Holonomic Robots for Parallel Biodevice Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well-plate robotics is limited by a restricted number of plate-moving techniques, which become workflow choke points between single-operation stations, making it inadequate for massively parallel and asynchronous operations in drug discovery workflows.
Innovation Solution
A holonomic robot system with omnidirectional motion capabilities, equipped with sensing units and control units for precise positioning and orientation, enabling efficient transport and handling of biodevices like well plates and organ chips, and allowing multiple robots to operate simultaneously on a single deck without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional well-plate robotics with limited plate-moving techniques are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to workflow choke points between single-operation stations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the robotic workforce into specialized units: holonomic robots for transport and manipulation, and stationary robots for processing operations. This segmentation allows parallel asynchronous operations across multiple stations without workflow choke points, as each robot type performs its dedicated function independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces holonomic motion capabilities that enable robots to move in multiple directions (x, y, z axes plus rotation) simultaneously, adding dimensional freedom to the system. This allows robots to navigate complex 3D spaces around biodevices and access multiple stations without following fixed linear paths, thereby eliminating sequential bottlenecks
2Productivity
If multiple robots operate simultaneously on a single deck, then productivity increases through parallel operations, but device complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The holonomic robots are designed as universal platforms capable of performing multiple functions: transporting biodevices between stations, manipulating plates and lids, positioning samples, and interfacing with various processing stations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized robots at each station, simplifying the overall coordination system while enabling parallel operations
Solution Approach 2:
Each holonomic robot operates autonomously with onboard sensors and control systems that enable self-navigation, self-positioning, and self-coordination with other robots. The robots independently manage their own motion planning and collision avoidance, reducing the complexity of centralized coordination while maintaining efficient parallel operations
3Productivity
If limited plate-moving techniques are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is restricted by workflow choke points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical plate transfer mechanisms with autonomous holonomic robots that use sensor-based navigation and control. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages and fixed transfer paths, maintaining ease of operation through software-controlled autonomy while dramatically increasing handling speed and flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A robot for transporting a biodevice from one place to another place, comprising a body for carrying the biodevice; a driving assembly for driving the body in omnidirectional motion; a sensing unit for sensing at least a position and orientation of the body; and a control unit coupled to the driving assembly and the sensing unit for generating one or more control signals based on at least the sensed position and orientation of the body to drive the driving assembly so as to move the body to a desired place and to arrive with the correct orientation.