A Modular Robotic Platform for Biological Research: Cell Culture Automation and Remote Experimentation

Robotic arms are now commonplace in diverse settings and are poised to play a crucial role in automating laboratory tasks. However, biological experiments remain challenging for automation due to their dependence on human factors, such as researchers’ skills and experience. This article introduces robotic automation and remote control for both general and biological research tasks through a modularized platform comprising a robotic arm, auxiliary tools, and software. This platform facilitates fully automated or remote execution of key experiments in chemistry and biology, including liquid handling, mixing, cell seeding, culturing, and genetic manipulation. The robot interfaces seamlessly with standard laboratory equipment and operates remotely in real time through an online program. Integration of a vision system via robotic arm webcams ensures precise positioning and object localization, enhancing accuracy. This modularized robotic platform signifies a substantial advancement in lab automation, promising enhanced efficiency, reproducibility, and scientific progress compared to human‐led experiments. This platform, CellBot, enables fully automated or remote execution of vital chemistry and biology experiments, encompassing liquid handling, mixing, cell seeding, culturing, and genetic manipulation. Seamless integration with standard lab equipment and real‐time remote operation through an online program, augmented by a vision system, ensures precise positioning and object localization.