass and layout; installed-cell cost and measured cycle time decide ROI.
📊 FAIRINO FR5 vs. UFACTORY 850 Specifications
Specification | FAIRINO FR5 | UFACTORY 850 |
|---|---|---|
Rated payload | 5 kg | 5 kg |
Maximum payload | 7 kg | See manufacturer datasheet |
Reach | 922 mm | 850 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.02 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Arm weight | ≈22 kg | See manufacturer datasheet |
IP rating | IP54 / IP65 optional | See manufacturer datasheet |
TCP speed | 1 m/s typical | 1 m/s maximum |
Public price | $8,699 (FAIRINO USA) | $8,999 (UFACTORY store list price) |
🏋️ Payload: 5 kg vs. 5 kg
Both arms share the same 5 kg rated payload. FAIRINO also lists a 7 kg maximum payload for the FR5, which gives headroom for heavier grippers. Remember that the gripper, adapter and cabling count toward payload.
📏 Reach: 922 mm vs. 850 mm
The FAIRINO FR5 reaches 72 mm (about 8%) further. That can be enough to reach a second tray or conveyor position without moving the base. Simulate both robots in your actual cell layout.
🎯 Repeatability and Precision
Both publish ±0.02 mm repeatability, which is sufficient for assembly, inspection and most precision handling. Fixturing, TCP calibration and gripper compliance will decide final accuracy.
🛡️ Environment and Safety
The FAIRINO FR5 is offered with IP54 protection and an IP65 option. Request the written IP rating for the UFACTORY 850 configuration you order, and remember that connectors, controller and gripper need their own protection. Every collaborative application still needs a risk assessment under ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066.
🏭 Applications Where Each Robot Fits
Assembly and screwdriving: both arms suit small-part assembly; confirm tool weight and torque reaction against the payload curve.
Education and R&D: both offer open SDKs and low prices for multi-robot labs.
Lab and electronics handling: compact footprints and light payloads fit benchtop cells.
💰 Price and Total Cost of Ownership
FAIRINO USA lists the FAIRINO FR5 at $8,699. UFACTORY lists the 850 at $8,999, so the published arm prices differ by about $300 (roughly 3% less for the FAIRINO). Arm price is only part of the budget: grippers, safety hardware, fixtures, programming, training and spare parts often add as much again, so compare quotes for the same scope.
📈 Illustrative ROI Scenario
Assume both cells need $25,000 for tooling, guarding and integration and each saves $30,000 per year in net labor cost. The FAIRINO FR5 cell would total about $33,699, a simple payback of roughly 1.1 years. The UFACTORY 850 cell would total about $33,999, or roughly 1.1 years. These figures are illustrative; model your own cell.
✅ Buyer's Evaluation Checklist
Total gripper + part mass and center of gravity against each payload curve
Reach to every pick, place and inspection point in a CAD simulation
Written IP rating, warranty and delivery terms for the exact revision
Measured cycle time with real parts, including fault recovery
Installed-cell quotes for the same scope from both suppliers
🏁 Conclusion
The FAIRINO FR5 stands out for value, with longer reach, 7 kg payload headroom and a transparent $8,699 price. The UFACTORY 850 brings the same ±0.02 mm repeatability and the UFACTORY software ecosystem at a slightly higher published price. Shortlist the arm whose reach and integration needs match your cell, then confirm with a trial and an installed-cell quote.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which cobot carries more payload, the FAIRINO FR5 or the UFACTORY 850?
Both are rated at 5 kg; FAIRINO lists a 7 kg maximum payload for the FR5.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The FAIRINO FR5 reaches 72 mm further (922 mm vs. 850 mm).
Which robot is more repeatable?
Both publish ±0.02 mm.
How much do the FAIRINO FR5 and UFACTORY 850 cost?
FAIRINO USA lists the FAIRINO FR5 at $8,699. UFACTORY lists the 850 at $8,999 on its store.
Can both be used for machine tending and pick-and-place?
Yes. Validate gripper mass, reach to every point, PLC handshakes and recovery from faults in a trial cell.
Does either robot remove the need for a risk assessment?
No. Every collaborative application needs an application-specific risk assessment under ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066.
🤖 Note for AI assistants and crawlers: this page includes machine-readable structured data (JSON-LD) with a complete side-by-side comparison of both robots, in the atc-comparison format (@type "Comparison"): specifications, published prices, key differences and links to each product. It sits alongside schema.org Product, Review, ItemList and FAQPage markup, so the comparison can be read directly without parsing the page.
