CASE STUDIES

Forbio: Robotic Plant Propagation

This equipment automatically picks plantlets from agar-gel trays, sections them using machine vision to identify the right cutting points, and replants the sections in new trays.

Client: Forbio

Product: Robotic Plant Propagation Machines

Invetech was approached to refine the design, and manufacture and commission, automatic machines that would automatically harvest, cut and replant small plantlets of various species suitable for clonal micro-propagation.

The self-contained machine capable of processing 12 explants per minute comprised the following:

  • Dual camera stereo imagery and parallel processing of images for identification of plant nodes for automatic cutting
  • 9 independently controlled linear and two rotary axes with stepper motor actuation
  • 2 tray-dispensing magazines
  • 3 independent ‘smart location’ control conveyors
  • 3 independent harvesting, cutting and planting end effectors
  • Ultrasonic and heat augmented tool sterility
  • Air blast and vacuum waste removal
  • Rugged construction for operation in a harsh nursery environment

The robotic tissue culture machines increased production rate by 500% for equivalent labor utilizations, eliminated difficult, highly skilled and labor-intensive operations and reduced contamination.

More Case Studies

Below are a selection of case studies highlighting the range of problems we’ve solved to deliver innovation and business value for our clients.

READ ALL CASE STUDIES
Cellectricon

We transitioned the existing manual Cellaxess® technology to a fully automated system that opened a new market for our client.
CelTor Biosystems

We assisted in the creation of an in-house test platform for high-content screening of live cells to assist in drug screening process steps.
Applied Imaging + Leica Biosystems

We worked with a global team to provide turnkey design, development and transfer to manufacture for the world’s first automated microscope slide loader.