Hudson Robotics, Inc. announced today a collaboration with Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) to bring drone technology to life science laboratories for sample handling.
Autonomous Vehicles, Artificial Intelligence and Automated laboratories - Are You Ready for Lab Samples to be Delivered by Drones?
Hudson Robotics Inc. announced today a collaboration with Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) to bring drone technology to life science laboratories for sample handling. Specifically, microplates containing samples or reagents will be delivered directly to instruments and automated workcells to perform various drug discovery, genomics or quality control related assays. As the prime contractor, PSI will develop a complete system utilizing autonomous drones for moving microplates and other lab consumables to supplement and perhaps replace existing robotic arms. Hudson’s President and Founder, Phil Farrelly, said “Hudson will apply our extensive library and knowledge of interfacing existing laboratory devices (robotic liquid handlers, sample separation devices, microplate readers and imagers) and develop the hardware and software required to accomplish the project objectives”. Hudson’s extensive software capabilities, the SoftLinx™ Laboratory automation scheduling software and the associated Plug-ins (drivers that control other instruments) will play an important role in the project. Hudson will employ those technologies to direct the movements of the drones, load and unload the lab instruments, and then operate those instruments.
PSI intends to use their own commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) advanced drone technology, in conjunction with a new gripper design, to bring this technology to the point of commercialization. It will provide life science laboratories with the speed, accuracy and reliability required without the associated cost, limited work envelope and operational and service expertise required by existing robotic infrastructure. The goal is to provide a highly flexible microplate transport tool at lower costs than current dedicated robotic arm systems, and to extend lab transport capabilities for longer-distance travel and more flexibility in scheduling assays and other lab procedures.
Hudson Robotics, founded in 1983, has a long-standing history in robotic automation. Located in Springfield, New Jersey, Hudson Robotics is a leader in microplate automation, laboratory robotics, liquid handling and customized software-driven solutions for life-science research. The company provides tools that can be used in areas such as drug discovery, clinical research and pharmaceutical development, including high throughput screening, proteomics and genomics.
Founded in 1973, Physical Sciences Inc., headquartered in Andover MA, invents, develops and transitions advanced technology solutions and innovative products from the laboratory to commercial and government use.
For more information on Hudson Robotics, Inc., please contact:
Bruce Jamieson
VP, Sales & Marketing
Hudson Robotics, Inc.
+1 408-813-2344
For more information on Physical Sciences, Inc., please contact:
Dr. Shin-Juh Chen
Area Manager, Industrial Sensors
schen@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Telephone: (978) 689-0003
This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. 75N95019C00011.