Accelerating Physical AI Deployment on Factory Floors

At Pack Expo 2026 in Chicago, Universal Robots (UR) is showcasing its newly launched 7th-generation robotics platform, Gen 7. Designed out-of-the-box as an AI-ready system, Gen 7 represents a full-stack redesign from tool flange to controller, engineered to reduce integration friction and accelerate the deployment of physical AI on factory floors.

Teradyne Robotics’ (UR parent company) PACK EXPO booth N6041 will feature live demonstrations of the new Gen 7 hardware alongside advanced vision, gripping, autonomous logistics, and end-of-line packaging solutions developed in collaboration with UR+ ecosystem partners.

Universal Robots Gen 7 Platform

The exhibition centerpiece highlights the newly launched Gen 7 platform, which powers the g-Series cobot arms (including the UR10g-1750, UR17g-1300, and UR18g-950). The platform combines the new CB7 Core controller, the ergonomic TP7 Core teach pendant, the SP7 Smart Panel tool-flange interface, and the PolyScope X software platform.

The CB7 controller delivers 40% more compute capacity within a 30% smaller footprint, enabling multi-network communication without external network switches. The g-Series tool flange supplies data, power, and safety signals directly at the end of the robot arm. By routing connections directly through the flange, the platform eliminates external cable management bottlenecks, simplifies sensor attachments, and establishes native hardware support for real-time sensing and edge AI processing.

Cognex Integrated Vision Systems

In a joint demonstration, Cognex 2D and 3D industrial vision systems operate directly on the Gen 7 platform to showcase integrated machine vision and robotics.

• Flange-Direct Hardware Connectivity: Cognex cameras plug directly into the g-Series tool flange connectors. By delivering power and Ethernet at the end joint, the system eliminates external cabling harnesses, bend-radius restrictions, and strain-relief hardware.
• Edge AI Inspection: Utilizing camera-based edge-learning tools that execute without an external host PC, the setup demonstrates optical character recognition (OCR) for serial numbers, component verification to detect misplaced or gray-market parts, and defect inspection.
• On-the-Fly Adjustments: Cross-calibration between the vision sensors and the robot enables real-time part tracking and dynamic path adjustments during handling operations.

Robotiq Palletizing Solution

This demonstration illustrates how collaborative palletizing helps manufacturers increase throughput while reducing the physical demands of repetitive end-of-line operations. Featuring the Robotiq Palletizing Workcell integrated with Universal Robots technology, the setup showcases a flexible and user-friendly approach to palletizing boxes and packaged goods. It highlights how intuitive programming, rapid deployment, and adaptable workflows enable businesses to automate palletizing tasks with minimal complexity, improving productivity, ergonomics, and operational efficiency.

Rocketfarm Pally Palletizing Software

This demonstration showcases Rocketfarm’s Pally software running on Universal Robots hardware for software-driven end-of-line packaging. The display highlights rapid pallet pattern configuration, quick product changeovers, and how operators can modify stacking parameters to accommodate varying packaging formats and product dimensions.

MiR1200 Autonomous Pallet Jack

Addressing internal material transport, the MiR1200 Pallet Jack, from UR sister company Mobile Industrial Robots demonstrates autonomous pallet transportation across production, packaging, warehousing, and shipping environments. The system automates heavy pallet movement to reduce manual handling and forklift traffic without requiring modifications to existing facility infrastructure.

Magswitch PolyScope X Magnetic Gripping

This hands-on demonstration combines Universal Robots' PolyScope X software with Magswitch smart magnetic gripping technology. Operating a UR cobot equipped with a magnetic end-effector, the display illustrates flexible handling of steel components. The setup demonstrates rapid task configuration, intuitive operator controls, and how magnetic grippers adapt to varying workpiece geometries.

www.universal-robots.com