Shelby Hall Graduate Research Forum Posters

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Description

Cell biology experiments involve repetitive tasks such as pipetting, sample preparation, and imaging, which are typically performed manually. These manual processes can introduce variability, reduce efficiency, and increase the cost of biomedical research. To address these challenges, our lab is developing a modular robotic platform, iEye™, to automate key steps in cell biology workflows [1]. The system is designed as self-contained modules, allowing flexible development and integration of different functionalities. In this work, we focus on a sample preparation module that integrates a 6-degree-of-freedom robotic arm, a motorized stage, and a pneumatic pipetter. This module is being developed to automate hydrogel preparation for cell culture. Hydrogel preparation is particularly suitable for automation as it requires precise liquid handling, accurate positioning, and repeatable timing. Hydrogels also provide a physiologically relevant, soft environment compared to conventional rigid substrates, enabling improved study of cellular behavior. The platform emphasizes low cost, reliability, and sufficient accuracy to ensure reproducibility in biological experiments.

Publication Date

3-2026

Department

Mechanical, Aerospace, & Biomedical Engineering

City

Mobile

Disciplines

Biomechanical Engineering | Biomedical Devices and Instrumentation | Other Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering | Other Medicine and Health Sciences

Development of an Automated Platform for Cell Biology Experiments

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