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Revision as of 17:17, 1 September 2015
Human Practices
Feasability
Platform
State of the art
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/0/04/Sherbrooke_Rapid_hit_platform.png)
Figure 1 - «RapidHit» platform from Hudson Robotics
As of now, there are similar options out on the market for computerized robotic platforms performing
laboratory based operations. Some manufacturers offer mainstream platforms such as the «RapidHit» from Hudson Robotics, which is shown in figure 1. This
platform is also modular, gives the opportunity to have a visual reference of the process via video camera and
has an automated restocking of micro plates feature. However, the robot is not equipped with a multiple tool
holding support that allows execution of different manipulations within the same routine. A platform of this
kind is detailed at around 50000$, which makes it less likely affordable by smaller laboratories.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/4/4f/Sherbrooke_EpMotion_5075_platform.png)
Figure 2 - «epMotion 5075v» from Eppendorf
Also available is the «EpMotion 5075v», depicted in figure 2, distributed by
Eppendorf [3]. This platform allows for tool interchangeability to be used within a sequence with a tool
identifying chip system designed to secure the right choice of tools. It is also equipped with a gripper to
move around the different apparatus along the work area. Despite those assets, the platform is dependant
regarding the supplying of micro plates or pipette tips, thus needing the presence of human interaction.
Additionally, this platform is sold at a considerable 81000$, making it even less affordable for smaller
stature laboratories.
![](https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/6/69/Sherbrooke_OT.ONE_platform.png)
Figure 3 - OpenTrons OT.One platform
The platform built by our team was developed in collaboration with the project OpenTrons [4],
originating from Genspace [5], a community biolab located in Brooklyn. The latter provided their beta platform
to work with and customize it to be modular, while the OpenTrons folks work on their other release, the OT.One, shown in figure 3. The beta platform is now customized
with a gripper capable of maneuvering in two planes of movement, able of carrying around micro plates and
assures the restocking of the micro plates, as well as a centrifuge completely autonomous with built-in safety
devices. The startup platform from OpenTrons is detailed at 2000$. With the modularity developed on this
platform, is it significantly cheaper and affordable to a wider potential public.
Specifications
Some specifications were taken in consideration during the designing process of the robotic platform. While respecting those specifications, the thought process behind the design kept as main focus to deliver a customizable platform, low cost but still effective. The principal specifications were:
- Movements of the robotic platform must have a 1 mm precision due to the narrowness of the micro plates’ spacing between wells
- Must be able to use different kinds of pipette tools at the same time and change tools with ease.
- Gripper must be precise enough, without putting excessive force, to grab as small as 1.5 mL tubes and as large as 96-well plates. It also needs to have a range of opening from 0 mm to 85 mm
- Centrifuge needs to rotate at a speed capable of exerting a minimum gravitational force of 6000G and must be equipped with security devices such as detection of abnormal vibration or securing the lid after closing
- Complete platform must be fully open-hardware and detailed at no more than 10000$
Specifications achieved
Some specifications have already been achieved (the others will be achieved by December 2015):
- Movements of the robotic platform must have a 1 mm precision
- Complete platform must be fully open-hardware and detailed at no more than 10000$
Approximate cost by parts
Parts | Cost(USD) |
---|---|
Platform frame’s pieces | 600$ |
Motor’s drive | 59$ |
Cable track | 53$ |
X/Y Motors | 65$ |
Gripper | 300$ |
Screw for the x/y axis | 250$ |
Single channel pipette (not include) | 100$ |
Multi-channel pipette (not include) | 300$ |
Total | 1727$ |