The Future of Laboratory Automation

Webinar Summary

This talk covers the integration and expansion of automation within a group dedicated to cell engineering and sciences, specifically focusing on protein characterization and the development of stable cell lines for therapeutic candidates. Hirsh Nanda outlines the department’s role in bridging discovery and development, emphasizing the implementation of automation to enhance productivity and ensure product quality. Efforts to move towards decentralized automation are discussed, aiming to expand automation capabilities further and integrate various analytical techniques and data platforms, such as high throughput mass spectrometry and Byosphere, which are crucial for supporting the functionality.

The discussion digs into the technical aspects of the automated protein investigation system (APIS), which includes collaborative robots and a suite of integrated devices designed to streamline the workflow from sample preparation to data analysis. Challenges and benefits of automation in laboratory settings are highlighted, including the need for well-defined processes and the potential for increased capacity and consistency. The talk also touches on future developments in mobile robotics and the integration of software pipelines to manage high sample volumes effectively. This approach not only improves operational efficiency but also aids in making informed business decisions by enhancing data consistency and reducing manual labor, thereby allowing scientists to focus on more complex problems.