LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG celebrates its 70th birthday this year and will be present at analytica 2026 as a world market leader for precise temperature control solutions. Under the trade fair motto "LAUDA – The Home of Innovation. Since 1956", the family-owned company will be presenting its modern stand concept in Munich from March 24 to 27 with three central themes: the new LAUDA Universa modular product line, comprehensive digitalization solutions for the laboratory of the future and new service offers for maximum availability and operational safety.

Universa in the limelight – modular, sustainable, digital and high-performance

The LAUDA Universa product line, a completely newly developed generation of innovative bath and circulation thermostats, will take center stage at our stand. The pioneering devices combine advanced technology with environmentally friendly refrigeration technology and offer highly flexible solutions for a large number of important applications.

LAUDA will be presenting all three performance classes of the Universa product line for the first time at analytica. First up is the Universa ECO U 8 E as a cost-efficient entry-level device with an 8 l bath. Universa PRO is available both as an immersion thermostat and as the U 420 P with a 4 l bath for a variety of standard applications. Universa MAX U 845 M with an 8 l bath as well as Universa MAX U 2040 m with a calibration rack and a 20 l bath can be seen in action. These devices are designed for demanding applications.

The product line is based on four central pillars: customizability, performance, connectivity and sustainability. Its modular structure allows baths, control heads and cooling units to be flexibly combined and also upgraded at a later date. With a temperature range of -90 to 300°C, a temperature stability of up to ±0.01 K, heating outputs of up to 3.6 kW and cooling outputs of up to 1.6 kW, the Universa thermostats are suitable for numerous applications in research, science and industry.

"The LAUDA Universa product line upholds the proud tradition of the first universal thermostat in the world, which my grandfather and company founder Dr. Rudolf Wobser developed in 1949," says Dr. Gunther Wobser, President & CEO of LAUDA. "The new Universa generation enables us to revive this innovation and once again define the temperature control of the future."

Digitalization written large – from the Command app to AI readiness

Digitalization is an integral part of the product development and corporate strategy at LAUDA. Visitors can experience the company’s comprehensive digital solutions live at the digitalization area on the LAUDA stand.

All Universa thermostats are equipped with USB, Ethernet and even WiFi interfaces as standard and can be effortlessly integrated in existing lab systems. The LAUDA Command app allows devices to be controlled remotely via smartphone, tablet or PC. Temperature profiles can be analyzed, programs managed and device settings easily customized – irrespective of the location.

The Universa PRO and MAX variants can also be expanded with up to 11 different interface modules – from analog through to EtherCAT or OPC/UA. Remote maintenance, monitoring and data acquisition are possible by connecting to the LAUDA.LIVE Services IOT cloud solution, providing increased operational safety. The future-proof architecture prepares the devices for AI-supported optimizations, which LAUDA is already researching and developing in partnership with universities.

Digital Transformation special show – automated temperature processes with cobot integration

LAUDA is also participating in the Digital Transformation special show in Hall B2, Stand 331. A combination of LAUDA Universa bath thermostats, amensio Sens-o-Spheres and the UR5e Cobot robot arm will be presented there. This intelligent laboratory automation enables direct core temperature measurement in the sample and the automated further processing initiated thereby. A fully integrated workflow with reproducible results and minimal personnel requirements is created via the interaction of intelligent sensors, high-precision temperature control and automated handling. Comfortable digital operation is provided via the LAUDA Command Professional app with real-time monitoring via LAUDA.LIVE.

Service redesigned – chat and voice AI ensures 24/7 accessibility

LAUDA has extended its service portfolio by offering innovative solutions which further increase the availability and operational safety for customers. With an AI-supported chat and voice assistant, the company is presenting a solution that ensures service accessibility, even outside normal business hours. The assistant has been trained on the LAUDA Universa, Integral, Variocool and PRO product lines and can answer questions about handling, troubleshooting and technical data. 

Highlights from the LAUDA portfolio – completely with natural refrigerants for the first time

Apart from the three main themes, LAUDA will be presenting additional innovations and proven solutions. The LAUDA Mobifreeze, the first mobile, battery-powered ultra low temperature chest freezer in the world, deserves particular attention. The actively cooled freezer permits mains-independent operation for up to 4 hrs and down to -86 °C and revolutionizes the cold chain logistics for temperature-sensitive substances – entirely without dry ice or Phase Change Materials (PCMs).

Devices from the Puridest, Hydro, PRO and LOOP lines from LAUDA‘s extensive portfolio will also be on display. For the first time, all the Alpha, Microcool, Integral and Variocool devices on display have been converted to natural refrigerant, meaning that all the thermostats are equipped to meet current and future sustainability requirements.

"In our 70th year, we can look back with pride on a successful history and are actively shaping the future of temperature control technology," says Dr. Gunther Wobser. "The Universa devices, digital solutions and extended service offers presented at analytica demonstrate how innovation, sustainability and customer focus interact – true to our motto: Improving the world together with precise temperatures."

LAUDA will be presenting its innovations in Hall B1, Stand 504 at analytica 2026 in Munich from March 24 to 27. The company is also participating in the Digital Transformation special show in Hall B2, Stand 331.

Fig. 1: LAUDA_Universa_analytica.jpg
The new LAUDA Universa product line combines modular design, high performance, comprehensive connectivity and sustainability – for the laboratory of the future. © LAUDA

Fig. 2: LAUDA_Digitalisierung_analytica.jpg
Digital transformation at LAUDA: from the Command app and LAUDA.LIVE to cobot integration – precise temperature control meets intelligent automation. © LAUDA

Fig. 3: LAUDA_Mobifreeze.jpg
LAUDA Mobifreeze revolutionizes the cold chain logistics with mobile, battery-powered ultra low temperature cooling down to -86 °C. © LAUDA

LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG celebrated Elmar Mohr's 40th work anniversary with the company at a special ceremony. In the presence of the management team, the executive board, and several honored guests, the long-serving chairman of the works council was recognized for his exceptional commitment and loyalty to the family-owned company.

Elmar Mohr began his career at LAUDA on January 27, 1986, in the refrigeration department. Just one year later, the trained toolmaker moved to the toolmaking and prototype construction department of the development division, where he contributed his expertise for over two decades. He has served as chairman of the works council since March 2010, shaping the collaboration between management and the workforce. In addition to his role as chairman, he was a member of the editorial team of the employee magazine “WIR bei LAUDA” (WE at LAUDA) from 1995 to December 2017.

Dr. Gunther Wobser, President & CEO, praised the honoree's exceptional contributions in his laudatory speech: “Elmar Mohr combines skilled craftsmanship with outstanding business acumen. His creativity and versatility make him a valued partner for management. In negotiations, he impresses with his willingness to find solutions, remaining calm and objective while also demonstrating the necessary decisiveness and backbone. Even after his upcoming retirement, I hope to continue our dialogue.” In recognition of his many years of service, Elmar Mohr received the LAUDA Certificate of Honor.

As Chairman of the Works Council, Mohr guided the company through turbulent times and made a crucial contribution to constructive collaboration. “The tradition of toolmaking has remained important to me,” Mohr emphasized in his acceptance speech. “I have also brought this meticulous craftsmanship to my work as Chairman of the Works Council.”

Dr. Lukas Braun, Mayor of Lauda-Königshofen, conveyed the congratulations of the city and the Minister-President to the honoree. He emphasized that Elmar Mohr embodies social partnership in action and that his constructive work has significantly contributed to the positive working environment at LAUDA. This strengthens not only the company and the Lauda-Königshofen business location, but the entire region. The mayor presented him with a bottle of wine and a certificate from the State of Baden-Württemberg.

Uwe Stastny, Deputy Chairman of the Works Council, spoke on behalf of the workforce and praised the collaborative work within the council. He emphasized that Elmar Mohr had led the Works Council with foresight and a strong sense of responsibility for over 16 years. His continuous professional development and his commitment to the workforce had set a high standard.

Elmar Mohr's phased retirement begins on April 1, 2026. The passionate table tennis player and cyclist will then have more time for his hobbies.

LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG celebrates its 70th anniversary on March 1. The global market leader generates around 100 million euros in annual sales with approximately 570 employees across three locations in Germany and twelve foreign subsidiaries. Renowned customers all over the world rely on the precision of LAUDA – from chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and biotech to medical technology, the semiconductor industry, electromobility, and hydrogen technology.

Exactly seven decades ago, Dr. Rudolf Wobser founded the measuring instrument factory LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER KG in Lauda. With innovations such as novel laboratory thermostats in a modular system and refrigeration thermostats with mechanical cooling, the company established itself on the market in its early years. Wobser laid the foundation for success in 1949 with the development and series production of the world’s first thermostat. For the first time, a compact device could reliably heat and cool using liquid circuits. After fleeing the GDR in 1955, he systematically built up the business. Groundbreaking new developments such as industrial systems (1964), measuring instruments (1967), and the world’s first microprocessor thermostat (1982) shaped the company’s further development.

After the death of the company founder in 1977, his sons Dr. Gerhard Wobser and Karlheinz Wobser took over the management. Karlheinz Wobser retired at the end of 2002. Dr. Gunther Wobser was appointed as the new President & CEO and, together with his father Dr. Gerhard Wobser, remained at the helm of the company until 2010, when his father retired after 39 years.

Under the leadership of Dr. Gunther Wobser, the third generation of the family, the company’s international business activities were significantly expanded. In 2005, LAUDA France is founded as the first foreign subsidiary, followed three years later by branches in Latin America, China, and the USA. With acquisitions in Spain (2011) and the USA (2014) as well as further foreign subsidiaries in Great Britain (2012) and Italy (2014), the world market leader continuously expands its international presence. In 2015, the new subsidiary LAUDA Scientific took over the development, sales, and service activities for LAUDA measuring instruments. In 2016, the subsidiaries LAUDA Ibérica Soluciones Técnicas, S.L.U. in Spain and LAUDA América Latina Tecnologia Ltda. in São Paulo, Brazil, were founded. LAUDA expanded its portfolio in 2019 with the acquisition of the long-established company GFL Gesellschaft für Labortechnik mbH. LAUDA Medical GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 2021, followed in 2025 by the subsidiary Degree LAUDA Precision Pvt. Ltd. in Pune, India.

Parallel to its international expansion, LAUDA continuously invests in the expansion of its infrastructure at its headquarters. In 2013, a new logistics center and a new production hall with a total investment volume of around 6.2 million euros are inaugurated in Lauda-Königshofen. In 2014, LAUDA expanded its management team with Dr. Marc Stricker, followed by Dr. Mario Englert in 2017. In 2022, the company underwent another office expansion, investing approximately 1.1 million euros.

The technical range of services extends from compact laboratory thermostats to customer-specific large-scale systems with a cooling capacity of over 400 kilowatts. LAUDA devices and systems operate in a temperature range from -150 to 550 °C with a consistency of up to one thousandth of a degree Celsius – a level of precision that is indispensable in highly demanding applications.

Since 2015, LAUDA has consistently held the title of “world market leader” in the field of constant temperature equipment and systems for precise temperature control. The latest product developments underscore this position: In 2024, LAUDA launched Mobifreeze, the world’s first actively temperature-controlled, mobile ultra low temperature chest freezer. This was followed in 2025 by the market launch of LAUDA Universa – a modular product line with standard Wi-Fi control. In addition, LAUDA received the EcoVadis Silver Medal for sustainability achievements in 2025, as well as the “Best of AI Award” for its own AI platform LAUDA.GPT. The temperature control specialist is planning sales growth of around 15 percent to approximately 115 million euros for 2026.

“Our 70th anniversary fills us all with extraordinary pride,” explains Dr. Gunther Wobser. “Together we improve the world with precise temperatures – this aspiration drives everything we do. In this anniversary year, we want to be even closer to our customers and devote even more attention to them worldwide. Continuous innovation, excellent processes, and further growth will secure our position as the global market leader in the coming decades.”

LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG is already inviting all interested parties and citizens to an open house on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in Lauda-Königshofen. Details will be announced in good time in the daily press and on the social media channels of LAUDA.