UNIVERSAL ROBOTS (UR) HAS ANNOUNCED the seventh generation of its collaborative robot platform, designed to make the most demanding tasks and set-ups easier. Redesigned from its controller to its teach pendant and tool flange, the Gen 7 robot platform is AI-ready outof-the-box, offering users software tools and connectivity to take AI from the lab into industrial operations. “The robots of the AI era must be advanced, not complicated,”says Jean-Pierre Hathout, president of UR’s parent, the Teradyne Robotics Group. “Built on what we have learned from over 20 years of cobot innovation and more than 100,000 industrial deployments worldwide, Gen 7 is an end-to-end redesign of our platform that reduces integration friction and dramatically expands application capabilities. It will enable our customers and partners to deploy advanced AI-powered applications confidently in real-world operations.” Key elements of the new platform include: n New g-Series robot arms with an AI-ready tool flange There are three new arms – UR10g1750, UR17g-1300 and UR18g-950 – named after their payload (in kg) and reach (in mm). The new flange allows vision and sensing for AI models to run in real time, delivering data, power and safety directly to the flange. This simplifies cabling and makes it easier to connect cameras and highbandwidth sensors, which are critical to advanced automation and physical AI. Built-in force-torque sensing, impedance control and RTDE (Real-Time Data Exchange) give the robots a sense of touch for physical AI applications. n CB7 Core controller Promising 40% more computing power in a 30% smaller footprint than previous controllers, the new device enables multi-network connections to PLCs, HMIs, IPCs and vision systems, reducing the need for external switches. It is available as a standalone box or for integration into cabinets. n PolyScope X software This brings modern programming tools, ISO 10218-1 safety functions and cybersecurity compliance to Gen 7. With open APIs and ROS2 communications, PolyScope X allows programmers to build and deploy edge-AI applications using IPCs and external AI processing. With additional software, they can access functions such as ProfiSafe, OPC-UA or logic programs. n The TP7 Core teach pendant The new pendant is more than 20% lighter than the previous generation, has multiple grip positions, configurable smart buttons, and an HD display, as well as a virtual joystick. n SP7 Smart Panel tool flange interface This offers a faster way to teach and program at the tool flange. By letting operators work at the point of the task, the Smart Panel cuts set-up and programming times. n Safety and cybersecurity Gen 7's safety functions provide a PLd, Category 3 (ISO 138491) certified architecture. All g-Series robots are TÜV-certified to ISO 10218-1 and UL 1740. Gen 7’s open architecture allows suppliers of physical AI, vision and gripping systems to build applications based on UR’s hardware and software. More than 20 partners – including Cognex, Schunk, Magswitch, Smooth Robotics, Psyonic, Robotiq and Inbolt – have already demonstrated support for the new platform. “Universal Robots and Inbolt share the conviction that automation should be simple to deploy and simple to live with,”says Inbolt CEO, Rudy Cohen. “With Gen 7 and PolyScope X, Inbolt’s vision now runs natively on the UR controller itself. No external vision PC, no extra cabling. Manufacturers get parts localised without jigs or fixtures, and reach production in hours, not weeks.” UR unveils next-gen platform for automation and physical AI ABB’s Machine Automation division (B&R) has appointed Christian Strahberger as its president, following the death of Florian Schneeberger in an accident earlier this year. Strahberger joins from Danfoss, where he held a variety of leadership positions, most recently serving as CTO and head of semiconductor manufacturing at Semikron Danfoss. He brings 25 years of industrial experience including roles at Singulus Technologies, Schottel and Voith. Pulsiv, the UK power electronics specialist, has appointed Tim Joyce as CEO and board member, following the departure of Darrel Kingham. Joyce joined Pulsiv six months ago as chief financial officer. He was previously an advisor to early-stage companies and had twice invested in the business, which is transitioning from technology development to the commercialisation of its patented space-saving, high-efficiency ACDC power conversion technology. The new Smart Panel tool flange interface offers a faster way to teach and program cobots EVENTS n NEWS October 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 10 AGV Expo 2026 22-24 October, 2026 Piacenzo, Italy Described as Europe’s first tradeshow dedicated to AGVs (automated guided vehicles), AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) and automated logistics technologies, AGV Expo has been created in response to the rapid growth of automation across manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, and will bring together vehicle manufacturers, technology suppliers, software developers and systems integrators, as well as end-users. https://agvexpo.it/en Advanced Engineering 4–5 November, 2026 NEC, Birmingham More than 9,000 engineers and 400 exhibitors are expected to attend the event that will also include talks by more than 200 speakers. The organisers say it is where engineers, manufacturers, technology developers and supply chain specialists come together to understand what is changing, what is emerging and what demands their attention. For the first time it will be co-located with the UK Metals Expo. The show is doubling its Enabling Innovation zone from 10 to 20 SMEs and start-ups. www.advancedengineeringuk.com Manufacturing Educators Summit 9 November, 2026 MTC, Coventry A one-day summit for those interested in developing manufacturing skills, advancing STEM education, and raising the profile of manufacturing careers, offering practical insights into emerging technologies, innovations in industry, and the skills needed for the UK’s future manufacturing workforce. www.mtcevents.co.uk SPS (Smart Production Solutions) 2026 24–26 November, 2026 Nuremberg, Germany More than 1,000 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors from Germany and around the world are expected to take part in the three-day industrial automation megashow that is spread across 15 exhibition halls. The event spans the spectrum of smart and digital automation – from simple sensors to intelligent systems, from what is feasible today to a vision of a digitalised industrial world of tomorrow. https://sps.mesago.com/nuernberg/en/expo Manufacturing Technology 2Day 19 January, 2027 MTC, Coventry An annual event designed to enable UK-based advanced manufacturers to showcase their latest products and technologies, and to meet potential collaborators, clients and suppliers. Alongside an exhibition of advanced manufacturing technologies, the event will include a series of presentations and seminars. www.mtcevents.co.uk
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