Cooperation between media changing robot system and humans for cell processing

Currently, in the field of regenerative medicine, cell processing is being performed manually. Such process is labor intensive and expensive, and its efficiency still needs to be enhanced. Recently, automatic cell culture apparatuses that are equipped with a vertical articulated robot have been proposed. However, the automation of all cell processing tasks complicates the system. This study aimed to develop a simple and rational cell processing system through the combination of the tasks performed by a robot and those performed by a human. In a previous study, we improved the efficiency of discarding and injecting tasks using a robot arm in the media changing process. In the present study, we report the results of the implementation and evaluation of the prototypes that facilitate in improving the efficiency of the discarding and injecting tasks. Our experimental results revealed the feasibility of discarding and injecting robots that can be used in a safety cabinet. Robots can perform the media changing process more efficiently and more accurately than humans. Moreover, when robots are used, the risk of dripping can be reduced.