Universal Robots (UR) has unveiled Gen 7, a next-generation collaborative robot platform designed to simplify industrial automation and accelerate the deployment of AI-powered applications.
Launched at the IMTS exhibition, the seventh-generation platform represents a complete redesign of UR's robotics offering, from the controller and teach pendant through to the tool flange. Built around the company's PolyScope X operating system, Gen 7 aims to make advanced automation easier to implement while providing the connectivity and processing power required for physical AI applications.
Jean-Pierre Hathout, president of the Teradyne Robotics Group, said: “The robots of the AI era must be advanced, not complicated.”
He added: “Built on what we have learned from over 20 years of cobot innovation and more than 100,000 industrial deployments worldwide, Gen 7 is an end-to-end redesign of our platform that reduces integration friction and dramatically expands application capabilities.”
The new platform introduces three g-Series collaborative robot arms, the UR10g-1750, UR17g-1300 and UR18g-950, named according to their payload and reach. A key feature is an AI-ready tool flange that delivers data, power and safety functions directly to end-of-arm tooling, simplifying the integration of cameras, sensors and other devices required for real-time AI applications.
Built-in force-torque sensing, impedance control and Real-Time Data Exchange (RTDE) capabilities also provide the tactile feedback needed for applications such as force-sensitive assembly and complex handling tasks.
Supporting the new robots is the CB7 Core controller, which provides 40% more computing power while reducing its physical footprint by 30% compared with previous generations. Designed for modern industrial environments, it can communicate simultaneously with PLCs, HMIs, MES platforms, industrial PCs and vision systems, helping to reduce additional networking hardware.
The controller will be offered both as a standalone unit and as a compact version suitable for integration into automation cabinets. It also remains compatible with existing e-Series and UR Series robot arms.
At the software level, PolyScope X adds modern programming tools, open APIs and ROS2 communication support, enabling developers to build and deploy edge AI applications. Optional software packages add capabilities such as ProfiSafe, OPC-UA connectivity and advanced logic programming, alongside access to applications from third-party developers.
UR has also redesigned its teach pendant. The new TP7 Core unit is more than 20% lighter than previous versions and incorporates multiple grip positions, configurable buttons, a full-HD display and a virtual joystick. According to the company, the aim is to reduce operator fatigue and simplify robot programming.
Another new feature is the SP7 Smart Panel, mounted directly on the tool flange. Designed for point-of-task interaction, it enables operators to teach and programme the robot closer to the application, helping reduce setup times in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.
Safety and cybersecurity have also been a focus of the redesign. Gen 7 incorporates a PLd Category 3 safety architecture and the g-Series robots are certified to ISO 10218-1 and UL1740 standards. Teradyne Robotics is also certified to IEC 62443-4-1 ML3, demonstrating compliance with recognised industrial cybersecurity development practices.
At IMTS, UR showcased Gen 7 alongside technologies from more than 20 ecosystem partners, including Cognex, Schunk, Magswitch, Smooth Robotics, Psyonic, Robotiq and Inbolt. Demonstrations highlighted how machine vision, gripping and AI systems can be integrated directly with the new platform.
Rudy Cohen, CEO of Inbolt, said the partnership reflects a shared goal of simplifying automation deployment. “With Gen 7 and PolyScope X, Inbolt's vision now runs natively on the UR controller itself, available directly through UR. No external vision PC, no extra cabling.”
He added: “Manufacturers get parts localised without jigs or fixtures, and reach production in hours, not weeks.”
The platform is also supported by the UR+ ecosystem, which provides tested and validated third-party automation products. UR says this helps reduce integration risks and enables manufacturers to deploy automation systems more quickly and with greater confidence.