R&D projects

The main aim is to create a modular device that allows for the arrangement of a line for the preparation of samples of a dry matrix droplet. The basic module of the device (SP – Spot Puncher), sold also separately, will allow for the semi-automatic cutting of a disc from tissue paper or a specific card into a selected well of a multi-well plate. To the SP module, it will be possible to attach multiple modules such as automatic punch with a preview (PV – Punch View), Card Transfer (CT), multi-Well plates Transfer (WT) to create an automatic punching device. Modules like Pipetting Module (PM) with the appropriate extraction solution, sample transfer to the new microplate or tube rack (MV), and EVaporate Shaker (EV) will allow for further processing the samples for a selected testing procedure (e.g., ELISA or LCMS). They can be used multiple times in a sequence designed by the user. Such a machine can be configured for processing samples of dry drops of blood, serum, or saliva.

The aim of the project is to design and manufacture an automatic die die cutter equipped with a system that fully controls the cutting process. The project assumes that the resulting device will collect soaked tissue paper from the warehouse, analyze the parameters of a drop dried on the paper and position and cut a disc of a defined diameter to a multi-well plate. This will allow you to achieve several basic goals: determining the correctness of sample collection, the possibility of cutting several discs from one soaked field, re-cutting – in case it is necessary to cut the previously cut tissue paper again, or planning to cut as many discs as possible from one sheet. An important functionality is to determine the droplet size. On this basis, a correction factor will be determined that takes into account the relationship between the droplet size and the concentration of the substances to be determined. This part of the project will be combined with the measurements of dry matrix samples. Additional functionalities of the cutter being created will be the possibility of preparing samples for the determination of elements, mainly iron. This requires the development of punches and dies made of non-ferrous materials to avoid contamination of the sample, but at the same time to maintain high cut quality. The device will also enable the preparation of samples for DNA analysis. To make this possible, it is necessary to use a system that removes the dust generated during cutting, as well as cleaning the knife and matrix
after each cut.

The purpose of the research and development work carried out is to create a device that will minimize human work and the related errors in sample preparation.

The main goal of the project is to develop an intelligent device that takes up various elements. One of the most important aspects of the device is an adaptive tool dedicated to industrial manipulators. This tool, based on the fusion of data from the sensors placed on the gripper and the external vision system, is intended to determine how to pick up an object from a heterogeneous heap. The vision system will allow to determine the location and arrangement of objects on the heap, and to determine the category of the object and the best method of capturing it. Data from the touch sensors placed on the gripper will determine whether the grip is correct and whether the object accidentally slips. In order to determine the location and arrangement of objects on the heap, proprietary machine vision algorithms based on artificial intelligence methods will be developed as part of the R&D works. The category of the object will be determined thanks to an innovative algorithm based on image descriptors, and the determination of the optimal grip will be based on deep neural networks.

The developed tools and algorithms will allow for the construction of a fully functional pick and place station, which will enable both sorting and grouping of objects regardless of their shape (while maintaining the appropriate range of sizes and weights).

The aim of the project is to conduct R&D work aimed at designing and creating a prototype of an autonomous collaborative robot with a dedicated intelligent safety system that automatically adapts to changing conditions of the work environment. The project involves the construction of an intelligent manipulator that will analyze information from all sensors in real time and predict potential threats that may occur in the area of ​​its direct impact. In the event of a potential threat, the robot will identify it by assigning it a degree and probability. As a result of its actions, the manipulator will choose another non-collision path or, if this is impossible or the threat is too high, the robot will suspend work until the threat is eliminated. The developed fully safe robot, thanks to the dedicated innovative algorithms and procedures created in the project, will allow for easy improvement of various industrial processes, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises. The results achieved will enable the manipulator to work in close proximity to humans, which in turn will enable its installation without interfering with the existing production line (without the need to install additional barriers or passive shields), which will minimize the costs and time of installation. Additionally, the manipulator will be able to work in conditions of increased risk (high dust, environmental contamination) and where high reliability and repeatability are required.