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Market context4.66 million industrial robots are in operation worldwide, and service robotics is forecast to reach ~US$100bn by 2033. Businesses have always bought used plant — robots are no different.
Used collaborative robot arms and industrial AMRs represent some of the most defensible savings in the secondhand robot market. A Universal Robots UR5e retails at £28,000 new with controller; documented used units trade at £12,000 to £17,000 — a 40 to 60% saving on a platform with a global installed base, broad integrator ecosystem, and parts availability that will outlast most alternatives.
The due diligence requirement in this category is proportionally higher than for consumer robots. Always request the PolyScope joint cycle count (Settings → System → Robot on a UR5e) and a full service log before viewing. A current calibration certificate adds £500 to £1,200 in value — budget for recalibration if it is not included. For purchases above £12,000, commission an independent inspection from a qualified robot service engineer.
Integration cost is the variable most buyers underestimate. The arm purchase is typically 30 to 50% of total deployment cost; end effectors, mounting, safety assessment, programming, and commissioning add £8,000 to £40,000 depending on application complexity. Factor this into your total budget before evaluating whether used represents the saving it appears to.
Used · ExcellentCollaborative arm · Warwick
Used · GoodIndustrial arm · Derby
Used · ExcellentWarehouse AMR · Milton Keynes
Used · GoodAgricultural drone · Lincoln
Used · GoodCleaning robot · Hounslow
Used · GoodCommercial mower · Stirling
Used · FairDelivery robot · Cambridge
A used Universal Robots UR5e with controller typically trades at £12,000–£17,000 in the UK, compared to a retail price of approximately £28,000. That represents a 40–60% saving on a platform with a global installed base, broad integrator ecosystem, and parts availability that will outlast most alternatives. Pricing varies significantly with joint cycle count, service history, and whether a calibration certificate is included.
Request the PolyScope joint cycle count and runtime hours (Settings → System → Robot), a full service log, the original CE declaration of conformity (required for legal deployment in UK production environments), and a current calibration certificate. Budget £500–£1,200 for recalibration if a certificate is not included. For purchases above £12,000, commission an independent inspection from a qualified robot service engineer.
No. The robot arm itself is typically 30–50% of total deployment cost. End effectors, mounting hardware, safety assessment, programming, and commissioning add £8,000–£40,000 depending on application complexity. Always factor the full integration cost into your budget before evaluating whether used represents the saving it appears to.