Franka Emika Panda

Overview

The Franka Emika Panda is a discontinued 7-axis collaborative robot that was widely adopted by universities and research institutions from its launch in 2017 until Franka Robotics replaced it with the Franka FR3 in 2022. Franka Robotics is a Munich-based company spun out of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The Panda was notable for its integrated joint-level torque sensing on all 7 axes, enabling high-resolution force feedback without a separate wrist sensor, and for its open FCI (Franka Control Interface) for real-time C++ and Python control.

Key Specifications

• Payload: 3 kg
• Reach: 855 mm
• Degrees of freedom: 7
• Repeatability: ±0.1 mm
• TCP speed: up to 1.7 m/s
• Weight: 18 kg
• Torque sensing: all 7 joints (proprioceptive)
• Software: FCI (real-time), Desk (web-based programming)

The Panda's joint torque sensors provide resolution below 0.1 Nm, enabling contact-rich manipulation research and compliant insertion tasks.

Software Support Situation

Official Franka Robotics support for Panda hardware ended with the launch of the FR3. Desk (the web-based programming interface) no longer receives updates for Panda, and certain Desk features require a controller firmware version that may not be available for older units. The FCI for real-time research use is still functional on existing hardware, and the active research community maintains ROS and ROS2 drivers. For production use, the Panda is not recommended in 2026; for research, it remains capable but buyers must accept the risk of no official software updates.

Buying Used

The Panda has a reasonably active secondhand market driven by university upgrades and lab equipment sales. UK prices range from £5,000 to £14,000 depending on controller version and condition. Units are available through university surplus sales, eBay UK, and specialist secondhand robot dealers. Check which firmware version the controller runs and confirm that the FCI is accessible. Inspect all 7 joints for smooth motion and listen for grinding in the smaller wrist joints.

Alternatives to Consider

• Franka FR3: The direct replacement, with active support, improved speed, and compatibility with Panda end-effectors.
• Universal Robots UR5e: Lower force sensitivity but fully supported with a large UK resale market.
• KUKA LBR iiwa 14: Higher payload with more refined torque sensing, though at significantly higher cost.