Sister company NiniX Technologies has developed a robust system for the precise filling, sealing, and packaging of cartridges used in diagnostic tests for detecting diseases. Fujirebio, a global player in diagnostics, uses these cartridges in its fully automated diagnostic platform.

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

Fujirebio was looking for a compact machine capable of accurately filling, sealing, and then packaging cartridges into cassettes for their diagnostic tests. There was no existing solution that could combine these different functionalities in a compact space with the desired hourly capacity.

SOLUTION

NiniX Technologies designed and built a robust, compact, custom machine for the required functionalities. The machine is operated by one operator via an intuitive control panel. Among other things, with an ingenious solution for the complex sealing process, they were able to convince the customer of the effectiveness and efficiency of their design.

IMPACT

• Transition from a semi-automatic to a fully automated process
• Improved repeatability of processes
• More controlled sealing
• Fewer operators for the same output

WHAT THE CUSTOMER SAYS

Marleen Welkenhuysen

"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 

To references To industrial automation