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Master Thesis: sensor concept, design and implementation for an automated plate handling system inside a robotic incubator
Organoids are ”in vitro miniaturized and simplified model systems of organs [which] self-organize
into complex structures” [1]. Since 2009, the Organ-on-a-Chip (OoaC) approach to synthesize viable non-
vascularized small organoids progressed significantly and is currently the most used approach. Most organoid
engineering in academic research is carried out manually and is, therefore, labour-intensive. The successful
vascularization of organoids is critical to allow nutriments and drugs transport to the cells. Methods to
generate vascularized organoids have been discovered but vasculature creation is still poorly understood.
Thus, we are researching on how to automate both non-vascularized and vascularized organoid synthesis.
This Master Thesis is your opportunity to work on this exciting project, which have an impact on
research as well as the pharmaceutical industry.
Keywords: TwinCat, Simulink, Control System, IT, sensor, automation
We currently perform research with the aim to build a fully-automated OoaC synthesis
robotic system that takes care of organoids 24/7 and gathers information (fig. 1). The system includes
a real-time control system to control the robotic-arm-mounted microscope, a tendon-based system to ma-
nipulate OoaC plates, and further various actuators and sensors to control the condition inside the incubator.
We currently perform research with the aim to build a fully-automated OoaC synthesis robotic system that takes care of organoids 24/7 and gathers information (fig. 1). The system includes a real-time control system to control the robotic-arm-mounted microscope, a tendon-based system to ma- nipulate OoaC plates, and further various actuators and sensors to control the condition inside the incubator.
Your challenge would be to find different sensor concepts to measure the position and orientations of the
OoaC plates, to build one or prototypes and to assess prototypes. You would contribute to the integration of
your hardware and software with existing tendon-based plate logistics module and other parts of the OoaC
synthesis robotic system.
The project suits you if you enjoy physical component modeling (Matlab, Simulink) and you are familiar
with biomedical basic concepts. Successful participation in either Basel University’s "Applied control"[2] or
" Rapid prototyping" or ETH Zurich’s "Robot Dynamics" is recommended
Your challenge would be to find different sensor concepts to measure the position and orientations of the OoaC plates, to build one or prototypes and to assess prototypes. You would contribute to the integration of your hardware and software with existing tendon-based plate logistics module and other parts of the OoaC synthesis robotic system. The project suits you if you enjoy physical component modeling (Matlab, Simulink) and you are familiar with biomedical basic concepts. Successful participation in either Basel University’s "Applied control"[2] or " Rapid prototyping" or ETH Zurich’s "Robot Dynamics" is recommended