Kawasaki Signs MOU with Gemelli University Hospital in Italy to Explore Development of Next-Generation Healthcare Solutions

Tokyo, September 14, 2026 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS (Gemelli University Hospital), one of Europe's largest healthcare institutions located in Rome, Italy.
The MOU establishes a framework for exploring collaboration in the development of next-generation healthcare solutions utilizing medical robotics and digital transformation technologies, in cooperation with Kawasaki's R&D innovation center in Strasbourg, France, Kawasaki Innovation Centre Europe SAS (KIC-EU). The planned collaboration with Gemelli University Hospital represents the first partnership between KIC-EU and a European healthcare institution.

The MOU reflects the parties' shared commitment to advancing innovation in healthcare, enhancing medical excellence, and addressing societal challenges through technological advancement. Under this framework, Kawasaki and Gemelli University Hospital will explore opportunities for collaboration, including the joint development of next-generation healthcare solutions and other initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery. The parties will also examine the possibility of establishing a permanent joint development hub within the hospital to support development activities, proof-of-concept projects, and related validation initiatives.

Under Kawasaki’s healthcare business vision, "Co-Creating the Future of Healthcare," the company commenced operations of KIC-EU in March 2026 to facilitate the creation of new solutions and optimal designs for healthcare and nursing care settings. Through this innovation hub, Kawasaki aims to contribute to the advancement of global healthcare by bringing together diverse individuals, companies, and organizations to collaborate, test ideas, and generate new value.

KIC-EU is currently promoting solution development tailored to local needs through co-creation with healthcare professionals, care providers, companies with advanced technologies, and research institutions across Europe. As an initial step, Kawasaki seeks to create and deliver integrated "one-stop solutions" that combine products and technologies from the Kawasaki Group, including the hinotori™* surgical robotic system, Nyokkey semi-humanoid robot, FORRO indoor delivery robot, and “mapxus Driven by Kawasaki” indoor and outdoor positioning solution, together with AI and remote technologies. Through these efforts, Kawasaki aims to address challenges such as improving operational efficiency in hospital management.
In exploring collaboration with Gemelli University Hospital, Kawasaki will also advance efforts toward realizing “one-stop solutions” that leverage the Kawasaki Group’s products and technologies.

By working closely with healthcare professionals in real-world clinical settings, Kawasaki will continue an ongoing cycle of development, deployment and validation in the field, improvement, and further development. Through this approach, the Company seeks to create value that is truly needed in healthcare environments and accelerate its practical implementation in society.

* “hinotori™” is a trademark of Medicaroid Corporation.

About Gemelli University Hospital:
Located in Rome, Italy, Gemelli University Hospital is one of Europe's largest university hospitals in terms of bed capacity and serves as an integrated center for healthcare, education, and research. In addition to providing advanced medical services, the hospital actively promotes scientific research and innovation in the healthcare sector.

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Kawasaki Establishes "Kawasaki Innovation Centre Europe SAS," Its First Overseas R&D Innovation Center (February 26, 2026)
https://global.kawasaki.com/en/corp/newsroom/news/detail/?f=20260226_7797