Team:Sherbrooke/Practices

• HOME
• TEAM
• PROJECT
  • Description
  • Hardware Experiments & Protocols
  • Biology Experiments & Protocols
  • Hardware Results
  • Biology Results
  • Hardware Design
  • Parts Design
• PARTS
  • Team Parts
  • Basic Parts
  • Composite Parts
  • Part Collection
• NOTEBOOK
• ATTRIBUTIONS
• COLLABORATIONS
• HUMAN PRACTICES
• SAFETY
• MODELING
• MEASUREMENT
• SOFTWARE
• ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Human Practices

Feasability

Platform

State of the art

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.

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.

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.