United Robotics Group and KERN enter strategic technology partnership

Stuhr/Gladbeck, 5 May 2026 – United Robotics Group and KERN Katholische Einrichtungen Ruhrgebiet Nord GmbH have entered into a strategic technology partnership. The aim is to systematically identify, develop and scale robotic and AI-supported solutions for hospitals and laboratories.

The partnership builds on a successful deployment at St. Barbara-Hospital in Gladbeck, where the mobile laboratory robot uLab Mobile supports the laboratory team with routine tasks across shifts.

“We want to anchor technological innovation structurally and long-term in clinical everyday life – not selectively.”
Bernd Siegmund, Member of the Management Board, KERN GmbH

“Robotics must not be an end in itself. It has to improve processes – and at the same time create space for human care.”
Wassim Saeidi, CEO, United Robotics Group

“In healthcare in particular, the point is to relieve skilled professionals of repetitive tasks.”
Kerstin Wagner, Co-CEO, United Robotics Group

The collaboration covers laboratory automation, intralogistics, material transport, nursing support and clinical service processes. An Operational Board and a Steering Committee assess new use cases and ensure compliance with German and European data protection standards.

KERN employs around 7,500 people at more than 60 locations in the northern Ruhr region.