Fresenius Kabi has learned an important lesson: if you're going to develop your own robot, never talk about your secret plans in public.
Health Robotics issued a stern warning to companies in its support channel who think about evolving into competitors by banishing Fresenius Kabi IV consumables from its robot supply chain.
"Acting on self-interest to stop sales support of Fresenius Kabi's' IV consumables, we send a clear message that we will continue to react in a similar manner if other companies that need IV consumables compatibility with our robots attempt to directly compete with Health Robotics and take advantage of our research and development efforts," said Gaspar DeViedma, a Health Robotics executive VP and board member.
According to a statement, DeViedma "personally witnessed" the disappointment that two Fresenius Kabi executives expressed about a $5-million robot investment that didn't pan out. The executives also voiced their frustration that the Therapeutic Goods Association had continually denied approval for its RIVA unit over the last four years.
RIVA is a Robotic Intravenous Automation unit that automates the preparation of IV admixtures. Specifically, Fresenius Kabi hoped that the robot would prepare about 50,000 oncology solutions per year.
Health Robotics did support Fresenius Kabi's IV bags, syringes and other consumables as part of its partner channel. But since Fresenius is trying to enter the robotics market, DeViedma states that Fresenius Kabi products have been replaced by Hospira's LifeCare.
"Health Robotics supports 13 different brands of IV Bags, compared to most IV Robots supporting just one brand of IV Bags, or at most two brands," DeViedma explained.
"We don't charge the IV consumables companies to develop support for their products' use with our Robots, and consequently we reserve the right to withdraw support at any time."
DeViedma also interjected that Fresenius Kabi products attracted "limited customer demand." However, the message was clear: Don't bite the robotic hand that feeds you.
Edited by
Braden Becker
