Universal Robots introduced Gen 7, its seventh-generation robotics platform, at the IMTS tradeshow in Chicago on September 14, 20264. The Teradyne subsidiary pitched the release as an end-to-end hardware and software redesign aimed at moving AI-powered automation from lab prototypes into factory production.
"The robots of the AI era must be advanced, not complicated," said Jean-Pierre Hathout, President of Teradyne Robotics. Hathout said Gen 7 draws on more than 20 years of cobot innovation and over 100,000 industrial deployments worldwide.
Software and arms
The platform is anchored by PolyScope X, a new robot operating system that brings modern programming tools, ISO 10218-1 safety functionality, and cybersecurity compliance3. With open APIs and ROS2 communication, PolyScope X enables programmers to build and deploy edge-AI applications using industrial PCs and external AI processing5. An SDK allows AI applications to run natively on the controller, and onboard logic programs can sequence tasks without an external PLC.
Three new g-Series robot arms join the lineup: the UR10g-1750 (8 kg payload, 1,750 mm reach), the UR17g-1300 (15 kg payload, 1,300 mm reach), and the UR18g-950 (18 kg payload, 950 mm reach)1. All three share a 204 mm diameter footprint and an enclosed joint design with IP65 dust and water protection. Repeatability ranges from ±0.05 mm on the two heavier arms to ±0.08 mm on the UR10g-1750.
The redesigned g-Series tool flange delivers data, power, and safety directly to the tool, eliminating cabling complexity and simplifying connections for cameras and high-bandwidth sensors. Universal Robots said the flange enables the vision and sensing needed for AI models to run in real time with the robot. Built-in force-torque sensing, impedance control, and Real-Time Data Exchange give the arms a sense of touch for physical AI tasks such as dexterous manipulation and force-sensitive assembly.
Controller and peripherals
The CB7 Core controller offers 40% more compute power in a 30% smaller footprint than previous generations. It ships at launch in a standalone control box and a compact version for integration into an automation cabinet, and is compatible with existing e-Series and UR Series arms. The controller features three 1 GbE ports, 16 configurable digital I/Os, and multi-network communication with PLCs, HMIs, MES platforms, IPCs, and vision systems.
The TP7 Core teach pendant is more than 20% lighter than its predecessor and adds multiple grip positions, configurable smart buttons, a full HD display, and a virtual joystick. The SP7 Smart Panel, which mounts at the tool flange, provides safety-compliant freedrive functionality, LED lights, and three configurable input buttons capable of running PolyScope X Smart Skills. Universal Robots said the SP7 Smart Panel cuts setup and programming time for touch-to-teach workflows.
Safety and ecosystem
Gen 7's collaborative safety functions provide a PLd, Category 3 certified architecture under ISO 13849-1. All g-Series robots are TÜV-certified to ISO 10218-1 and UL1740. Teradyne Robotics holds IEC 62443-4-1 ML3 certification for cybersecurity.
The platform was demonstrated alongside developments from more than 20 ecosystem partners, including Cognex, Schunk, Magswitch, Smooth Robotics, Psyonic, Robotiq, and Inbolt. Inbolt CEO Rudy Cohen said Inbolt's vision now runs natively on the UR controller through Gen 7 and PolyScope X, requiring no external vision PC and no extra cabling.
"Our vision as a whole at the Teradyne Robotics Group is really to be this destination platform for physical AI," said Will Healy, director of product and industry marketing. ANALYSIS By routing sensor data, power, and AI inference through a single redesigned flange and a more powerful onboard controller, Universal Robots is positioning Gen 7 as an integration layer between third-party AI models and factory-floor hardware, a role that could reduce the middleware burden for companies attempting to operationalize physical AI.