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 expertise partnership. The settlement covers the distribution and additional improvement of the KEVIN® laboratory robotic, which will likely be manufactured and distributed by URG sooner or later. With this strategic step, URG is increasing its presence in the life science sector.As well as, each companions profit from worthwhile 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 Division of Laboratory Automation and Bioproduction Know-how at Fraunhofer IPA and delivered to prototype stage with first check clients worldwide. Below the umbrella of URG, KEVIN® will now go into sequence manufacturing. For this function, the corporate is buying a corresponding licence for the use and additional improvement of the robotic’s {hardware} and software program.
We’re 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 permits us to successfully handle societal challenges such because the scarcity of expert labour and demographic change,“ explains Thomas Linkenheil, Co-CEO of URG.
Cellular laboratory robotKEVIN® is an autonomous, cellular laboratory robotic. It automates processes and might beflexibly and intuitively built-in into laboratory infrastructures. The robotic takes overrepetitive routine duties. For instance, it transports microtitre plates and racks in SBS format, reminiscent of samples or consumables for refilling. It may additionally provide programs with pipette ideas.Utilizing KEVIN® across the clock will increase effectivity within the laboratory. Given the scarcity of expert employees, it’s notably necessary to cut back the workload of workers, permitting them to give attention to value-added actions.
„With the brand new settlement, we have now added a decisive enhance to the additional improvement and commersialisation of KEVIN®. Automation performs an necessary function within the life science sector. It permits laboratories to reply flexibly to totally different necessities. This makes it all of the extra necessary to collectively develop appropriate options for this sector,“ says Thomas Bauernhansl, Director of the Fraunhofer IPA.
Improve in personnel for URGIn the course of the technological partnership between Fraunhofer IPA and URG and the switch of the licensing rights to KEVIN®, there may even be personnel modifications. Sarah Ostertag and Tobias Brode will be a part of the United Robotics Group. Sooner or later, Sarah Ostertag will work as UX & Industrial Design Lead + Product Administration and Tobias Brode as Head of Enterprise Growth Lab Automation at URG. Each will accompany KEVIN® from the preliminary concept to the market-ready sequence product and thus strengthen firm’s experience in the long run.