Background and Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed much of our living environment, and this was no exception to research and education. A series of cell culture processes are often perceived as tedious and labor-intensive for professional researchers. Due to limited lab access during the pandemic, it has been challenging to maintain live cells that require operations around the clock. From another point of view, online experimental classes have many disadvantages such as uniform data and lack of self-direction, making it difficult to provide meaningful education. In addition, students in poorly equipped laboratories and with disabilities are not even given the opportunity to conduct high-level experiments such as cell culture. So cell culture can be felt difficult for some students. Using SynBioBot, a 6-axis robot arm that moves like humans, we tried to improve the working environment of synthetic biology researchers through "automation" and develop next-generation "educational" tools.
How to solve
We designed the SynBioBot, which can be remotely controlled or automated. Based on its high degree of freedom, SynBioBot can move like a human. So it can use the types of equipment that human actually uses. Also, we made the 16 basic motion modules. By combining several modules, much more complicated works are possible. For example, it can do pipetting, suction, opening the incubator/plate/cap, shaking, and everything necessary for the experiment. For the whole operation, we designed some supporting parts those necessary for synthetic biological experiments. Automation is also possible based on the high reproducibility of our robot. Because we divided our working space into nine zones, the robot's movements are efficient. These kinds of features allow researchers and students to do remote, self-directed experiments without having to come to the laboratory. Through automation, researchers no longer have to go to work on weekends to manage cells, allowing them to live a balanced life. Also, allow students with environmental constraints to have the opportunity for quality education.
How to Communicate
Just as people in other countries need a universal language to talk, certain algorithms are needed for robots and humans to communicate smoothly. We have made it possible to communicate between user and robot through TCP/IP communication and user-friendly GUI (grammatical meaning), and through OpenCV, robots can process image data (word meaning). Due to GUI, users can handle the SynBioBot easily, step-by-step. For example, the robot can perform the action of holding a pipette and then moving the desired liquid to the plate as instructed by the user. And also, this system is accessible from anywhere in the world through the remote system that we've built.
SynBioBot in our Society
The development of science has always contributed a lot to mankind. Through SynBioBot, researchers can conduct passaging and culturing at their house with just a simple click. They don't have to come to the lab on weekends to take care of the cells anymore. This not only increases the efficiency of researchers' work, but also contributes to their leisure life. Furthermore, students can conduct synthetic biology experiments directly, regardless of individual environmental factors. Also, now we can provide quality experimental education to students, even if a new pandemic occurs. The first step in the harmony of cells and machines through SynBioBot will have a great impact on the education and research of mankind in the future.
