Applied Imaging and Leica Biosystems: SL50 Automated Microscope Slide Loader
We worked with a global team to provide turnkey design, development and transfer to manufacture for the world’s first automated microscope slide loader.AWARDS
Australian Design Award of the Year 2002, Engineering Excellence Award 2001
REGULATORY
REQUIREMENTS
UL 3101-1, EN 61010
EXPERTISE
LEVERAGED
Motion, Industrial Design, Usability/HFE, Design for Manufacture, Connectivity & Systems Integration
Creating the world’s first automated microscope slider loader
Our client approached us to assist in the development of an automated system to load and unload glass slides onto a microscope stage. The product is an ideal companion for high-throughput imaging applications, and suitable for the clinical diagnostic and life sciences markets.
Working with their team across the United Kingdom and United States, and with a specialist microscope stage manufacturer in Germany, we were responsible for the turnkey design, development and transfer to manufacture of the world’s first automated microscope slide loader.
The SL50 was designed to be controlled by existing software applications. Once connected, it automated the process of loading and unloading slides onto a compatible automated microscope stage.
Automating this process enables
imaging functions to be carried out overnight, unattended and at remote locations. The instrument is also capable of enhancing many software applications such as digital imaging and archiving, telepathology, digital imaging for diagnosis, and rare event detection.
During development, we overcame various challenges including:
- Developing the mechanical automation to reliably operate in 24/7 laboratories
- Reliably handling slides of various sizes and quality
- Slide positioning accuracy to 3 µm
- Incorporating detailed end-user input in the design of Beta units to optimize the instrument design
From idea to production in just 14 months
We delivered our client’s instrument from idea to market in just 14 months. The development was completed in just 12 months from brief to delivery of Beta prototypes, and a further two months to deliver pilot production units.
Following development, the instrument was transferred to our in-house manufacturing facility. For more than seven years, our ongoing manufacturing and sustaining engineering support has included:
- Design upgrades, including new feature addition
- Ongoing product technical knowledge and support
- Product lifecycle support including proactive obsolescence planning
- Having the instrument meet the latest regulatory requirements for safety and EMC
Our continued manufacturing assistance has delivered several hundreds of units worldwide and ensured reliable 24-hour operation.
Life Sciences & Biotech
Not all innovative or complex technology is used in the clinic, but these systems benefit from many of the same principles used.
Mid to High Throughput Instruments
Whether we support the entire product or take lead on a subsystem, full instrument architecture is critical to success.
Benchtop & Distributed
Translating technical workflows of an assay into an automated process performed within a device.
Custom Process Automation
Transition from clinical to commercial scale manufacturing with our production-ready manufacturing and automation solutions.