Universal Robots has unveiled Gen 7, its seventh-generation collaborative robotics platform, at IMTS in Chicago, introducing a redesigned technology platform aimed at helping manufacturers deploy more advanced automation and physical AI applications.
Launched on 14 September 2026, Gen 7 brings together three new g-Series collaborative robot arms with a redesigned controller, teach pendant and Smart Panel, all powered by the company’s PolyScope X operating system.
Universal Robots says the platform has been developed to make advanced automation more accessible while reducing the complexity involved in integrating robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision and sensing technologies into industrial environments.
Three New Collaborative Robot Arms
The Gen 7 platform introduces three new g-Series robot arms: the UR10g-1750, UR17g-1300 and UR18g-950.
The models are designed for different combinations of payload and reach, giving manufacturers greater flexibility when selecting collaborative robots for production applications.
The UR10g-1750 offers a 1750mm reach, while the UR17g-1300 provides a 1300mm reach with an extended payload of up to 17.5kg. The UR18g-950 is designed for heavier lifting applications, supporting an 18kg payload while maintaining a relatively compact footprint.
A key feature across the new g-Series is the redesigned tool flange, which Universal Robots says brings power, data and safety connectivity directly to the tool.
This is designed to simplify the integration of cameras and high-bandwidth sensors, reducing cabling requirements and making it easier for manufacturers to build systems capable of processing information in real time.
Preparing Robots for Physical AI
Gen 7 has been developed with the growing role of artificial intelligence in industrial automation in mind.
Universal Robots describes the platform as AI-ready out of the box, with sensing and connectivity designed to support applications where robots need to respond to their physical environment.
Built-in force-torque sensing, impedance control and Real-Time Data Exchange give the new platform greater ability to interact with objects and respond to forces during operations.
This can support applications including force-sensitive assembly and more dexterous manipulation, where robots need to adjust their movements based on what they encounter rather than simply following a fixed sequence.
The approach reflects a wider shift in industrial robotics towards physical AI, where software intelligence is combined with sensors, robotic movement and real-world interaction.
A More Powerful Core
At the heart of Gen 7 is the new CB7 Core controller.
Universal Robots says the controller provides 40 per cent more computing power while occupying a smaller footprint than previous generations. It is designed to support communication across modern industrial systems, including programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, manufacturing execution systems, industrial PCs and vision systems.
The controller is available in both a standalone configuration and a compact version designed for integration into automation cabinets.
CB7 Core is also compatible with existing e-Series and UR Series robot arms, helping manufacturers integrate the new controller into wider automation environments.
PolyScope X Brings Software and AI Together
The Gen 7 platform is powered by PolyScope X, Universal Robots’ operating system for its latest generation of collaborative robotics.
The software provides open APIs and ROS2 communication, allowing developers and system integrators to connect robots with external computing, industrial software and AI systems.
Universal Robots says this creates opportunities to deploy edge AI applications while also giving integrators access to additional functionality through software packages and third-party applications.
The company has designed the platform to support both established industrial automation and newer AI-driven applications, allowing manufacturers to build increasingly connected production systems.
New Tools for Operators
Gen 7 also introduces the TP7 Core teach pendant, designed to make robot programming and operation more intuitive.
The new pendant is more than 20 per cent lighter than previous generations and features multiple grip positions, configurable smart buttons, a full HD display and a virtual joystick.
Alongside it is the SP7 Smart Panel, which connects directly at the tool flange and allows operators to interact with the robot closer to the point where work is taking place.
The panel includes freedrive functionality, LED status lighting and configurable buttons capable of running PolyScope X Smart Skills.
Universal Robots says this can help reduce setup and programming time, particularly in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments where production requirements can change frequently.
Built for Industrial Safety
While Gen 7 is focused on greater computing power, connectivity and AI capabilities, safety remains central to the platform.
Universal Robots says the Gen 7 collaborative architecture provides a PLd, Category 3 safety architecture under ISO 13849-1.
The new g-Series robots are also TÜV certified to ISO 10218-1 and UL 1740, while Teradyne Robotics, Universal Robots’ parent group, is certified to IEC 62443-4-1 ML3 for cybersecurity.
These certifications are particularly important as manufacturers increasingly connect robots to wider production networks and introduce AI and data-driven systems into industrial environments.
Demonstrating the Physical AI Ecosystem
Universal Robots is showcasing Gen 7 at IMTS alongside more than 20 ecosystem partners.
Demonstrations at the event include technologies from companies such as Cognex, Schunk, Magswitch, Smooth Robotics, Psyonic, Robotiq and Inbolt, highlighting applications across machine vision, gripping and other areas of industrial automation.
The demonstrations are intended to show how Gen 7 can work within a broader automation ecosystem rather than operating as an isolated robotic platform.
Universal Robots says its open approach is designed to make it easier for manufacturers and integrators to combine collaborative robots with specialist software, vision systems, sensors and end effectors.
The Next Generation of Collaborative Automation
The launch of Gen 7 comes as manufacturers face increasing pressure to improve productivity while responding to labour shortages, changing production requirements and the need for more flexible manufacturing systems.
By combining new robotic hardware with greater computing capability, integrated sensing and AI-ready software, Universal Robots is positioning Gen 7 as a platform for the next stage of industrial automation.
With more than 100,000 collaborative robot deployments worldwide, the company is building its seventh generation around the experience of its existing industrial customer base while opening the door to more sophisticated physical AI applications.
Gen 7 represents a significant expansion of what collaborative robots can do within modern factories, bringing together robotics, sensing, software and artificial intelligence in a single industrial automation platform.
Source: Universal Robots