Live
Transferring - Automation for Fruit Fly Transfer
The machine transfers live
fruit flies (Drosophila), used in genetic
research, to a new vial with fresh food.
The transfer is made every three to four
weeks, coinciding with the fruit fly's life
span. Transferring fruit flies is typically
done by hand, but when the library of fly
families reaches tens of thousands of vials,
automation is a key to the success of the
project.
Transfers live fruit
flies from old vials to new vials with
fresh food.
Dual transfer stations
and custom molded racks.
A prototype for
proof of concept and immediate needs.
The machine utilizes a SCARA
robot, multiple barcode readers, a barcode
printer, label applicator and dual transfer
stations to utlize the full capacity of
the robot and reduce cycle time. The safety
light curtain gives the operator full access
into the machine for loading. Custom software
and a touch-screen GUI (graphical user interface)
simplifies machine operation. A database
is continually updated with fields such
as vial identification, location, date of
transfer and genomic data
