The Robot Report

  • Research
  • Technologies
    • Batteries / Power Supplies
    • Cameras / Imaging / Vision
    • Controllers
    • Grippers / End Effectors
    • Microprocessors / SoCs
    • Motion Control
    • Sensors / Sensing Systems
    • Soft Robotics
    • Software / Simulation
  • Development
    • A.I. / Cognition
    • Human Robot Interaction / Haptics
    • Mobility / Navigation
  • Robots
    • AGVs
    • AMRs
    • Consumer
    • Collaborative Robots
    • Drones
    • Exoskeletons
    • Self-Driving Vehicles
    • Unmanned Maritime Systems
  • Markets
    • Agriculture
    • Defense / Security
    • Healthcare
    • Logistics
    • Manufacturing
    • Mining
  • Investments
  • Resources
    • COVID-19
    • Digital Issues
    • Publications
      • Collaborative Robotics Trends
      • Robotics Business Review
    • RBR50
    • Search Robotics Database
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • Events
    • RoboBusiness Direct
    • Robotics Summit & Expo
    • Healthcare Robotics Engineering Forum
    • DeviceTalks
    • R&D 100
  • Podcast

How Wilder Systems is automating rapid COVID-19 tests

By Steve Crowe | February 11, 2021

Wilder Systems

This automated COVID-19 testing system was developed in less than five months. | Credit: Wilder Systems

A lack of testing has been one of the biggest challenges to combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Testing facilities often have a shortage of personnel to analyze samples and provide results. Throughout 2020, Americans were turned away from testing centers. Rapid testing is becoming vital to mitigating the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Austin, Texas-based Wilder Systems and the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute are hoping collaborative robots can play a role in solving this shortage. They built a robotics system to automate rapid COVID-19 testing, which could enable more people to be tested and receive their results sooner.

The Wilder Dx system uses a saliva-based test, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol, based on the Yale developed SalivaDirect method. The system contains a 7-axis cobot arm from FANUC, robotic liquid handlers for collection tube plating, PCR testing prep, a RT-qPCR analyzer, a hazardous waste bin, and control software. A technician starts the testing process by putting the sample into a test tube. The robotic system then processes it.

A typical testing lab can run about three cycles a day of 94 samples per an eight-hour shift, or 280 tests per day. This robotics system can run continuously for 24 hours and run up to 2,000 samples per day with the same number of staff and PCR equipment, resulting in a 7x increase. Tests performed with the system in Austin guarantee results to patients within 24 hours.

The system was developed in less than five months. Nearly $600,000 in CARES Act funding was awarded to Wilder Systems and Pittsburgh-based ARM on July 6.

“Robots are clearly being recognized as a highly valuable technology for COVID-19 remediation, be it in sanitation, personal protective equipment (PPE) production, or testing,” said ARM CEO Ira Moskowitz. “The robotic system developed by Wilder Systems, through ARM’s project funding program, is a critical component to helping the United States manage and mitigate the virus.”

Organizations and individuals in the Austin area who are interested in COVID-19 testing can sign-up here.

“The team did a tremendous job in executing the mission to rapidly test for COVID-19 with robotics, and at such a breakneck pace,” said Wilder Systems CEO Will Wilder. “Working alongside ARM was pivotal, and we are thrilled to now be taking our innovations to market both here in Texas and across the country during this important juncture.”

In September 2020, ARM selected nine technical projects to help U.S. industry recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Defense, which is providing funding, identified areas of urgency including diagnostics, medical care and countermeasures, non-medical personal protective equipment, and other supplies

COVID-19 has accelerated demand for robotics in supply chain and healthcare applications. Robotics suppliers switched from citing labor shortages to the need for social distancing as a rationale for adopting automation.

About The Author

Steve Crowe

Steve Crowe is Editor of The Robot Report and co-chair of the Robotics Summit & Expo. He joined WTWH Media in January 2018 after spending four-plus years as Managing Editor of Robotics Trends Media. He can be reached at [email protected]

Tell Us What You Think! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles Read More >

Asensus Surgical
TransEnterix changes name to Asensus Surgical
Brainlab
Brainlab receives FDA clearance for surgical robotics systems
EndoWays
EndoWays, developer of disposable robot for cathlab, acquired by Ascendum
Edge Medical Robotics
Edge Medical Robotics raises $92M Series B

Robotics Year in Review

The Robot Report Listing Database

Latest Robotics News

Robot Report Podcast

Designing robots to survive lunar nights

The Robot Report Podcast · Designing robot arms to survive lunar nights; Waymo 'no plans' to expand in Ariz.

Sponsored Content

  • Doosan Robotics: Driving Innovation and Growth in Cobots
  • FORT Robotics Podcast: FORT Robotics on how to keep humans safe and in control of robots
  • Pallet Detection Systems Help Automated Forklifts Modernize Warehouse Operations
  • IES Servo Control Gripper
  • How to cut the cost of manufacturing

Tweets by RoboticTips

The Robot Report
  • Collaborative Robotics Trends
  • Field Robotics Forum
  • Healthcare Robotics Engineering Forum
  • RoboBusiness Event
  • Robotics Business Review
  • Robotics Summit & Expo
  • About The Robot Report
  • Subscribe
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2021 WTWH Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media. Site Map | Privacy Policy | RSS

Search The Robot Report

  • Research
  • Technologies
    • Batteries / Power Supplies
    • Cameras / Imaging / Vision
    • Controllers
    • Grippers / End Effectors
    • Microprocessors / SoCs
    • Motion Control
    • Sensors / Sensing Systems
    • Soft Robotics
    • Software / Simulation
  • Development
    • A.I. / Cognition
    • Human Robot Interaction / Haptics
    • Mobility / Navigation
  • Robots
    • AGVs
    • AMRs
    • Consumer
    • Collaborative Robots
    • Drones
    • Exoskeletons
    • Self-Driving Vehicles
    • Unmanned Maritime Systems
  • Markets
    • Agriculture
    • Defense / Security
    • Healthcare
    • Logistics
    • Manufacturing
    • Mining
  • Investments
  • Resources
    • COVID-19
    • Digital Issues
    • Publications
      • Collaborative Robotics Trends
      • Robotics Business Review
    • RBR50
    • Search Robotics Database
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • Events
    • RoboBusiness Direct
    • Robotics Summit & Expo
    • Healthcare Robotics Engineering Forum
    • DeviceTalks
    • R&D 100
  • Podcast