Universal Robots Gen 7: a new control box, a new pendant and a tool flange that carries it all

When Universal Robots unveiled Gen 7 in September, the focus was on AI and PolyScope X. But for anyone who builds and runs robot cells, the hardware is at least as interesting. Almost everything you touch has been redesigned: the control box, the teach pendant, the panel at the tool and the tool flange itself. Here we go through the news one by one.

CB7 Core – a new form factor for the control box

The new CB7 Core control box has a completely new shape. It has a 30% smaller footprint than the previous generation (CB5.6) and a 40% faster processor, for faster program execution and more responsive communication.

• IP54 as standard – handles dust and splashes without an extra enclosure
• Dimensions 393 × 284 × 201 mm (W × H × D), weight 12.4 kg
• Wall-mounted or free-standing on its own bracket
• Three 1 Gb Ethernet ports – PLC, HMI, MES, industrial PC and vision on separate networks, no external switch
• USB-A and USB-C for peripherals and storage
• 16 configurable DI/DO assignable as safety I/O, analog I/O and 24 V DC / 4 A for sensors and peripherals
• Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET and OPC UA
• Industrial connectors and longer robot and pendant cables for larger cells

CB7 Core works with g-Series, e-Series and UR Series arms.

CB7 Core Compact – the OEM control box

For machine builders and integrators there is CB7 Core Compact, an OEM version of the controller that rail-mounts directly in an existing automation cabinet. Same electronics and I/O panel as CB7 Core, without its own enclosure – a cleaner installation when the robot is part of a larger machine and the controls belong in the electrical cabinet anyway.

TP7 Core – a new teach pendant

The TP7 Core teach pendant is designed for long programming sessions:

• 11.6" full HD display (IPS) with multi-gesture support
• 1.39 kg – more than 20% lighter than previous generations
• Dual 3PE grips for multiple hand positions and switching hands
• Two configurable Smart Buttons programmable with custom Smart Skills
• Virtual joystick in PolyScope X for faster, more precise jogging
• Built-in three-position enabling (3PE) aligned with ISO 10218-1:2025
• Field-replaceable cable up to 12 m and an accessible connector for quick service

SP7 Smart Panel – program at the tool

The SP7 Smart Panel sits at the tool flange of the g-Series robots and lets operators teach and program where the work happens, instead of walking back and forth between pendant and workpiece.

• Integrated 2PE freedrive button for safe two-handed guiding per ISO 10218-1:2025
• Three configurable buttons running PolyScope X Smart Skills
• LED indication
• Detachable – remove the panel after teaching to protect it during welding, machining or in dirty environments. One panel can also be shared across several robots.

It saves real time in high-mix, low-volume production where robots are re-taught often.

A new tool flange on g-Series

The biggest change on the arm side is the tool flange on the new g-Series robots UR10g-1750, UR17g-1300 and UR18g-950. The flange now carries power, data and safety directly to the tool:

• 24/48 V at the flange (5 A peak, 3 A continuous) for higher-power grippers and tools
• 1 Gb Ethernet at the flange for high-bandwidth cameras and sensors
• M8 I/O with digital I/O, analog input and RS-485
• Safety signals at the tool, with no separate routing back to the control box

The result is fewer external cables along the arm, simpler cable management and more freedom of movement at the wrist – exactly what vision-guided and AI-based applications with a tool-mounted camera need. g-Series robots are also IP65 rated, reach up to 5 m/s TCP speed and have an LED ring at the base that shows cell status from a distance.

Upgrade your e-Series robots to Gen 7

If you already run e-Series robots, you don't have to replace the arm to benefit from Gen 7. CB7 Core and TP7 Core are compatible with e-Series, and by swapping the control box and pendant your existing robots get:

• A 40% faster controller and three Ethernet ports
• PolyScope X with open APIs, ROS2 and modern programming tools
• A new pendant with 3PE per ISO 10218-1:2025
• A smaller, better-sealed control box (IP54)

The arm keeps its existing tool flange, so the flange features and the SP7 Smart Panel remain g-Series only. Moving to PolyScope X means existing programs and URCaps need to be reviewed – and we help you with that.

Want to know whether your e-Series robots can be upgraded and what it would mean for your production? Contact us and we'll go through your installation and put together a proposal.

Sources: Universal Robots – Gen 7, CB7 Core, TP7 Core, SP7 Smart Panel, g-Series.