Universal Robots unveils the Gen 7 platform

Universal Robots (UR), a Teradyne Robotics company and manufacturer of industrial cobots, unveiled its seventh-generation robotic platform, Gen 7, at IMTS. The system has been redesigned from the controller to the tool flange and is ready to support artificial intelligence solutions from initial start-up. The platform is intended to provide companies with the development tools and connectivity required to transfer AI solutions from laboratories to industrial applications.

Gen 7 is a comprehensive upgrade of the entire robotic system, while retaining the operating approach familiar to operators, engineers and integrators from earlier UR solutions. At the heart of the platform is the PolyScope X robot operating system. The solution also includes a redesigned control box, teach pendant and tool flange. The individual components have been developed for demanding tasks and configurations, including applications based on vision systems, sensors and external AI computing resources.

"Robots in the AI era should be technologically advanced, but not complicated," said Jean-Pierre Hathout, President of Teradyne Robotics Group. "Gen 7 draws on experience gained over more than 20 years of cobot technology development and more than 100,000 industrial deployments worldwide. It is a comprehensively redesigned platform that reduces integration barriers and significantly expands the range of possible applications. As a result, our customers and partners across various industries will be able to deploy advanced AI-based solutions directly in production environments with greater confidence."

g-Series arms and an AI-ready tool flange

The Gen 7 platform expands the Universal Robots range with three g-Series robotic arms: UR10g-1750, UR17g-1300 and UR18g-950. The model designations refer respectively to their payload in kilograms and reach in millimetres. The new designs complement the portfolio comprising the e-Series and UR Series.

The g-Series tool flange enables the use of vision systems and sensors through which AI models can interact with the robot in real time. It provides direct access to data transmission, power and safety functions. This is intended to reduce wiring complexity and simplify the connection of cameras and sensors requiring high-bandwidth data transmission, which is important in advanced automation and physical AI applications.

Integrated force and torque sensing, impedance control and RTDE, or Real-Time Data Exchange, provide the robot with a "sense of touch". These functions are intended for physical AI applications such as precise object manipulation and assembly tasks requiring force control.

CB7 Core controller and PolyScope X environment

The CB7 Core controller offers 40% more computing power and occupies 30% less space than previous-generation solutions. It supports communication across multiple networks for modern automation and physical AI architectures. It can connect to PLCs, HMI panels, MES platforms, industrial PCs and vision systems, reducing the need for external network switches.

At launch, the controller is available in two versions: as a standalone control box and as a compact solution designed for integration into an automation cabinet. CB7 is also compatible with e-Series and UR Series robotic arms.

PolyScope X provides development tools, safety functions compliant with ISO 10218-1 and solutions meeting cybersecurity requirements. Open APIs and ROS2 communication allow developers to create and deploy edge AI applications using industrial PCs and external AI processing systems.

Additional software packages give integrators access to functions such as ProfiSafe, OPC-UA and logic programs. They also facilitate the use of third-party application software, including Rocketfarm Pally and Inbolt 3D Vision Guidance.

New operating and programming tools

The TP7 Core teach pendant is more than 20% lighter and more ergonomic than previous-generation solutions. It offers several grip positions, configurable smart buttons, a Full HD display and a new virtual joystick. It has been designed for comfort during long shifts and to simplify programming, allowing operators to spend less time learning the interface.

The SP7 Smart Panel allows the robot to be taught and programmed directly at the tool flange. The device offers a safety-compliant freedrive function, LED lighting and three configurable buttons that can activate PolyScope X Smart Skills functions. Working directly at the robot is intended to reduce configuration and programming time, particularly in applications requiring touch-to-teach programming or direct operator interaction, for example in high-mix, low-volume production.

Functional safety and cybersecurity

Gen 7 safety functions, including solutions intended for collaborative operation, use a certified Category 3 PLd architecture compliant with ISO 13849-1. All g-Series robots have TÜV certification confirming compliance with ISO 10218-1 and UL 1740.

Teradyne Robotics also holds IEC 62443-4-1 ML3 cybersecurity certification. According to the company, this confirms that secure software development principles are applied at every stage of the software life cycle.

Physical AI solutions ecosystem

Gen 7 is being presented at IMTS together with new solutions from more than 20 ecosystem partners. Platform functionality demonstrations have been prepared with Cognex, Schunk, Magswitch, Smooth Robotics, Psyonic, Robotiq and Inbolt. The demonstrations show how the open architecture allows suppliers of physical AI solutions, vision systems and gripping technologies to develop applications directly on Universal Robots hardware and software.

"Universal Robots and Inbolt share the belief that automation should be simple both to deploy and to use in day-to-day operations," said Rudy Cohen, CEO of Inbolt. "With Gen 7 and PolyScope X, the Inbolt vision system now runs natively on the UR controller and is available directly through UR. No external computer for the vision system or additional wiring is required. Manufacturers can detect and locate parts without using positioning fixtures and holders, and start production within hours rather than weeks."

The platform is supported by UR+, a portfolio of automation products tested before market launch by both the partner and Universal Robots. The verification process is intended to reduce integration risk and accelerate robot deployment.