Universal Robots unveils Gen 7 – an AI-ready robot platform
Universal Robots, a Teradyne Robotics company, has introduced Gen 7 – its seventh generation of collaborative robots. Unveiled at the IMTS tradeshow in Chicago, the platform has been reengineered from control box to tool flange with one clear goal: to make it easy to take AI from the lab into real industrial production.
"The robots of the AI era must be advanced, not complicated. Gen 7 is an end-to-end redesign of our platform that reduces integration friction and dramatically expands application capabilities."
— Jean-Pierre Hathout, President, Teradyne Robotics Group
New g-Series arms with an AI-ready tool flange
Three new models are introduced – UR10g-1750, UR17g-1300 and UR18g-950. The new tool flange is AI-ready, enabling real-time vision and sensing with integrated data, power and safety delivery right at the tool. Built-in force-torque sensing, impedance control and Real-Time Data Exchange (RTDE) support force-sensitive assembly and more dexterous manipulation.
CB7 Core – more compute in a smaller footprint
The new CB7 Core controller delivers 40% more compute power in a 30% smaller footprint than previous generations. It handles communication across multiple networks at once – PLCs, HMIs, MES platforms, industrial PCs and vision systems – without external switches. CB7 Core comes both as a standalone control box and in a compact version for cabinet integration, and is compatible with both e-Series and UR Series arms.
PolyScope X – open and AI-ready
The whole platform is anchored by the PolyScope X operating system, which brings modern programming tools, ISO 10218-1 safety functionality and cybersecurity compliance. Open APIs and ROS2 communication make it possible to develop edge-AI applications, and third-party solutions such as Rocketfarm Pally and Inbolt 3D Vision Guidance run directly on the controller.
TP7 and SP7 – faster teaching
The new TP7 Core teach pendant is 20% lighter and more ergonomic, with multiple grip positions, configurable smart buttons, a full HD display and a redesigned virtual joystick. At the tool flange sits the SP7 Smart Panel, which speeds up teaching and programming right at the tool – with safety-compliant freedrive, LED indication and three configurable buttons running PolyScope X Smart Skills.
Safety and cybersecurity by design
Gen 7 features a certified safety architecture to PLd Category 3 (ISO 13849-1). All g-Series robots are TÜV certified to ISO 10218-1 and UL1740, and Teradyne Robotics holds the IEC 62443-4-1 ML3 cybersecurity certification.
At the IMTS launch, more than 20 partners demonstrated Gen 7 functionality, including Cognex, Schunk, Magswitch, Smooth Robotics, Psyonic, Robotiq and Inbolt.
What it means for Swedish industry
With over 20 years of cobot experience and more than 100,000 deployments worldwide, Universal Robots takes a clear step towards AI-driven automation that is easy to get started with. As the distributor for Universal Robots in Sweden, we at SE Automation help you understand what Gen 7 means for your production – from feasibility study and concept selection to a deployed solution.
Want to know more about Gen 7 and how it fits your applications? Contact us and we'll be happy to help.
Source: Universal Robots.