Tata Elxsi, DENSO, and AAtek open robotics and automation innovation lab in Frankfurt

Indian technology services firm Tata Elxsi, on Wednesday, partnered with DENSO Robotics Europe and Tamil Nadu-based startup AAtek, to inaugurate a Robotics and Automation Innovation Lab at its Frankfurt office. The facility aims to drive the future of robotics automation across sectors such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, life sciences and food science.

The lab is designed to function as a hub for research and development, catering to both proof-of-concept (POC) projects and full-scale development. It focuses on modular automation, rapid product development, and streamlined maintenance solutions to meet the growing global demand for automation. Among its highlights are live demonstrations of precision-driven robotic applications for cell and tissue culture, diagnostics, and sterile environments.

Specialising in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven analytics and personalised medicine, the lab will also support advancements in automated handling of cell cultures, liquid handling and dispensing, hospital lab automation, drug discovery, and diagnostics. It will offer services like product design, application and platform engineering, and regulatory compliance support, addressing the unique challenges of the healthcare industry.

The lab also welcomes researchers, students, and startups, fostering innovation within the Hessen region and beyond. It serves as a collaborative space where experts and young talent can co-create, test, and deploy advanced robotic solutions.

Key executives from the partnering organisations participated in the launch event. Manjunath Kulkarni, Vice President at Tata Elxsi, emphasized the collaboration's potential to unite Japanese innovation, German precision, and Tata Elxsi’s expertise in med-tech and automation. Arun Damodaran, Founder and CEO of AAtek, highlighted the partnership's comprehensive approach to delivering advanced industry solutions in healthcare and life sciences. Dirk Schöffler, Head of DENSO Robotics Europe, underscored the lab’s role in crafting enhanced robotic solutions that meet modern market demands.

The facility is part of a broader plan to expand globally, with additional labs envisioned for the United States and India. This initiative aims to position the lab as a cornerstone in the rapidly evolving field of healthcare automation, enabling businesses to navigate complex challenges effectively.

This development follows the recent inauguration of the Suzuki-Tata Elxsi Offshore Development Center in Pune, which focuses on advancing Suzuki’s goals for sustainable mobility. These projects underline Tata Elxsi's growing role in driving innovation across diverse industries.