When you're shopping for industrial robotics cobots, the hardest decision is often new versus used and vision versus force control. The Omron TM5-700 and the Universal Robots UR5e sit at that crossroads. The Omron arrives as a new, unopened unit with a 6 kg payload and a built-in vision system for inspection and flexible changeover. The UR5e is a low-hours used arm with a 5 kg payload, 850 mm reach, and integrated 6-axis force/torque sensing. Both are collaborative robots that can work alongside people, but they're built for different priorities.
Quick Verdict
If your priority is a new robot with integrated vision and a higher payload for a lower upfront price, the Omron TM5-700 at $16,500 makes a strong case. If you need longer reach, force-sensitive handling, and the e-Series ecosystem, the Universal Robots UR5e at $21,000 is worth the extra money.
At a Glance
| Feature | Omron TM5-700 (New) | Universal Robots UR5e (Used) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 16,500.00 | USD 21,000.00 |
| Condition | New, unopened box | Used, low hours |
| Payload | 6 kg | 5 kg |
| Reach | 700 mm | 850 mm |
| Key differentiator | Built-in vision | Force/torque sensing |
Where Each Wins
Where the Omron TM5-700 wins: It's the new, unopened option, so you're not inheriting someone else's wear and tear. Its integrated vision (TMvision and Landmark) makes changeover fast, and the plug-and-play communication choices cover EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and MODBUS. It also costs less up front.
Where the Universal Robots UR5e wins: It offers longer reach, force-controlled precision for operations like insertion and polishing, and a compact footprint that mounts in any orientation. The 12-inch PolyScope touchscreen with hand-guiding makes programming approachable, and its repeatability supports delicate work.
Product Notes
Omron TM5-700 (New)
Choose the Omron for a production cell that needs visual inspection and quick product changes. It arrives sealed in an unopened box, which removes the uncertainty of buying used. The built-in TMvision lets the arm locate parts and adjust on the fly, while the plug-and-play communication options cover EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and MODBUS. For teams that want a new robot with vision, this is the lower-cost entry point. The limitation is reach: its work envelope is more compact than the UR5e, so position it carefully in your cell. If you need to cover a large area, you'll feel the 700 mm range quickly.
Universal Robots UR5e (Used)
For delicate, force-sensitive tasks, the UR5e is the arm to beat. Its integrated 6-axis force/torque sensor enables precision insertion, polishing, and handling of fragile parts, and the ±0.03 mm repeatability gives you consistency. The longer reach and compact footprint that mounts in any orientation make it easy to fit into existing workstations. Programming through the 12-inch PolyScope touchscreen with hand-guiding is beginner-friendly and avoids complex coding. The trade-off is that this is a used unit, even if it has low hours, so you'll want to consider your comfort with pre-owned equipment. It also carries a lower payload than the Omron, which matters for heavier workpieces.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the Omron TM5-700 for a new, vision-guided robot that handles assembly, packaging, and inspection with a lower buy-in. Choose the Universal Robots UR5e for longer-reach, force-controlled operations like precision insertion and polishing, especially if laboratory or delicate handling is part of your process. Your application decides: visual changeover for the Omron, sensitive touch for the UR5e.
