New Platform for Industrial Automation

Robotics New Platform for Industrial Automation

2026-09-17 Source: Press Release | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

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Universal Robots (UR) has unveiled “Gen 7,” its seventh-generation robot platform. The new robot platform has been completely redesigned, from the controller to the tool interface to integrated AI capabilities.

Christopher Savoia, Global Head of the UR+ Ecosystem at Universal Robots, presents the new SP7 Smart Panel on a UR17g-1300 robot during the unveiling of Gen 7—UR’s 7th-generation robot platform—at IMTS in Chicago on September 14, 2026.(Image: Image: Teradyne Robotics) — Christopher Savoia, Global Head of the UR+ Ecosystem at Universal Robots, presents the new SP7 Smart Panel on a UR17g-1300 robot during the unveiling of Gen 7—UR’s 7th-generation robot platform—at IMTS in Chicago on September 14, 2026.
(Image: Image: Teradyne Robotics)

Universal Robots, a member of the Teradyne Robotics Group, unveiled “Gen 7” to the public for the first time in mid-September 2026 at IMTS—The International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago. The platform is designed to further simplify the deployment and operation of robots. It is based on the PolyScope X robot operating system. The control box, teach pendant, and tool interface have been completely redesigned to easily automate even the most demanding tasks.

“Robots in the AI era should be simple, not complicated,” said Jean-Pierre Hathout, President of the Teradyne Robotics Group. “Gen 7 is the result of our experience from over 20 years of cobot innovation and more than 100,000 industrial deployments worldwide. We have completely redesigned our platform. It significantly reduces integration efforts and greatly expands the range of possible applications. In addition, this new generation enables our customers and partners across all industries to safely deploy AI-powered applications in real-world operations.”

Gallery

Part of the “Gen 7” series: the new UR17g-1300.(Source: UR)

The new UR17g-1300 with a gripper from Weiss Robotics.(Source: UR)

The new UR18g-950. It is available in versions with and without the SP7 Smart Panel.(Source: UR)

The CB7 Core controller is available as a standalone control box as well as a compact version for integration into an automation cabinet.(Source: UR)

Gallery with 6 images

The key components of the Gen 7:

New g-Series robot arms with AI-enabled tool interface: The Gen-7 platform expands the e-Series and UR-Series product lines with three new robot arms: UR10g-1750, UR17g-1300, and UR18g-950. The model names are based on their payload (kg) and reach (mm).

The new tool interface of the g-series enables the use of cameras and sensors, thereby providing the necessary data so that AI models can collaborate with the robot in real time. Data, power, and safety functions are provided directly through the interface. This simplifies cabling and makes it easier to connect high-bandwidth cameras and sensors—a critical factor for advanced automation and physical AI applications.

In addition, integrated force-torque sensing, impedance control, and RTDE (Real-Time Data Exchange) give the robot a sense of touch for precise manipulation or controlled force application.

CB7 Core Controller: With 40 percent more computing power and a 30 percent smaller footprint than previous generations, the new controller enables communication across multiple networks for modern automation and physical AI architectures. It is compatible with PLCs, HMIs, MES platforms, IPCs, and vision systems, thereby reducing the need for external switches. At launch, it is available as a standalone control box as well as a compact version for integration into an automation cabinet. The CB7 is also compatible with e-Series and UR-Series robotic arms.

PolyScope X: This system offers modern programming tools, safety in accordance with ISO 10218-1, and compliance with 7th-generation cybersecurity requirements. With open APIs and ROS2 communication, PolyScope X enables programmers to develop and deploy edge AI applications using IPCs and external AI processing. With additional software packages, integrators can access further advanced robot functions such as ProfiSafe, OPC-UA, or logic programs, as well as third-party application software such as Rocketfarm Pally or Inbolt 3D Vision Guidance.

TP7 Core Teach Pendant: The new teach pendant is more than 20 percent lighter and more ergonomic than previous generations. It features multiple grip positions, configurable smart buttons, a Full HD display, and a new virtual joystick. It is designed to remain comfortable to use even during long shifts, and programming is intuitive rather than technical.

New SP7 Smart Panel Interface on the Tool Interface: A new feature that allows you to program directly on the tool interface and teach motion sequences more quickly. The SP7 Smart Panel features a safety-compliant “Freedrive” function, LED indicators, and three configurable input buttons on which PolyScope X Smart Skills can be executed. The Smart Panel reduces setup and programming time by allowing operators to interact with the robot directly at the work site. This is particularly advantageous for “touch-to-teach” applications, as well as for small batch sizes and high product variety.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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(Cyber) Security in Focus: The Gen 7's safety features offer an architecture certified to PLd, Category 3 (ISO 13849-1). All g-series robots are TÜV-certified to ISO 10218-1 and UL 1740, and Teradyne Robotics is certified to IEC 62443-4-1 ML3. This ensures secure development practices at every stage of the software lifecycle.

The Physical AI Ecosystem

Gen 7 is supported by UR+, a curated, rigorously tested portfolio of automation products. Each of these products is validated by both the partner and UR before being brought to market. This reduces integration risk and enables customers to deploy their robots faster and more safely.

At IMTS, Gen 7 will be showcased alongside new developments from more than 20 partners—including demos of Gen 7 functionality with Cognex, Schunk, Magswitch, Smooth Robotics, Psyonic, Robotiq, and Inbolt. The demos illustrate how the platform’s open architecture enables leading providers of Physical AI, computer vision, and gripping systems to develop applications directly on Universal Robots’ hardware and software.