Universal Robots Launches Generation 7 of Groundbreaking Robot Family

At IMTS 2026, Universal Robots unveiled Gen 7 robots with new software, controller, teach pendant, and tool-flange features for flexible automation applications.

News one hour ago by David Peterson

At the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago this week, Universal Robots (UR) announced and demonstrated the latest generation of its famous blue-and-silver robot family. The new 7th generation of robots includes advances in the PolyScopeX operating system, along with enhanced mechanical and electrical capabilities, paving the way for the future of human-robot collaboration.

Collaboration: The Heart and Soul of Universal Robots

Over 20 years ago, Universal Robots's founders set out to break a barrier that has existed since the early days of industrial robotics: the risks of close human-machine interaction. Robots are heavy and fast so any collision may be fatal. These new robots, designed for collaborative situations, integrate safety features that detect human presence and can actively prevent these harmful interactions. Humans and robots can finally work alongside each other!

Fast-forward 20+ years, and many subsequent Universal Robots models, and the 2026 IMTS expo provided the perfect platform to announce the Gen 7 version of the UR robot system. The new models are denoted with a g, and the part number lists the reach (mm): UR10g-1750, UR17g-1300, and UR18g-950.

Let’s examine some of the updates, from the core software to the electrical and mechanical enhancements.

Figure 1. The new Gen 7 UR robot integrated into an adaptive bin-picking application by InBolt at IMTS.

The new Gen 7 UR robot integrated into an adaptive bin-picking application by InBolt at IMTS. Image used courtesy of Mette McCall, McCall Media

PolyScopeX OS

The operating system has undergone many changes in the past few years. This Gen 7 announcement highlights a few key points. As edge AI applications grow, Universal Robots has added an API and ROS2 communication so an IPC can directly access data and motion commands in the controller. At the field level, you can also access modern communication protocols, including PROFISafe and OPC UA. All of these updates are open and accessible for developers to create new apps, either for the device or for use on an external computer.

Core Controller and Teach Pendant

The CB7 Core controller has a 30% smaller footprint while increasing computing power. According to the documentation, processing speed has increased by 40% compared to the previous CB5.6 controller. The new controller has 3x Gb Ethernet ports and a combination of USB type A and C to accommodate more peripheral devices. The entire controller still weighs in at less than 25 lb (11kg).

The TP7 teach pendant was also redesigned alongside the controller. Physically, the pendant is lighter (about 3 lb, 1.4 kg); grip points were updated for comfort during long programming sessions. Digitally, a couple of programmable quick-teach buttons and multi-touch gesture support also speed up the programming process.

Tool Flange of the Future

The tool flange represents the interaction between the theoretical world (the robot works in a nice, clean test room, right?) and the real world, with all its uncertainty, variation, and constant drive for change.

In the new Gen 7 design, we put a lot of effort into the tool flange design. First, a set of soft keys enables a wide range of motion and programming functions without ever picking up the teach pendant. A soft cover over the keys protects them from paint, weld slag, and other ingress.

Figure 2. The Gen 7 launch includes many updates to the tool flange, the interaction between robot and real world.

The Gen 7 launch includes many updates to the tool flange, the interaction between robot and real world. Image used courtesy of Mette McCall, McCall Media

Electrically, the flange provides more power to tool applications, with up to 3 amps of continuous power for 24- or 48-volt tooling devices. This provides roughly 3x the power available directly via the robot's internal cabling (vs. the previous version), reducing situations that would otherwise require external cables.

It also adds a 1 Gb Ethernet port and an M8 connector for analog, digital, and RS-485 I/O options.

A Merged Future of Manufacturing

It seems fitting that an announcement of human-robot collaboration would take place at a trade show, the very place where tens of thousands of visitors walk the booths right beside the most advanced manufacturing technology in the world. Universal Robots has long forged the path ahead for this coexisting environment, and this new Gen 7 release proves that the innovation is far from a plateau.

Next item on the to-do list: maybe our engineering team will get a chance to try out one of these new robots very soon!