SBIR-STTR Award

A prototype for a computer-controlled Intelligent Refrigerated Automatic Storage System (IRASS) for medical laboratories will be developed. This system will include a database in the controlling computer for tracking the storage and retrieval of specimens, a bar code reader for verification, and various robotic hardware for the movement of specimens. When completed the system will automatically store and retrieve laboratory specimens to and from a refrigerator which has been fitted with automated storage drawers. The main advantages to a medical laboratory are: 1. Reduced laboratory personnel cost by reducing labor required for storage and retrieval of specimens. 2. Increasing test reliability by decreasing the risk of testing incorrect samples. 3. Decreasing the risk of infection of laboratory personnel by decreasing the amount of manual specimen handling. Phase I includes an evaluation of both the hardware and software prior to designing a sophisticated Phase II IRASS that will be commercially marketed.

Thesaurus Terms:
artificial intelligence, biomedical automation, biomedical equipment development, computer system design /evaluation, cryopreservation, nonclinical biomedical equipment bacteriophage typing /identification /classification, cold temperature, computer data analysis, computer program /software, information system, occupational health /safety, online computer, optical data storage, robotics human nonclinical subject, personal computer

An advanced Phase II prototype for a computer-controlled Intelligent Refrigerated Automatic Storage System (IRASS) for medical laboratories will be developed. The system will build on the features of the Phase I project, i. e. a database to track storage, retrieval and discard of specimens. Additionally extensive safety engineering, and advanced user-friendly interface incorporating text windowing and advanced input devices, a smart loading platform, optimization of motion control, hooks for communications with laboratory computers, specimen disposition logic and fault tolerance will be provided. At the end of Phase II, an extensive field evaluation will take place in an actual clinical laboratory setting. This system has the potential of reducing labor costs required for the storage/retrieval of specimens, increasing test reliability by improved specimen identification, and decreasing the risk of infection for laboratory workers. Phase II will include extensive evaluations of software and hardware necessary before market release of a sophisticated IRASS.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:The entire project is aimed at the commercial placement of these units in biomedical laboratories.

Thesaurus Terms:
artificial intelligence, biomedical automation, biomedical equipment development, computer system design /evaluation, cryopreservation, nonclinical biomedical equipment cold temperature, computer data analysis, computer human interaction, computer program /software, information system, laboratory accident /infection, occupational health /safety, online computer, optical data storage, robotics, safety equipment personal computer National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)