Autonomous COC Denudation with AI Imaging for IVF Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF) technologies are dependent on human clinical embryologists and andrologists, leading to expensive interventions, limited access due to economic and geographic constraints, and inconsistencies in performance across clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent, automated system of interconnected robotic IVF modules using imaging and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) for processes such as cumulus-oocyte-complex denudation, semen preparation, egg retrieval, and insemination, eliminating the need for human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human clinical embryologists and andrologists perform IVF processes manually, then the processes can be performed with human judgment and adaptability, but the costs are high, access is limited, and performance is inconsistent across clinical settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations by human embryologists with an automated robotic system that uses imaging systems, AI/ML algorithms, and robotic manipulators to perform denudation, egg retrieval, and ICSI procedures. This substitution eliminates human variability and achieves consistent performance across different clinical settings while reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates AI/ML-based automated decision-making that enables the robotic system to independently identify COCs, determine denudation completion, select eggs for retrieval, and perform ICSI without human intervention. The system serves itself by making autonomous decisions based on real-time imaging analysis, thereby achieving reliable and consistent performance.
2Productivity
If automated robotic systems are used for IVF processes, then costs are reduced and operational speed is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform multiple IVF procedures including enzymatic denudation, egg retrieval, and ICSI using the same robotic manipulator and imaging system. This universality reduces the need for multiple separate devices and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high operational speed across different procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an AI/ML-based image analysis system as an intermediary between the imaging system and the robotic manipulator. This intermediary processes imaging data in real-time to automatically control the robotic system's actions, thereby simplifying the control architecture and enabling fast automated operations without requiring complex hardwired control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If iterative robotic pipetting is used for denudation, then cumulus cell removal is thorough and consistent, but the time required for the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time imaging feedback during iterative robotic pipetting to monitor cumulus cell removal progress. The AI/ML system analyzes each imaging frame to determine whether denudation is complete, allowing the robotic system to stop precisely when the threshold is met. This feedback mechanism ensures thorough and consistent denudation while minimizing unnecessary iterations and reducing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs a predetermined number of iterative pipetting cycles with imaging verification, ensuring that denudation is complete without requiring excessive time. The system uses partial action by stopping the iterative process as soon as the AI/ML system confirms sufficient cumulus cell removal, rather than continuing with a fixed extended protocol, thereby achieving precision without unnecessary time loss.
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 reduces costs, enhances operational speed, and ensures consistent performance by automating IVF processes, minimizing human error and variability.
Implementation Method 1
scanning, robotically, a dish containing a cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC) using an imaging system... The imaging system and AI/ML system may identify the COC within, and a COC location, based at least in part on comparing the image object to a predetermined threshold
Implementation Method 2
wherein the dish includes an enzyme to remove cumulus cells from an oocyte among the COC
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automated, artificial-intelligence-based denudation includes scanning, robotically, a dish containing a cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC) using an imaging system and an artificial intelligence/machine learning system (AI/ML system) to create an image object. The imaging system includes a microscopy system, a camera system, and a lighting system. The dish includes an enzyme to remove cumulus cells from an oocyte among the COC. The method includes identifying the COC within the image object, and a location, based on comparing the image object to a threshold using the AI/ML system. The threshold is an optical pattern with a probability of corresponding to a COC mass. The method includes instructing a robotic pipettor to collect the COC at the location. The method includes iteratively collecting the COC within the robotic pipettor and expelling the COC to return it to the dish until the AI/ML system confirms sufficient removal of cumulus and corona cells.