Team:Sherbrooke
Conception and Building of a Modular and Automated Robotic Platform to Perform Synthetic Biology Laboratory Protocols
Summary – This website discusses the conception process and ideas considered to bring forth a modular and automated robotic platform assembled to execute protocols in a synthetic biology laboratory. Ambition for this platform is focused towards creating computerized equipment in laboratories to quicken the procedures normally handled by technicians or researchers, even as to make them completely human interaction free. Liberating technicians and researchers of such duties allows for better efficiency in the processes and gives the opportunity to focus on other aspects of research. With that in mind, the research process is sped up and gives a window of opportunity for great progress and breakthrough discoveries that can apply to many fields of expertise. The platform is composed of different modules interacting between each other. Those modules include, a physical platform acting as a framing support and working area reference, a dual-axis moving gripper assigned for the handling of objects around the work area, a centrifuge designed to be fully automated and free of human interplays, two modules with built-in magnetism and temperature control, for 96-wells plate and 1.5ml tube, a module with integrated agitating, temperature control and turbidity measurement, and finally, various controller boards conceived to electrically supply the several devices concerned on the robotic platform and customize different applications.