Harnessing the capabilities of robotics transformed a months long process into a matter of days.
With the help of Boston Engineering, the fusion of robotics and genomics has transformed the landscape of scientific research. Through the development of a sophisticated robotic lab automation system, what used to be a laborious and time-consuming process has been streamlined, opening doors to rapid discoveries and innovation. The result is a testament to what can be achieved when vision, expertise, and technology converge.
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Impetus: The Need for Acceleration
The quest for accelerating research is a common theme in the scientific community. In this case, scientists at a major university research center recognized the need to automate their manual genomics alteration and engineering process. This process, although crucial for scientific advancements, demanded a skilled team of researchers to conduct labor-intensive tests while maintaining uncompromising levels of accuracy and safety. The solution? Leveraging automation.
Insight: The Birth of a Robotic Genomics Lab
Enter Boston Engineering, a company known for its innovative engineering solutions, who were tasked with designing a cutting-edge robotic lab system to automate high-precision genome modification. The key insights and capabilities of this system included:
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Parallel Processing: The robotic system had the capacity to perform up to 50 different genome alterations simultaneously, a feat that was beyond the capabilities of manual processes.
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Asynchronous Operation: The system could run genome cycling operations asynchronously, creating a testing "queue" based on automated sequencing, timing, and prioritization. This approach allowed for seamless multitasking and prioritization of experiments.
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Dual Gantry Robots: Two gantry robots operated in tandem, automating a seven-phase process with precision and speed. The X-Y-Z axis movements ensured that each operation was carried out with unparalleled accuracy.
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Safe Handling: The system could safely handle a variety of materials, including target cells, reagents, and other testing materials, while maintaining the highest safety standards.
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Complex Liquid Handling: The system tackled the challenging task of managing complex liquid handling, even with difficult media, through a sophisticated fluidics system.
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Temperature Control: With thermoelectric heating and cooling, the system offered precise temperature storage of samples, further enhancing the reliability and consistency of experiments.
Impact: A Quantum Leap in Genomic Research
The transformation brought about by the robotic lab automation system was nothing short of revolutionary. Its impact extended beyond the walls of the university research center and has been felt across various industries. Some of the key achievements and outcomes include:
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Unprecedented Speed: What used to take months or even years to complete manually can now be done in just a matter of days. The system has demonstrated the ability to create sample variations in three days, an achievement that's nothing short of extraordinary.
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Vast Scale: The system's capacity to generate billions of different mutant genomes per day has opened up possibilities that were previously inconceivable.
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Catalyst for Innovation: These advances in genomics have a far-reaching impact. They serve as the catalyst for innovation across diverse fields, including drug discovery, bioenergy, agriculture, and the chemical industry.
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Global Knowledge Sharing: University researchers continue to utilize the Boston Engineering laboratory system to gain new insights into genomics. These insights are not confined to the institution; they are shared with the global scientific community, fostering collaboration and accelerating scientific progress.
The collaboration between research scientists and robotics engineers at Boston Engineering showcases the power of innovation and effective engineering in solving complex challenges. As the world continues to embrace robotics, this success story serves as an inspiring example of the transformative potential for reshaping industries and improving the way we live and work. And, as genomics continues to evolve and shape our world, the role of automation in research is a testament to the boundless potential of human ingenuity in the quest for knowledge.
See the original Case study and even more insights
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Understanding the Importance of Strategic Robotic Solutions
Every business faces unique challenges, and every robotic investment requires unique development. One pathway to a successful transition is to start by considering the available Robotic Solutions tools in the context of the business need, the skills of the workforce, and the IT structure ready to support the changes required. Successful (and profitable) solution design and integration is crucial, so make sure you have access to the knowledge and capabilities to make that happen. If you're unsure as to whether you or your team have those skills, your best option is to partner with a team that has this expertise and ensure your outcomes meet the potential of your project.
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