Bochum, October 16, 2023 – United Robotics Group (URG) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) have signed a licensing settlement as a part of their newly concluded know-how partnership. The settlement covers the distribution and additional growth of the KEVIN® laboratory robotic, which might be manufactured and distributed by URG sooner or later. With this strategic step, URG is increasing its presence in the life science sector.
In addition, each companions profit from helpful synergies for the future-oriented automation of laboratories – the analysis and innovation experience of Fraunhofer IPA optimally enhances the robotics experience of URG. The laboratory robotic KEVIN® was developed by the Department of Laboratory Automation and Bioproduction Technology at Fraunhofer IPA and dropped at prototype stage with first take a look at prospects worldwide. Under the umbrella of URG, KEVIN® will now go into collection manufacturing. For this objective, the corporate is buying a corresponding licence for the use and additional growth of the robotic’s {hardware} and software program.
SOURCE: FRAUNHOFER IPA/PHOTO: RAINER BEZ
We are happy to have the ability to create new, promising views for laboratory automation with our robotics options as a part of the collaboration. This strengthens our presence within the life science sector – and allows us to successfully tackle societal challenges such because the scarcity of expert labour and demographic change,“ explains Thomas Linkenheil, Co-CEO of URG.
Mobile laboratory robotic
KEVIN® is an autonomous, cellular laboratory robotic. It automates processes and may be
flexibly and intuitively built-in into laboratory infrastructures. The robotic takes over
repetitive routine duties. For instance, it transports microtitre plates and racks in SBS format, reminiscent of samples or consumables for refilling. It also can provide programs with pipette ideas.
Using KEVIN® across the clock will increase effectivity within the laboratory. Given the scarcity of expert staff, it’s notably essential to cut back the workload of employees, permitting them to concentrate on value-added actions.
„With the brand new settlement, we have now added a decisive increase to the additional growth and commersialisation of KEVIN®. Automation performs an essential function within the life science sector. It allows laboratories to reply flexibly to totally different necessities. This makes it all of the extra essential to collectively develop appropriate options for this sector,“ says Thomas Bauernhansl, Director of the Fraunhofer IPA.
Increase in personnel for URG
In the course of the technological partnership between Fraunhofer IPA and URG and the switch of the licensing rights to KEVIN®, there will even be personnel modifications. Sarah Ostertag and Tobias Brode will be part of the United Robotics Group. In the longer term, Sarah Ostertag will work as UX & Industrial Design Lead + Product Management and Tobias Brode as Head of Business Development Lab Automation at URG. Both will accompany KEVIN® from the preliminary concept to the market-ready collection product and thus strengthen firm’s experience in the long run.