When you're choosing among industrial robotics cobots, the real decision is about scope and condition as much as arm specs. This group starts with a standalone gripper for Universal Robots arms and moves up to a used UR5e, a two-unit UR5 package, and a Sawyer with a built-in vision system. The price spread is wide: USD 1,169.95 at the low end and USD 21,000.00 at the high end. Your first move should be deciding whether you need an end-of-arm tool, a complete single arm, or a multi-arm lot you are prepared to troubleshoot.
Quick take
If you already own a Universal Robots arm, the piCOBOT gripper is the only component-level addition in this set. If you want a complete used arm from the e-Series line, the UR5e is that single-arm option. If you need a project lot, the UR5 package is the one to look at. If you want a flexible arm at a mid price, the Sawyer is the middle pick.
Listed-price comparison
| Product | Condition | Listed price | Price position |
|---|---|---|---|
| New! piab piCOBOT Collaborative Robot Gripper for Universal Robots | New - Open box | USD 1,169.95 | |
| Universal Robots UR5e Collaborative Robot (Cobot) - 5 kg Payload, Low Hours | Used | USD 21,000.00 | |
| Universal Robots UR5 Collaborative Robot Package | For parts or not working | USD 12,750.00 | |
| Rethink Robotics Sawyer Collaborative Robot - New Bios (Gripper Included | Used | USD 6,995.00 |
Decision matrix
- Already have a UR arm and need gripping? The piCOBOT is the low-cost, open-box add-on designed for that job.
- Need one complete used arm from the e-Series line? The UR5e fits if the price works for you.
- Need more than one arm in a project lot? The UR5 package is the lot to consider.
- Want a flexible arm for lighter work? The Sawyer is the middle pick.
Product notes
#### New! piab piCOBOT Collaborative Robot Gripper for Universal Robots
This is the only part-level option in the group. PIAB builds it in Germany as a robotic claw/clamping gripper made for Universal Robots arms, so it is a natural fit when you already have a UR cobot and need to add end-of-arm handling. The controls type is listed as a gripper, not a full arm, and the unit is in new open-box condition. Choose it when you want to expand an existing cell without buying another robot. The limitation is that it is an accessory, not a standalone cobot: it won't give you reach or payload because those come from the arm it is mounted on.
#### Universal Robots UR5e Collaborative Robot (Cobot) - 5 kg Payload, Low Hours
The UR5e is a complete used arm and the highest-priced unit in this set. It is a Universal Robots A/S cobot made in Denmark, with a 5 kg payload and 850 mm reach. The description highlights an integrated six-axis force/torque sensor, ±0.03 mm repeatability, and the 12-inch PolyScope touchscreen for teaching waypoints. That makes it suited to machine tending, pick-and-place, assembly, packaging, screwdriving, dispensing, inspection, and laboratory work. Choose it when you want a whole arm with modern programming and sensing. The limitation is the used condition: you are paying for capability in a used unit rather than a new one.
#### Universal Robots UR5 Collaborative Robot Package
This isn't a single robot purchase; it's a lot with two UR5 systems. Each UR5 comes with a 5 kg payload and 850 mm reach, and the package includes controller components, cabling, a teach pendant, a controller tablet, mobile steel pedestals, pneumatic end-of-arm case packer tooling, and a safety scanner. The reason to choose it is volume: you get two arms and a substantial set of supporting hardware in one purchase. The limitation is condition: the package is listed for parts or not working, and the primary unit is described as untested since removal, so this is a project lot rather than a plug-and-play system.
#### Rethink Robotics Sawyer Collaborative Robot - New Bios (Gripper Included
The Sawyer is a used seven-axis collaborative robot from Rethink Robotics, with force sensing in every joint, a built-in vision system, a 4 kg payload, and a 900 mm reach. It comes with the electric parallel gripper included in the title, plus Intera 5.3 software; the description also mentions SDK mode with ROS. Intended uses include loading CNC machines, placing parts on inspection systems, and pick-and-place for packaging or assembly, as well as STEM education. Choose it when you want a complete arm with an included gripper and vision at a price below the top of the group. Its limitation is lower payload: 4 kg, compared with the 5 kg class of the Universal Robots arms here.
Final recommendation
- Buy the UR5e if you want a complete used arm with e-Series force/torque sensing and touchscreen programming, and your budget reaches the top of this group.
- Buy the UR5 package if you want the two-robot lot and can bring it back into service.
- Buy the Sawyer if you want a complete arm with an included gripper and a built-in vision system without paying the top price.
- Buy the piCOBOT if you are adding a gripper to an existing Universal Robots arm and don't need another complete robot.
