Fraunhofer IPA transfers the usage rights of the laboratory robot KEVIN® United Robotics Group

(V. l. n. r.:) Andreas Traube, Head of the Laboratory Automation and Bioproduction Technology Department at Fraunhofer IPA, Prof. Thomas Bauernhansl, Director of Fraunhofer IPA, Thomas Linkenheil, Co-CEO of URG, Sarah Ostertag, UX & Industrial Design Lead and Product Management at URG, and Tobias Brode, Head of Business Development Lab Automation at URG. © Fraunhofer IPA/Photo: Rainer Bez

The United Robotics Group (URG) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation IPA have signed a licensing agreement as part of their newly established technological partnership. The agreement covers the distribution and further development of the laboratory robot KEVIN®, which is produced and marketed by URG.

KEVIN® is an autonomous, mobile laboratory robot from Fraunhofer IPA. It can be integrated flexibly and intuitively into laboratory infrastructures and automates processes. The robot takes over repetitive routine tasks. For example, it transports microtiter plates and so-called racks, carriers for test tubes, or consumables for refilling. Additionally, it can supply systems with pipette tips.

The laboratory robot KEVIN® was developed by the team from the Department of Laboratory Automation and Bioproduction Technology under Andreas Traube and brought to prototype readiness with initial test customers worldwide. Under the umbrella of URG, KEVIN® is now set to go into series production. To this end, the company has acquired a license for the use and further development of the robot’s hardware and software. "We are pleased that through our robotics solutions, we can create new, promising perspectives for laboratory automation as part of this collaboration. This strengthens our presence in the life sciences sector – and allows us to effectively address societal challenges such as skilled labor shortages and demographic change," explains Thomas Linkenheil, Co-CEO of URG.

With KEVIN® operating around the clock, laboratory efficiency increases. Given the skilled labor shortage, relieving staff is particularly important, as it allows them to focus on highly value-adding activities.

“With the new agreement, we have given a significant boost to the further development and marketing of KEVIN®. Automation plays a central role in the life sciences sector. Laboratories can respond flexibly to different needs as a result. It is all the more important to develop suitable solutions for this sector together,” comments Thomas Bauernhansl, Director of the Fraunhofer IPA.

Personnel Change from Fraunhofer IPA to URG

As part of the technological partnership between Fraunhofer IPA and URG, and the transfer of licensing rights for KEVIN®, there have also been personnel changes. The two IPA scientists Sarah Ostertag and Tobias Brode have moved to United Robotics Group. Both have been involved with KEVIN® from the initial idea to the market-ready series product. At URG, Sarah Ostertag works as UX & Industrial Design Lead + Product Management, and Tobias Brode as Head of Business Development Lab Automation.