ACE Belgium has sent its custom-made installation to world player imec in Leuven. The innovative chip technology-based brain probes developed by imec, can now be sharpened with the highest precision. The hair-fine implants can measure brain activity in detail and offer deep insights into their functioning. By ensuring maximal integration of different systems, ACE developed a robust solution.

BACKGROUND

Today, imec's brain probes are the most advanced way to examine our brains worldwide. The hair-fine neural probes capture the electrical signals from neurons. They are the ‘gold standard’ in electrophysiological research into brain diseases.

PROBLEM

Sharpening the hair-fine brain probes (which facilitates implantation in the brain) required an automated system that could sharpen multiple probes simultaneously at an adjustable angle. This operation, which was previously done manually and with only one probe at a time, needed to be automated and, more importantly, scaled up.

SOLUTION

Our engineers have fully automated the process where up to eight needles can be sharpened simultaneously and independently with ultra-high precision.

The automated solution provides:

  • Increased throughput
  • Safe placement
  • Precise and consistent end result

IMPACT

By scaling up the previously manual process, imec is able to produce eight brain probes simultaneously and, most importantly, consistently. Precise grinding of the needle tip creates minimal resistance during implantation. ACE has designed the installation in such a way that further upscaling to ten probes is possible at a later stage.

WHAT THE CUSTOMER SAYS

"imec is very satisfied with the collaboration with ACE. The project timelines were well met, communication ran smoothly and the quality of the delivered installation is of a high standard. Exchanging the 3D model during the design phase gave us a realistic picture of the final installation. During the start-up phase at our lab, ACE provided us with excellent support and by now we have fully mastered the installation. We both work with engineering and science, although in different fields, but both felt that we have the same mindset in this and this showed in the fine cooperation."

 

Marleen Welkenhuysen

R&D Team Leader NeuroChip Characterization, imec

WHAT OUR ENGINEERS SAY

Biological and industrial engineering come together and that is incredibly fascinating. What imec does is top of the world and it is a privilege to help think about the practical side of this technology.

Toon Gebruers
Mechanical Designer

The approach was multidisciplinary with several of ACE's disciplines coming together, both mechanical engineering and electrical engineering and very high-resolution visualisation techniques. Working with imec is also a pleasure, they attract worldwide attention in the field of nanoelectronics. Their techniques are being used to improve healthcare, logistics, mobility and smart cities. It is fascinating to be able to think along with them.

Jeroen Leurs
Automation Engineer

ABOUT NEUROPIXELS

More than 900 laboratories worldwide are already conducting research with this technology and the first successful clinical trials are under way. Possible applications range from in-depth research into brain disorders to the precise placement of stimulators for patients with Parkinson's disease or corrective surgery for epilepsy. For more information: https://www.imec.be/ and https://www.neuropixels.org 

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