Development of artificial intelligence (machine learning) for automated laboratory sample handling within the manufacturing environment

Principal investigator: Gregory Foy

University: York College of Pennsylvania

Industry partners: MRG Labs, PennAir, and Hanover Conveying Systems

Throughout the previous four Manufacturing PA Innovation Program grant cycles, MRG Labs and York College of Pennsylvania have partnered to develop and implement a modular, mobile collaborative robot to perform multiple lab analysis processes that were previously bottlenecks within the production laboratory environment. With this system now effectively functioning within the lab, new work will focus on developing this system’s capabilities within the manufacturing environment utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning for sample processing. This project will address the applicability of this system beyond the laboratory environment to address the assets where they work. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will allow us to put more responsibility in the hands of the “kiosk,” reducing the amount of decision-making required by the asset owners. With these improvements, the automated kiosk system can extend its capabilities, proving applicability in other point-of-sampling environments such as medical diagnostic testing and forensic testing.