The 'Internet of Things', better known as the Internet of Things (IoT), will also have a hold on the laboratory world. However, there are still a number of hurdles to overcome before Lab 4.0 becomes a reality, says Saskia Reichelt, affiliated with the SmartLab systems research group at TU Dresden.
Reichelt is involved as a research associate in the ActiveEndoTest research program. A new test system is being sought to detect blood poisoning (sepsis) more quickly. This research, together with other research projects, falls under the university's aim to utilize technology such as IoT, far-reaching automation and new sensor technology as much as possible.
According to Reichelt, the biotechnology group is looking at autonomously operating mobile sensor systems. Image recognition software also assists researchers in processing samples. The department also wants to collect problems they encounter when setting up and using a hypermodern laboratory and share them with others.
Reichelt talks about that 'new' laboratory: “The buzzword Lab 4.0 comes from Industry 4.0 and describes the application of Internet of Things technology in laboratory equipment. Currently you see that automated standalone devices can communicate with each other, creating a fully connected lab. Lab 4.0 is strongly influenced by the three main trends in technology: digitalization, miniaturization and automation.”
SmartLab
Currently it has SmartLab project from TU Dresden, the project groups Sens-o-Spheres III, 3Dbot, iChemCabinet, ActiveEndoTest and NanoFunDus are running. There they encounter different problems per project, which is carried out interdisciplinary, says Reichelt: “In our research into sensors, it has proven to be very difficult to implement new measuring methods in the small biocompatible plastic containers. Other projects encounter practical problems or, for example, have difficulty separating endotoxins.”
In everyday practice, Reichelt also encounters other challenges that make it more difficult to develop a Smart Lab. “In a Lab 4.0 environment, all devices must be able to exchange data with each other. We notice the lack of a standardized data interface. Large companies do sell IoT laboratory equipment that functions well in their own environment, but connecting to devices from other brands is often impossible. Sometimes this is the case for marketing reasons, but mainly due to problems with protocols and connection options.”
Reichelt says that it can also be difficult to transfer data from older devices to new equipment: “That is why it is essential that a robust, freely available and sustainable standard is created to more easily set up an IoT laboratory with new equipment. to target."
Opportunities in data management
However, the German researcher sees many opportunities in the introduction of automated data management. “Electronic laboratory books or LIMS systems make data storage more reliable and understandable. We will see these systems emerge in the academic lab world in the coming years.”
Reichelt also points to another technological development that could have a major impact on the medical world: the rise of artificial intelligence in the form of deep learning. In the eyes of the researcher, it is crucial that researchers can find out why an algorithm has made a certain decision. “If the algorithm evolves on its own, it will no longer be understood by us. This issue is particularly important when certifying certain devices for procedures.”
During the researcher's lecture at the WoTS, she will discuss the various projects of TU Dresden. “The Sens-o-Sphere is a good example, with temperature sensors of 8 mm in diameter, this is a fine example of miniaturization. And the data is transmitted wirelessly by the mobile sensor to the base station,” says Reichelt. The so-called PJ Platform will also be discussed, in which a small standalone lab has been developed for automated research with petri dishes, and a project to recognize samples via software.
The lecture by Saskia Reichelt takes place on Thursday, October 4 at 1:00 PM in the Croesezaal. Registration for the lecture is free and possible here.
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