Categories: Uncategorized

Mahoro Lab Android Automates Dangerous Lab Work, Revolutionizes Healthcarema [Video]

Mahoro, co-developed by AIST and Yaskawa, is a general-purpose android for automating lab work that previously had to be done manually.

The robot can do tasks, such as dispensing and culturing, faster and more precisely than people. So, it can do clinical tests and work with biohazards efficiently.

position=left

“For example, to develop influenza drugs, we do infection trials every day, using virulent strains of influenza. This work is very hazardous, so it should be done by robots. We also have to do lots of tests with radioactive materials. Those should also be done by robots.”

“We’ve tried various robot systems. But if we build special-purpose robots, when we modify trial procedures or switch to different projects, those robots become useless. Also, developing robots is very time-consuming. So, we wanted to develop a robot that can do what people do, using the same tools people use. That’s why we’ve developed Mahoro.”

When work precision in genetic amplification trials was compared between Mahoro and people, Mahoro’s precision was better than that of veteran technicians. Mahoro also did the work in half the time.

“Mahoro’s arm has seven joints. Factory automation robots only have up to six. In factories, a hand can usually be positioned freely using six joints. But with a seventh axis, elbow motion can be reproduced. That enables the robot to move like this.”

Previously, to teach a robot with this many joints, a huge amount of programming was required. But Mahoro can be taught easily, in a virtual space on a computer.

“First of all, we use a 3D scanner, to capture 3D CAD data for all the tools we want to use. When we input that to the computer, we create a virtual bench and a virtual robot. For example, if we want to take a tube to this hand position, all we need to do is click in that direction, and the robot’s hand will go there. We also do collision simulations. Of course, we can freely change how various tools are arranged. So on the computer, we can simulate the best places to put them, and create movements. To do that, we don’t even need to put numbers into the advanced programming technology.”

Mahoro is sold by Nikkyo Technos, and it’s already being used at pharmaceutical companies and universities. From now on, the company wants to further enhance the safety of the robot, so it can work in coordination with people.

Via: DigInfo

Prateek Panda

Prateek is the Founder of TheTechPanda. He's passionate about technology startups and entrepreneurship and enjoys speaking to new founders every day. Prateek has also been consistently regarded as one of the top marketing experts in the region.

Recent Posts

Indic language adoption spurs Internet users in India to cross 900 M

The internet user base in India is set to surpass 900 million by 2025, driven…

1 day ago

Google signs one of the largest industrial Biochar CDR offtake agreements in India

Varaha, an Indian company developing carbon removal projects in Asia, has sold 100,000 carbon dioxide…

1 day ago

Google’s Willow: The quantum leap we’ve been waiting for

Ever wondered what happens when quantum computing takes a giant leap forward? Google’s latest quantum…

3 days ago

The wise thing to do is work in tandem with AI regulation by keeping the human element relevant

Does AI need to be reined in? Will putting regulations on AI curb the progress…

4 days ago

Tech Panda’s 40 under 40 tech innovators of 2024 

By definition of the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ‘technology’ means ‘the practical application of knowledge especially in…

4 days ago

Nvidia, AI, and Bitcoin Take Center Stage in 2024 Tech Trends

This is the second-last edition of this year's "Tech, What the Heck!?" newsletter. To commemorate…

1 month ago