Modular Bioprocessing with Robot Container Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioprocessing systems for manufacturing bioproducts, particularly cell and gene therapeutics, are costly due to the need for complex robotic mechanisms and lack of compatibility with off-the-shelf technologies, leading to increased complexity and limited accessibility of therapies.
Innovation Solution
A modular bioprocessing system comprising independently configured bioprocessing modules and a robot that moves biological handling containers between these modules, allowing for automated and scalable processing with minimal human intervention, and enabling integration of new or existing technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated systems with robotic mechanisms are used to move equipment between locations, then automation extent is improved, but device complexity increases due to mechanically robust robotic mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: bioprocessing modules that remain stationary and perform specific operations, and a mobile robot that transports containers between modules. This segmentation allows the complex automation function to be distributed across simple, specialized components rather than requiring a single complex robotic system to perform all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A mobile robot acts as an intermediary between stationary bioprocessing modules, carrying biological handling containers between locations. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by allowing modules to remain stationary while still achieving automated material transport through the mobile robot mediator.
2Productivity
If entire modules and equipment are moved between various locations for processing, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to mechanically robust robotic mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates processing functions into stationary modules and transport functions into a mobile robot. Each bioprocessing module remains in a fixed location optimized for its specific operation, while the mobile robot handles movement between locations, achieving productivity without requiring each module to be mechanically robust and complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot serves as an intermediary that enables material transport between processing modules without requiring the modules themselves to be movable. This allows the system to achieve high productivity through automated transport while keeping individual modules simple and stationary.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new or existing processing technologies are incorporated into the system, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring creation of entirely new modules
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot is designed as a universal platform that can transport containers to any bioprocessing module in the system. This universal design allows the same robot to support various processing technologies and modules without requiring custom robotic mechanisms for each function, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular bioprocessing system having a plurality of bioprocessing modules, each independently receiving a biological handling container and performing one or more unit operations on the biological handling container and/or its contents; and a robot that moves the biological handling container between each of the bioprocessing modules.