The compact PushTrigger connectors offer high-performance connectivity for demanding industrial Ethernet applications, including automation, robotics, control systems, smart infrastructure, and transportation.

The HARTING ix Industrial PushTrigger IP20 connectors, now available at Mouser, feature a vibration-resistant push-pull locking mechanism and IDC termination, enabling fast, solder-free assembly. The PushTrigger IP20 connectors are compatible with all ix Industrial female connectors; and installation procedures remain the same when migrating from standard ix products. Up to 75% smaller than traditional RJ45 connectors, the PushTrigger IP20 series frees up space for additional connectors and assemblies while supporting Cat-6A Class EA transmission up to 500 MHz and data rates up to 10 Gbit/s.

Anchored by the PolyScope X robot operating system, Gen 7 has a fully reengineered control box, teach pendant and tool flange – all designed to make even the most demanding tasks and setups easier.

“The robots of the AI era must be advanced, not complicated,” said Jean-Pierre Hathout, President of the Teradyne Robotics Group, parent company of Universal Robots. “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 across industries to confidently deploy advanced AI-powered applications in real-world operations.”

Gen 7 introduces a unified collection of new hardware and features:

New g-Series robot arms with AI-ready tool flange: The Gen 7 platform adds three new robot arms: UR10g-1750, UR17g-1300, and UR18g-950, named after their payload (kg) and reach (mm), joining the e-Series and UR Series lineup.

The new g-Series tool flange enables the vision and sensing needed for AI models to run in real time with the robot, delivering data, power, and safety directly to the tool flange. This eliminates cabling complexity and makes it easier to connect cameras and high-bandwidth sensors, which is critical to advanced automation and physical AI deployments.

Additionally, built-in force-torque sensing, impedance control and Real-Time Data Exchange (RTDE) give the robot a sense of touch for physical AI applications such as dexterous manipulation and force-sensitive assembly tasks.

CB7 Core controller: Offering 40% more compute power in a 30% smaller footprint than previous generations, the new controller enables multi-network communication for modern automation and physical AI architectures, connecting to PLCs, HMIs, MES platforms, IPCs, and vision systems, reducing the need for external switches. It is available at launch in a standalone control box version and a compact version for integration into an automation cabinet. CB7 is also compatible with e-Series and UR Series robot arms.

PolyScope X: Brings to Gen 7 modern programming tools, ISO 10218-1 safety functionality and cybersecurity compliance. With open APIs and ROS2 communication, PolyScope X enables programmers to build and deploy edge-AI applications utilising IPCs and external AI processing. With additional software packages, integrators can access further advanced robot functionality such as ProfiSafe, OPC-UA, or logic programmes, and easily access application software from third-party developers, such as Rocketfarm Pally or Inbolt 3D Vision Guidance.

TP7 Core teach pendant: Building upon the already exceptional UR user experience, the new teach pendant is more than 20% lighter and more ergonomic than previous generations, has multiple grip positions, configurable smart buttons, and a full HD display, plus a new virtual joystick. It is designed to stay comfortable through long shifts and to make programming feel intuitive rather than technical, so operators spend less time learning the interface and more time getting the job done.

New SP7 Smart Panel tool flange interface: A faster way to teach and programme directly at the tool flange. The SP7 Smart Panel has safety-compliant freedrive functionality, LED lights and three configurable input buttons capable of running PolyScope X Smart Skills. By letting operators work at the point of the task, the Smart Panel cuts setup and programming time where touch-to-teach or operator interaction is important, such as high-mix, low-volume production.

Safety and cybersecurity in focus: Gen 7′s advanced and collaborative safety functions provide a PLd, Category 3 (ISO 13849-1) certified architecture. All g-Series robots are TÜV certified to ISO10218-1 and UL1740, and Teradyne Robotics is certified to IEC 62443-4-1 ML3 for cybersecurity, confirming that secure development practices are built into every stage of the software lifecycle.

A showcase of the physical AI ecosystem

At IMTS, Gen 7 is on display alongside new developments from 20+ ecosystem partners – including demonstrations of Gen 7 functionality with Cognex, Schunk, Magswitch, Smooth Robotics, Psyonic, Robotiq and Inbolt. The demonstrations illustrate how the platform’s open architecture lets best-in-class physical AI, machine vision and gripping providers build applications directly on Universal Robots hardware and software.

“Universal Robots and Inbolt share the same conviction, that automation should be simple to deploy and simple to live with,” said Rudy Cohen, CEO of Inbolt. “With Gen 7 and PolyScope X, Inbolt’s vision now runs natively on the UR controller itself, available directly through UR. No external vision PC, no extra cabling. Manufacturers get parts localised without jigs or fixtures, and reach production in hours, not weeks.”

The booth demonstrations also reflect a mature ecosystem: Gen 7 is backed by UR+, a curated, rigorously tested portfolio of automation products, each validated by both the partner and UR before it reaches the market. This de-risks integration and lets customers deploy their robots more quickly and with confidence.

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As aerospace manufacturers prepare for significantly increased production rates on future aircraft programmes, the industry faces growing pressure to deliver larger volumes of complex composite structures while maintaining the highest standards of precision and quality. Loop Technology’s FibreLINE system – with the FANUC M-2000 robot at its heart – has been developed specifically to meet these challenges, offering a scalable and highly automated solution for the production of large composite aerostructures.

Founded in 1998, Dorset-based Loop Technology has established a strong reputation for delivering advanced manufacturing solutions across demanding industrial sectors. The development of FibreLINE originated from early involvement in composite wing development programmes and collaborative aerospace research initiatives, where the need for more efficient and scalable composite manufacturing processes became increasingly evident.

Addressing the challenges of composite production

Manufacturing primary aerospace composite structures requires exceptional positional accuracy, often to within ±1 mm, while handling large and complex components. Production environments must also accommodate the combination of delicate composite materials and heavy tooling, creating significant demands on automation systems.

Traditional gantry-based solutions can struggle to provide the flexibility, scalability and cost efficiency required for future aerospace production rates. To overcome these limitations, Loop Technology sought a robotic platform capable of combining high payload capacity with exceptional accuracy and repeatability.

One of the world’s highest-payload articulated industrial robots, the FANUC M-2000 offers exceptional rigidity and high payload capability, enabling FibreLINE to perform demanding manufacturing processes on large aerospace structures without compromising on accuracy. When combined with Loop Technology’s advanced vision systems, photogrammetry technologies and integrated motion control, the platform consistently achieves accuracy levels of around 1 mm across large-scale components.

The result is a manufacturing solution that combines strength, precision and flexibility, enabling aerospace manufacturers to automate complex processes that were previously difficult to scale economically.

Enabling high-rate aerospace manufacturing

The aerospace sector is increasingly focused on future single-aisle aircraft programmes that are expected to require production rates of up to 80 to 100 aircraft per month.

Meeting these ambitious targets using conventional composite manufacturing methods would typically require extensive factory floor space and multiple production machines. FibreLINE offers a significantly more efficient alternative.

A single FibreLINE system can achieve the equivalent output of between five and ten conventional manufacturing machines, helping manufacturers reduce factory footprint, capital investment and operational complexity while increasing throughput and productivity.

A new era for composite aerospace production

The collaboration between Loop Technology and FANUC demonstrates how advanced robotics is enabling a step change in aerospace manufacturing, helping manufacturers unlock new levels of efficiency and competitiveness.

By combining Loop Technology’s expertise in automation and composite production with the strength and performance of the FANUC M-2000 robot, manufacturers can achieve the scalability required for next-generation aircraft programmes while maintaining the precision and quality standards demanded by the aerospace industry.

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Many humanoid manufacturers are prioritising software, AI training and application development, and then relying on established suppliers with proven manufacturing capabilities as production scales to source hardware. This is creating significant opportunities across the cobot supply chain.

Robot arms are critical to humanoids, enabling precise movements and tasks such as material handling and assembly. Collaborative robots already offer mature capabilities in precise motion, force control and human-robot interaction. Many cobot vendors also have experience with dual-arm coordination and integrating AI capabilities into their robots. These capabilities provide a strong technological foundation for humanoid applications.

Existing cobot arms can, in some cases, be adapted for humanoid torsos with relatively limited modifications, including reducing weight and size, adding an additional degree of freedom and adopting controllers capable of coordinating both arms. Many technologies already used in cobots can therefore be applied to humanoids directly or with limited customisation.

Oopportunities across the supply chain

Humanoid OEMs adopt different approaches to hardware development. Some develop robot arms and key components largely in-house to maximise customisation and control costs. Unitree and 1X Technologies are examples of this approach.

Others purchase key components, such as actuators, and assemble the complete robot in-house. AgiBot, UBTECH and Hexagon Robotics are examples of this model. A third group purchases complete cobot arms from established suppliers. AgiBot and Jack, a major Chinese sewing equipment manufacturer that has invested heavily in humanoid robotics, are among the notable customers purchasing cobot arms in 2026.

These strategies often overlap, with OEMs manufacturing some components internally while sourcing others externally based on cost, technical requirements, production scale and development priorities.

The Interact Analysis research predicts cobot shipments to humanoid manufacturers to surge from 5,000 units in 2025 to more than 43,000 units this year. Chinese suppliers account for most of this volume, reflecting both the concentration of humanoid production in China and local suppliers’ ability to customise quickly and compete on price.

The conventional cobot market is also growing, with global shipments forecast to increase 22.7% year over year in 2026. However, humanoid-driven demand is scaling much faster. Based on announced orders from key cobot suppliers, Interact Analysis estimates that humanoid applications will account for 37% of total cobot shipments in 2026.

Further, it forecasts externally sourced arms to capture a growing share of humanoid production as more cobot vendors introduce dedicated products across a wider range of specifications and price points. By 2030, cobot vendors’ shipments of humanoid robot arms are expected to reach 124,000 units, approaching the units of cobots set to be shipped to other sectors combined. Humanoid robotics is therefore emerging as a significant new growth market for cobot suppliers.

Key suppliers are emerging rapidly in the humanoid arm segment:

Tianji (Gento Robotics) reported shipments of more than 2,000 humanoid robot arms in 2025 and 10,000 units on order as of Q1 2026. This represents a significant shift from its previously limited presence in the industrial and collaborative robot markets, suggesting that humanoid arms have become a key growth engine for the company.

Rokae, Fairino and Huayan Robotics are well-known robot suppliers for manufacturing applications and are rapidly expanding into the humanoid arm segment. Rokae’s shipments have grown rapidly since launching dedicated products and collaborating with AgiBot in 2025. Fairino, known for its aggressive pricing, is actively introducing new models for humanoid applications in 2026, while Huayan, formerly Han’s Robot and a partner of Neura Robotics, is likewise expanding its portfolio for the segment.

New requirements for cobot arms

Dedicated humanoid arms typically differ from conventional six-axis cobots in several ways.

A seven-axis design provides greater flexibility, and a cross-coupled wrist shortens the distance between the mounting flange and wrist centre, enabling operation in confined spaces without repositioning the entire arm.

Force control is another critical requirement. Humanoid arms need to sense contact forces and adapt their movements in real time, with torque sensors commonly integrated into each joint.

Payload and weight are also key considerations. Most humanoid arms offer 3-10 kg payloads, with few reaching 15-20 kg. A high payload-to-weight ratio is critical, as arm weight directly affects the robot’s compactness and runtime.

Cobot arms sold for humanoid applications typically command higher prices than conventional cobots from the same suppliers, reflecting additional axes, advanced force-control capabilities, and customisation requirements.

While the current market for cobot arms supplied to humanoid makers is concentrated largely among Chinese suppliers and customers, geopolitical considerations and supply-chain diversification could encourage more humanoid startups in other regions to source arms from local or international vendors.

For robot arm and component manufacturers, this creates an opportunity to develop products specifically for humanoid robots and physical AI. The impact is already visible in China, where exposure to humanoids is helping some cobot suppliers secure large orders and revenue. As production scales, humanoid robots could create a new competitive tier within the broader cobot market.

The system leverages Comau’s MyCo collaborative robot with a ROS2-based software architecture and integrates intelligent sensors and an advanced modular gripper to autonomously manage picking, handling, and palletising tasks across variable product flows.

Comau’s role within the MASTERLY project reflects its use of advanced AI-backed automation to address evolving production challenges, including increasing variability, supply chain disruptions, and the need for rapid reconfiguration. Indeed, the intelligent warehousing and logistics solution, developed in collaboration with the project’s ecosystem of technology partners, underscores the importance of scalable and versatile automation designed to improve workplace ergonomics, reduce physical strain and enhance operational flexibility within human-centric production environments.

The project parameters were driven by Decathlon’s operational requirements within the targeted fulfilment process, which has provided the foundation for implementing and validating several advanced functionalities. Key partners included Decathlon itself and STAM, a Genoa-based systems integrator, alongside the broader MASTERLY consortium.

In addition to the MyCo collaborative robot and intelligent gripper, engineered to manipulate objects varying in shape, weight, and material, the solution incorporates advanced sensors, vision-based object recognition, digital twin capabilities, and workflow orchestration tools. As a result, it can easily manage the rigid, soft, and porous materials commonly found in e-commerce fulfilment environments.

The system also grants real-time optimization and seamless interaction between operators and the automated processes, ensuring high flexibility while maintaining consistent throughput and operational reliability.

Furthermore, the knowledge gained and functionalities validated during the project will contribute to the continued evolution of Comau’s MyCo collaborative robotics platform and are expected to become part of its broader portfolio of advanced intralogistics capabilities.

“Comau’s role in the MASTERLY project is fully aligned with our commitment to advancing next-generation manufacturing by promoting reconfigurability, efficiency, and human-centric automation,” explains Alessandro Piscioneri, Head of Product and Solution Management – Advanced Automation Solutions at Comau.

“The project also highlights the strategic value of combining intelligent robotics, digital technologies and systems integration to create highly flexible logistics and fulfillment operations capable of adapting to rapidly changing production and market demands while maintaining operational continuity, scalability and ease of use. Comau’s growing strategic focus on intralogistics includes strengthening our capabilities through acquisitions, including Automha and Invent, which enable us to deliver increasingly integrated and intelligent solutions across the entire warehouse and production value chain.”

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Advances in AI and 3D have accelerated the adoption of machine vision in the high-volume, fast-paced world of logistics. These organisations are leveraging solutions across use cases including conveyor belt blockage detection, parcel anomaly and defect inspection, space utilisation, label compliance and verification, and vision-guided robotic picking and sortation.

“Our manufacturing customers are solving their visual inspection challenges with 2D, 3D, and AI machine vision solutions by Zebra and its partners,” said Paul Eyre, Global Director, Machine Vision, Zebra Technologies. “Now we’re seeing a huge opportunity for logistics organisations to use AI and 3D to intelligently automate workflows and gain better asset and inventory visibility.”

At Zebra’s stand (Hall 8, B40), attendees will meet Zebra’s machine vision team (including Photoneo, now part of Zebra Technologies) and engage with a range of new demonstrations.

NS42 smart vision sensor with new AI features

Zebra will showcase the NS42 AI smart vision sensor with new deep learning classification and deep learning segmentation capabilities, alongside its current deep learning anomaly detection and deep learning optical character recognition (OCR) capabilities.

Engineered to meet the challenging needs of modern production and delivery processes, it comes with a neural processing unit (NPU) which is optimised to accelerate AI and machine learning algorithms, and the computational power and memory capacity to take on the most intensive AI tasks.

Date codes, lot codes, part numbers, and serial numbers running on a line are read using OCR with a pre-trained deep learning-based model. The NS42 can comfortably tackle the most challenging text-reading use cases including embossed characters, laser marks, poor contrast, and inconsistent print.

Its anomaly detection capabilities come with industrial-grade reliability, using heatmaps to show where an anomaly is and how bad it is, catching anomalies a rule-based check may miss. Automated image comparison flags deviations from reference samples, saving considerable time and resources on training and deployment.

CV70 machine vision camera

The new CV70 CXP machine vision camera is a high-performance solution for high-speed, high-resolution applications, available in single- or dual-link models with ultra-high bandwidth and low latency.

As the smallest dual-link CXP camera on the market, it operates via passive cooling while offering a broad operating temperature range in small enclosures, allowing for installations into tight spaces without sacrificing speed or resolution.

AI conveyor blockage detection

Zebra Iris GTX smart cameras have fast, high-resolution image sensing and can be positioned to monitor package movement and cover an entire conveyor area. Integrated with AI-powered Zebra Aurora software, this solution identifies true and false conveyor blockages as they happen.

When a genuine blockage is identified, the system instantly triggers an alert and provides image confirmation, enabling operators to prevent false alarms, minimise downtime, and maximise operational throughput.

Unveiling Aurora VGR Studio and industry insights

Zebra will unveil its newly branded Aurora Vision Guided Robotics (VGR) Studio to expand on its broader Aurora machine vision software portfolio. Stand demonstrations will show how Aurora VGR Suite’s powerful AI and 3D capabilities are engineered for warehouse and logistics operations.

Senior executives from Zebra will also deliver a presentation on “AI and 3D Machine Vision For The World’s Biggest Workforce – The Frontline” on Wednesday, 7 Oct., 14:00, Hall 8. The presentation will feature logistics industry research insights, current challenges, and new AI and 3D machine vision real-life customer use cases.

Providing up to 4N (0.9lb) of clamping force and 500µm of jaw travel with opening width up to 1.9mm, the new gripper securely holds small optical components during high-dynamic positioning and alignment processes.

As photonics manufacturing becomes increasingly automated, positioning an optical component is only part of the challenge. Fibres, lenses and other miniature components must also be picked up and held with sufficient rigidity to prevent unwanted motion during rapid scanning and alignment. At the same time, the gripping force must be controlled to avoid damaging delicate components.

The P-606.1P micro-gripper addresses these requirements with a monolithic flexure design, piezoelectric actuation, and an integrated piezoresistive force sensor. The combination provides fast response, high structural stiffness and controlled gripping force in a compact package suitable for integration with precision positioning and photonics alignment systems.

The gripper is particularly suited for active alignment processes where an optical component must remain mechanically stable while the positioning system performs rapid scanning or optimisation routines. High structural rigidity helps minimise relative motion between the gripper and component during acceleration, settling, and alignment.

With a clamping force of up to 4N, the P-606.1P can securely hold optical components and fixtures while its piezoelectric drive provides fast, precise jaw motion.

At the core of the P-606.1P is a monolithic flexure mechanism. Flexure guidance eliminates conventional bearings, providing friction-free motion without mechanical play.

Interchangeable jaws allow the gripping interface to be adapted to different component geometries and manufacturing processes. This modular approach makes the gripper suitable for integration into automated assembly equipment as well as photonics alignment systems.

The gripper provides 500 µm of typical jaw travel and supports opening widths from 0.5 to 1.9 mm, depending on the jaw configuration.

The case concerns the alleged infringement of patents – both software and hardware – held by Teradyne Robotic and related to its business unit Universal Robots, the world’s leading producer of collaborative industrial robots. The alleged infringement involves a broad range of collaborative robot models marketed by JAKA in the EU.

Jean-Pierre Hathout, President of the Teradyne Robotics Group, said: “This case is another clear demonstration that Teradyne Robotics will enforce its patents and intellectual property (IP) rights against what we consider to be illegal and unfair copying and infringement, across both hardware and software.

“We cannot and will not accept companies that unlawfully copy protected technologies, and we are resolute in safeguarding our IP so customers can continue to have innovative automation solutions that meet the highest standards for safety and compliance.”

Second IP infringement case in Europe this year

The patent infringement case at the UPC is Teradyne Robotics’ second IP infringement case in Europe in 2026, following a legal action filed earlier this year in Germany against the subsidiary of another robot company for copyright infringement of Universal Robots’ software.

A ruling in the ongoing patent infringement case could have effect across Europe within 17 of the current 18 EU Member States participating in the Unified Patent Court (UPC). In addition, certain countries outside the Unified Patent Court Agreement, such as the United Kingdom and Spain, are also included in the case.

Teradyne Robotics is headquartered in Odense, Denmark, and as acts of patent infringement appear to have been committed in Denmark – as well as numerous other EU Member States – the case has been filed with the UPC’s Local Division in Copenhagen.

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The CTU supports the flexible deployment of cobots in changing production environments without the need for time-consuming retooling. Cobots can reach various working positions along this path. This allows larger areas to be covered, for example along machine lines or between machining stations. Depending on the configuration, the operating radius can be up to 10 metres. Thanks to modular mounting options, the system is compatible with many standard cobots available on the market.

Autonomous collision detection

The Movotrak CTU is the only 7th axis available on the market to be equipped with collision detection, which detects collisions whilst the vehicle is in motion and automatically halts its movement as a result. This facilitates operation in environments with increased human-machine interaction. The function complements the safety architecture but does not replace safety functions required by standards.

The combination of a movable axis and safety functions for collaborative use enables:

• Use of a cobot at multiple stations
• Reduced changeover times
• More easily adaptable layout of machines and workstations
• Higher system utilisation

The flexible mounting options (horizontal, ceiling or wall mounting) allow for a variety of system configurations. In addition, the CTU features a Freedrive function, which enables the robot to be guided manually and positions to be saved directly.

Robust design, versatile applications

The Movotrak CTU is based on two linear units that ensure maximum torque capacity and rigidity even when the robot arm is fully extended. Based on these linear units, Rodriguez supplies a complete system including motor, gearbox, switch cabinet and application-specific design.

Typical areas of application include inspection and testing of large components (quality assurance), machine tending, material handling (order picking, palletising, packaging), and large-area welding, soldering, grinding and dispensing.

Designed for demanding industrial environments, yet measuring just 80x80x95mm, it delivers reliable safety performance across a wide range of applications, including material handling, conveyor systems, robotics and system integration.

Hokuyo Automatic is a leading Japanese manufacturer of high-precision industrial sensors, safety laser scanners, and LiDAR technology. Since its founding in 1946, the company has built a global reputation for delivering reliable, innovative sensing solutions that power automation across a wide range of industries.

Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, Hokuyo develops advanced optical sensing technologies designed to improve safety, efficiency, and precision in modern industrial environments. Its products are trusted by OEMs, system integrators, and machine builders worldwide.