For security, never use a USB drive or files from untrusted sources. If in doubt, contact your IT department or Beacon Support.
The Universal Robots (UR) Operating System, also known as "PolyScope" or "URSoftware", runs on the robot controller, operating the robot and allowing user interaction.
In 2025, Universal Robot's introduced PolyScope X, a new major version to their operating system as a successor to PolyScope 5. PolyScope X requires new controller hardware. This article is specific to PolyScope 5. For PolyScope X, see our other article.
In this article, you'll learn:
Terminology
Before we start, let's review some terminology and icons used in this article.
Term | Definition |
PolyScope | The Universal Robot's operating system. |
URSoftware | Synonym for PolyScope. |
URCap | A plugin that extends the functionality of PolyScope. |
Hamburger Menu |
|
Automatic Mode |
|
Manual Mode |
|
Icon on teach pendant to tap to open the menu.
Icon on teach pendant that indicates the robot is in Automatic Mode and can only perform certain functions.
Icon on teach pendant that indicates the robot is in Manual Mode and gives the human operator more control.
When to Update PolyScope 5
Universal Robots periodically announces updates for PolyScope. Once Hirebotics has tested and approved an update, you'll receive a notification to update your robot. Updating PolyScope enables you to access the newest features, resolve known issues or bugs, and enhance system security and connectivity.
For software compatibility reasons, we recommend only installing specific PolyScope 5 versions. See the PolyScope 5 Version Support Matrix for more details. If in doubt, please contact Beacon Support.
PolyScope 5 Version Support Matrix
The following table lists which PolyScope 5 versions are supported by which Beacon URCap versions. For software compatibility reasons, only install the supported Beacon URCap version that matches your robot's PolyScope 5 version.
PolyScope 5 | Beacon URCap |
5.10.0 - 5.22.2 |
Identify the Robot's Current PolyScope 5 Version
On the teach pendant at the top-right, tap
to open the menu.
Tap About.
Note the Version number then tap Close to dismiss the window.
The PolyScope version is displayed in the format "URSoftware a.b.c.d (month day year)" where a.b.c.d represent the major, minor, patch, and build version numbers, respectively. PolyScope versions are commonly referred to by their "major.minor" or "major.minor.patch" version numbers, like "PolyScope 5.16" or "PolyScope 5.16.0".
For example, in the PolyScope version "URSoftware 5.16.0.127960 (Apr 10 2024)", the major version is 5, the minor version is 16, the patch version is 0, and the build version is 127960.
Download PolyScope 5 Updates
From a computer, go to UR's Legacy Download Center.
Scroll to the "Robot Software Update Legacy (PolyScope Update)" section.
Download the latest PolyScope version.
Perform Install a PolyScope 5 Update.
Important
Review the PolyScope 5 Version Support Matrix to ensure you download a supported version.
Important
Downgrading PolyScope is not supported. Do not install an older PolyScope version on a robot running a newer PolyScope version. Doing so can cause robots not to function properly.
Install a PolyScope 5 Update
Now that you have a supported PolyScope 5 update downloaded, let's install it onto your robot.
Important
Review the PolyScope 5 Version Support Matrix to ensure you download a supported version.
Important
Downgrading PolyScope is not supported. Do not install an older PolyScope version on a robot running a newer PolyScope version. Doing so can cause robots not to function properly.
From a computer, save a PolyScope version to a USB drive.
Insert your USB drive into the port at the top of the teach pendant.
On the teach pendant, if required, switch from
Automatic mode to 
Manual mode and enter the password.
On the teach pendant at the top-right, tap
to open the menu.
Tap Settings.
Tap System to expand a sub-menu, tap Update, then tap Search.
From the list of available PolyScope updates:
Tap the PolyScope update that you want to install.
Tap the Update button at the bottom-right of the screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install the update.
The teach pendant screen may turn black and print various text messages as the update process begins. The robot will auto-reboot multiple times. You may hear the robot arm's brakes lock and release.
Once the robot reboots to the normal screen, initialize the robot arm to complete the update.