Autonomous Vehicles, Artificial Intelligence and Automated Laboratories – Are You Ready for Lab Samples to be Delivered by Drones?
SPRINGFIELD, N.J., April 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Hudson Robotics, Inc. announced their collaboration with Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) to bring drone technology to life science laboratories for sample handling. Microplates containing samples will be delivered to instruments and workcells to perform drug discovery, genomics or quality control assays. As the prime contractor, PSI will develop a system utilizing autonomous drones for moving lab consumables to supplement or replace current automation. Hudson’s President and Founder, Phil Farrelly, said, “Hudson will apply our extensive experience interfacing laboratory devices to develop the hardware and software required to accomplish the project objectives.” Hudson’s software capabilities, SoftLinx™ Laboratory automation software and the associated Plug-ins that control instruments, are crucial to the project. Hudson will employ those technologies to direct the drones, load and unload the lab instruments, and 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 commercialization. It will provide life science laboratories with the speed, accuracy and reliability required without the associated cost, limited work envelope and operational and support expertise required by existing robotic infrastructure. The goal is to provide a highly flexible microplate transport tool at lower costs than current systems, and to extend lab transport capabilities for longer-distance travel.
Located in Springfield, New Jersey, Hudson Robotics was founded in 1983 and is a leader in robotic automation, microplate handling, 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.
