5 October 2026
Pharmaceutical R&D laboratories still rely heavily on skilled scientists to perform complex tasks that remain difficult to automate. While conventional automation delivers efficiency for standardized processes, many laboratory activities require the flexibility, adaptability, dexterity, and decision-making capabilities needed in a dynamic research environment.
Recent advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and learning-based control are opening new possibilities. Humanoid robots are particularly promising because they could operate directly within laboratories designed for humans, interacting with existing equipment, digital interfaces, tools, consumables, and workflows without requiring extensive infrastructure changes.
To explore the potential of humanoid robots in pharmaceutical research laboratories, we invite start-ups, scale-ups, academic spin-offs, research institutes, and technology companies to submit proposals addressing the following question:
How would you propose to automate complex tasks in human-centric pharmaceutical R&D wet labs, based on the latest generation of humanoid robots?
We are particularly interested in proposals that combine existing physical humanoid platforms with advanced sensing, AI-driven reasoning, and adaptive control to perform complex, multi-step workflows in existing wet-lab environments. Preference will be given to proposals supported by proof-of-concept data, laboratory demonstrations, simulation studies, or other evidence demonstrating the technical feasibility of an existing physical humanoid platform. The focus is on humanoid robots that can work with equipment, tools, consumables, and interfaces originally designed for human scientists, rather than conventional fixed automation or solutions requiring major laboratory redesign.
Selected partners will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts from Boehringer Ingelheim and will be eligible for tailored funding and collaboration packages designed to advance promising technologies toward laboratory-relevant proof-of-concept studies.
Submit your non-confidential proposal by November 19, 2026, 11:59 pm PST.
No registration required for download
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About our techMATCH call:
Through this techMATCH call, Boehringer Ingelheim is seeking partners to adapt and evaluate existing humanoid robotics platforms for pharmaceutical wet-lab applications. Selected partners will be eligible for tailored funding and the opportunity to collaborate with Boehringer Ingelheim's Discovery Science Technologies and Global Facility & Engineering organizations. Submit your proposal by November 19, 2026, and help shape the future of flexible laboratory automation.
About opnMe:
opnMe.com, the open innovation portal of Boehringer Ingelheim, fosters science and collaboration initiatives in areas of high unmet medical need. As part of our “Molecules to Order” pillar, we share well-characterized tool compounds free of charge with no IP strings attached. With our “opn2EXPERTS” and “techMATCH” calls, we enlist scientific advice on key biologic and technological issues to fuel further drug discovery and deliver novel solutions that benefit unmet patient needs.