ZURICH, Switzerland, July 9, 2026 – ABB Robotics and Roche Diagnostics are developing robotic solutions for clinical laboratories, starting with pathology slide handling and sample movement between instruments in diagnostics labs.
“The collaboration is a major milestone in accelerating lab automation, introducing more autonomous and versatile robotics (AVR) into clinical laboratories at scale,” said Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics. “With Roche, we will be able to bring the latest physical AI to labs all around the world, addressing major challenges that are hindering labs from providing the best outcomes for patients.”
The collaboration with Roche will cover automation for sample preparation and intra-logistics. The solutions are intended to move samples, materials and slides between work areas and instruments.
In Roche’s pathology business segment, ABB Robotics will develop solutions for slide handling and organization, helping laboratories move toward digital, connected workflows.
In central diagnostics labs, ABB Robotics will use autonomous mobile manipulators to move samples and materials between instruments. The systems are designed to handle repetitive movement tasks and add consistency to lab processing.
“Partnering with ABB Robotics allows us to bring a new level of robotic automation to laboratories of all sizes – it’s about vital flexibility and consistency in clinical diagnostics,” says Marc Boehm, lifecycle leader for core lab at Roche Diagnostics. “By automating repetitive tasks, we empower laboratory staff to focus on complex analysis, which directly accelerates the journey from diagnosis to critical treatment decisions for patients.”
ABB Robotics will develop industrial-grade lab systems using its automation experience, manufacturing network and robotics portfolio, with orchestration through ABB Robotics software. Roche will provide diagnostic expertise for clinical laboratory settings.
Source: ABB Robotics
About ABB Robotics
ABB Robotics is a business unit of ABB Ltd. that develops industrial and collaborative robots for automation. It produces robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots, controllers, and software for manufacturing and logistics operations. The division supplies systems for assembly, welding, material handling, inspection, and packaging tasks. It serves automotive, electronics, logistics, food and beverage, and general manufacturing industries. ABB Robotics traces its origins to ABB’s formation in 1988. ABB Robotics has deployed more than 500,000 robotic systems worldwide. Customers include manufacturers, system integrators, and logistics operators. ABB employs about 110,000 people globally across all business units.
About Roche
Roche is a Swiss health care company founded in 1896 and based in Basel, Switzerland. The company operates pharmaceutical and diagnostics businesses. It develops medicines, diagnostic tests, laboratory systems, digital health tools and sequencing technologies. Its focus areas include oncology, neurology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, respiratory disease, women’s health and cardiometabolic disease. Roche serves patients, physicians, hospitals, laboratories, researchers, health systems and public health organizations. Its customers work in health care, life sciences, clinical diagnostics, research and pharmaceutical markets. The company operates in more than 100 countries. Genentech is a wholly owned U.S. member of the Roche Group, and Roche holds a majority stake in Chugai Pharmaceutical in Japan. Roche employs more than 100,000 people worldwide.