ABB's GoFa Robots to Revolutionize Automation in XtalPi Biomedical Labs
ABB has partnered with XtalPi to incorporate GoFa collaborative robots into their biomedical laboratories. These cobots are set to enhance research speed and increase the precision of data collection within synthesis and crystallization studies.
The fusion of ABB's technological proficiency with XtalPi's groundbreaking research in life sciences and biomedicine will produce a more streamlined and effective workflow in the laboratory. By integrating ABB's GoFa robots, the new XtalPi research facility will witness a transformation in its operational processes. The robots are designed to undertake a variety of error-sensitive tasks—ranging from handling chemicals to executing mixing procedures and assisting with machinery. This will not only expedite research activities but also significantly elevate the quality and reliability of experimental outcomes.
ABB GoFa robots in the XtalPi lab. Image used courtesy of ABB
Cobots: The Ideal Companions in Scientific Endeavors
In the realm of STEM education and research, almost everyone has encountered the archetypal clumsy lab partner. They're the ones prone to spilling reagents, toppling glassware, and recording data at a pace that undermines the integrity of experimental results. These human errors, though often unintentional, stem from our innate tendencies to vary in speed, succumb to distractions, and occasionally, commit blunders.
This is where ABB steps in with an impeccable solution for the laboratory environment—collaborative robots, or 'cobots'. Designed to perform repetitive or delicate tasks that are susceptible to human error, cobots are transforming the way labs operate. Routine procedures such as diluting solutions, although intriguing at first, quickly become monotonous and error-prone as they lapse into tedium. Cobots, however, never tire and maintain unwavering precision, ensuring the production of proper mixtures time after time.
The deployment of cobots goes beyond mere mixing. They can adeptly handle the transportation of chemicals, machine operation, stirring, filtration, and other similar tasks—essentially any work deemed tedious, error-prone, or sluggish is ideal for a cobot takeover. Such automation not only accelerates the research process but also instills confidence in the results, as the margin for human error is significantly reduced.
By delegating these tasks to cobots, researchers can reclaim their cognitive resources for the more profound scientific questions at hand. Scientists are thus liberated from the minutiae of lab work, their "brain time" repurposed towards innovation and significant breakthroughs. The cobot, therefore, emerges not just as a lab assistant, but as an invaluable intellectual partner in the advancement of biomedical research.
Collaborative Effort
XtalPi has already purchased 100 ABB GoFa cobots for use in their newest laboratory. Some will be used to work in challenging environments, such as sample storage warehouses and gloveboxes, while other robots will be designated as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for transporting samples and materials between workstations. Others open containers, collect samples, tend to laboratory equipment, set up workstations for scientists, and other such tasks.
ABB GoFa robot performing sampling tasks in the XtalPi lab. Image used courtesy of ABB
Through this process, ABB will get valuable feedback on how to better serve the life sciences, pharmaceutical, and biosciences fields, meaning future robotic efforts will improve as well.
Collaborations for Better Life Sciences
This is an exciting collaboration, as XtalPi has already committed to purchasing these robots. By doing so, they are showing that they are willing to make this work. Once XtalPi has developed the necessary framework around these cobots, research will occur more quickly and with less error. The ultimate goal of ABB is to lead by example, with other companies following suit, meaning more healthcare and pharmaceutical solutions can be developed more quickly in the future.
