Robotic Plantlet Handling with Automated Lid Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic plantlet handling systems require manual removal and refitting of container lids, which is inefficient and prone to contamination, and lack mechanical support for plantlets during transfer between culture media and planting.
Innovation Solution
A robotic plantlet handling apparatus with a multi-axis robot arm, gripper assembly, and closure manipulator that can automatically remove and store lids, and provide mechanical support for plantlet holders using a system of polypropylene housings with integrated sealing and gas permeable materials to maintain sterility and facilitate handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual removal and refitting of container lids is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the robotic arm with integrated gripper and closure manipulator automatically performs lid removal and refitting operations without requiring manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through programmable sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper assembly and closure manipulator are merged into a single integrated robotic end-effector system, allowing simultaneous or sequential execution of plantlet holder gripping and lid manipulation operations, which streamlines the automated handling process and improves overall system efficiency
2Device complexity
If manual handling is used, then device complexity is low, but reliability decreases due to contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system autonomously performs all handling operations within the sterile environment, eliminating manual entry into the controlled space and thereby maintaining sterility and reliability without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm acts as an intermediary between the external control system and the sterile internal environment, allowing automated manipulation of plantlet holders and lids while maintaining the integrity of the sterile barrier and preventing contamination
3Device complexity
If mechanical support for plantlet holders is not provided, then device complexity is reduced, but plantlet stability during transfer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plantlet holder design integrates multiple functions including mechanical support for plantlets, engagement features for the robotic gripper, and sealing interfaces for the closure system, providing stability during transfer without requiring additional complex support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and closure assembly provide continuous mechanical support and positioning for the plantlet holder throughout the transfer process, maintaining stable positioning and orientation from the source container through the robotic manipulation to the destination container
Data Source
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AI summary
Robotic plantlet handing apparatus including: a workstation having an operator work portion, a material source portion, a material delivery portion and a robot arm; at least one housing located at the material source portion and containing a plurality of plantlet holders each comprising an open-topped container having apertures open to nutrient medium in use and having a handling lug, the housing being closable by a lid having a complementary engagement periphery adapted to mechanically and sealingly engage a corresponding peripheral lip of the housing; at least one said housing located at said material delivery portion and adapted to receive a plurality of said plantlet holders; a plantlet holder manipulator on said robot arm and adapted to engage said handling lug for movement of a plantlet holder between said material source portion, said operator work portion, and said material delivery portion; and a closure manipulator on said robot arm and selectively operable to engage a said closure for removal from and attachment to the housing.