Franka Emika Panda — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Franka Emika |
|---|---|
| Model | Panda |
| Year | 2024 |
| Category | Industrial Lite |
| Autonomy | remote-controlled |
| Environment | both |
| Weight | 18 kg |
| Dimensions | 105cm H |
| Payload | 3 kg |
| Reach | 855 mm |
| Country of origin | DE |
Key features
- 7-axis articulation with full compliance control
- Joint-level torque sensing on all axes
- Integrated 6-axis wrist force-torque sensor
- Open-source franka_ros ecosystem
- Real-time impedance control
- Certified for safe physical HRI
What is the Franka Panda?
The Panda is the original Franka research platform, featuring seven axes of torque-controlled joints and integrated force-torque sensing at the wrist. Its defining feature is joint-level torque feedback enabling real-time impedance control and safe human interaction.
Who is it for?
Universities and research institutions (mechanical engineering, robotics, computer vision, AI labs), advanced technical colleges, and research labs exploring manipulation and human-robot interaction. Not typically for production manufacturing.
Key Specifications
- Payload: 3 kg
- Reach: 855 mm
- DOF: 7 axes (wrist rotation + 6 arm axes)
- Joint Torque Sensing: All 7 joints
- Repeatability: ±0.1 mm
- Force Feedback: 6-axis wrist + joint torque
- Open-Source: franka_ros, libfranka SDK
How it Compares
Unique 7-DOF design vs. 6-DOF competitors. Full joint torque sensing exceeds most cobots (UR, Doosan limited feedback). Small payload reflects research focus vs. production automation. Software ecosystem is industry-leading in academia.
Limitations
3 kg payload severely limits industrial applications. 7 axes add complexity vs. 6-DOF arms. Not suitable for production manufacturing. Force sensing adds cost (~$400k) vs. consumer cobots.
FAQ
Why seven axes instead of six?
7th DOF (wrist rotation) enables full-arm compliance control and singularity avoidance. Essential for compliant grasping and push-based manipulation.
What is the joint torque sensing accuracy?
±0.5 Nm typical. Sufficient for impedance control, adaptive grasping, and force-based task learning.
Is the Panda suitable for commercial applications?
Rarely. 3 kg payload and research focus limit industrial use. Franka FR3 is the production variant; Panda is research-only.
What are primary research applications?
Manipulation learning (grasping, assembly), human-robot interaction, physics-based learning, and in-hand object manipulation research.
How does the research community extend it?
libfranka SDK enables custom force controllers. ROS integration allows vision, ML pipelines. Common additions: additional cameras, tactile sensors, custom grippers.