Automated Small Animal Imaging and Manipulation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for imaging and manipulation of small organisms are largely manual, prone to errors, require significant training, and are not scalable, limiting their application in large-scale research and increasing labor costs.
Innovation Solution
An automated system comprising a housing with a gantry, tray, camera, motorized picking assembly, and computational processor for identifying and selecting small organisms based on size and shape, and transferring them between plates, along with a self-sterilizing and self-cleaning mechanism for the picking tool, enabling efficient and scalable imaging and manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual procedures are used for imaging and manipulation of small organisms, then visual observation and manual manipulation can be performed, but the process is prone to errors, requires significant training, and is not scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated robotic system that uses computer vision and motorized components. The robotic arm with gripper substitutes human hands, and the imaging system with automated analysis substitutes human visual observation, thereby improving reliability while reducing manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated image analysis and decision-making algorithms that identify phenotypes of interest without human intervention. The robotic system autonomously navigates, captures images, analyzes data, and manipulates organisms based on pre-programmed criteria, eliminating the need for researcher training and reducing errors.
2Productivity
If manual procedures are used for manipulation of small organisms, then researchers can identify phenotypes of interest, but significant labor and training are required
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system enables continuous operation without the breaks and limitations inherent in manual work. The robotic system can operate continuously to image and manipulate organisms, significantly increasing throughput while reducing the time researchers spend on these tasks. The system maintains consistent performance over extended periods without fatigue.
3Quantity of substance
If microfluidic methods are used to hold small organisms, then dozens of organisms can be contained, but accessibility and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a multi-well plate format where organisms are segmented into individual wells rather than confined in a single microfluidic device. This segmentation allows the robotic system to access multiple organisms by moving between wells, improving accessibility while maintaining the ability to hold large numbers of organisms across multiple plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional microfluidic channels to a three-dimensional workspace with multiple plates that can be stacked or arranged vertically. The robotic arm moves in three dimensions (X, Y, Z axes) to access organisms across multiple plates, dramatically increasing scalability and accessibility compared to flat microfluidic surfaces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual manipulation techniques are used, then small organisms can be imaged and manipulated, but the process is not scalable to large-scale research
Solution Approach 1:
The automated robotic system is designed with universal capabilities to perform multiple functions: imaging, manipulation, sorting, and data collection. This multi-functionality allows a single complex device to replace multiple simpler manual tools, providing flexibility for various research conditions while enabling large-scale operations that would be impossible with manual techniques alone.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables cost-effective, high-throughput, and repeatable imaging and manipulation of small organisms, reducing labor and increasing productivity by automating the process and improving scalability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a retractable heating coil, disposed within the motorized picking assembly, can be adapted to sterilize and clean the motorized picking tool through resistive heating and subsequent radiative and convective transfer of heat
Implementation Method 2
sterilize and clean the motorized picking tool through resistive heating and subsequent radiative and convective transfer of heat
Implementation Method 3
sterilize and clean the motorized picking tool through resistive heating and subsequent radiative and convective transfer of heat
Implementation Method 4
a capacitive touch sensor, disposed within the motorized picking assembly, adapted to detect contact between the motorized picking tool and a substrate on the at least one source plate, and/or detect proximity between the motorized picking tool and the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed subject matter provides a system and methods for automated imaging and manipulation of small animals. In exemplary embodiments, the disclosed subject matter provides a motorized picking assembly, that is coupled to a processor and adapted to remove selected small animals from a source plate and transfer them to a destination plate. The disclosed subject matter provides methods, which include identifying at least one parameter for the small organisms, selecting organisms based on the parameter and transferring selected organisms from the source plate to the destination plate. In certain embodiments, the disclosed subject matter provides a handheld self-sterilizing loop tool for the manual manipulation of small organisms.