WPI-Noah Joint R&D Center Launches, Pioneering a New Era in Hospital Logistics Robotics

Recently, VCBeat (WeChat official account: vcbeat) learned that the inauguration ceremony for the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)-Noah Hospital Logistics Robot Joint R&D Laboratory was held at WPI in Worcester, USA. Dr. Laurie Leshin, President of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, held talks with Jiang Huabing, Chairman of Mumu Robotics, and signed a cooperation agreement. As agreed by both parties, the WPI-Noah Joint R&D Laboratory will serve as WPI’s exclusive Chinese collaborative project in this field. Dr. Bruce E. Bursten, Provost and Senior Vice President of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Dr. Jing Xiao, Chair of the Robotics Engineering Department, attended the meeting.

Both Parties Sign Agreement on WPI-Noah Joint Research Laboratory Center

During the meeting, Dr. Laisen and Jiang Huabing exchanged views on the research, development, and application of hospital logistics robots and surgical robots in China and the United States. They expressed their commitment to leveraging their respective strengths to collaborate in areas such as robotic navigation and motion planning, robot dynamics, industry research and cooperation, and joint talent cultivation. Together, they aim to advance the research and development of core robotic technologies and usher in a new era for hospital logistics robots.

Dr. Laisen Holds Friendly Talks with Jiang Huabing

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), founded in 1865, is one of the oldest technological universities in the United States. Its Department of Robotics Engineering was the world’s first academic department established specifically for the robotics industry, integrating multidisciplinary content relevant to robotics, including computer science (artificial intelligence algorithms), mechanical engineering, electronic circuits, and structural design. During the exchange, Dr. Leisen shared her experience overseeing the development of the “Curiosity” Mars rover while working at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Dr. Laisen introduces the Curiosity Mars rover he was responsible for during his time at NASA

As a full member unit responsible for China’s national artificial intelligence standards, Mumu Robotics has developed the Noah Hospital Logistics Robot, which currently holds over 240 core intellectual property rights. The system has garnered widespread recognition for its technological innovations in logistics distribution across multiple hospital scenarios—such as Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Services (PIVAS) and surgical centers—end-to-end closed-loop management of pharmaceuticals and consumables, and adaptation to the architectural layouts and pedestrian flow characteristics of Chinese hospitals. The Noah Hospital Logistics Robot has been deployed in numerous hospitals across mainland China and Taiwan, with each unit averaging over 220 kilometers of operational mileage per month, thereby handling a substantial volume of medical supply deliveries.

Noah Hospital’s Logistics Robots Are Widely Popular in Hospitals