ABB Robots in Use for Research and Diagnostics: Automation of Antibody Tests to Combat COVID

The goal of the automated test system is the specific detection of a neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibody. The resulting data can then be used to better understand immunity through vaccination or infection.

Compared to the previous 15 tests, the new system can perform over 1,000 tests daily for neutralizing antibodies thanks to robotics.

Together with the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), ABB Robotics has developed an automated testing system for neutralizing antibodies.

Robot-assisted testing system using neutralizing antibodies offers more options for rapid detection of immunity against COVID
Increased testing rate from 15 to over 1,000 tests daily
Data collected enables a robust and scalable method for calculating herd immunity against various strains of the coronavirus

ABB Robotics, in collaboration with the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), has developed an automated testing system for neutralizing antibodies that effectively determines immunity against different coronavirus strains. It was developed in ABB Robotics' Life Sciences and Healthcare Lab located on the Texas Medical Center campus in Houston. Compared to the previous 15 tests, the new system can perform over 1,000 tests daily for neutralizing antibodies. Because significantly more people can be tested for their immunity against various strains of the coronavirus, automation helps UTMB researchers gain a better understanding of the effectiveness of COVID vaccines.

The continuous mutation of the coronavirus since its first appearance at the end of 2019 presents major challenges for researchers and governments alike. They must constantly find ways to control and limit its spread. Although numerous vaccines have been developed, the rapid mutation of the virus complicates the search for the most effective protection against each variant.

“The ability to conduct an increased number of tests daily is the key to obtaining more data on individual immunity profiles. This helps control the spread of the virus,” emphasizes Dr. Michael Laposata, Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathology at UTMB. “The automated system we developed together with ABB allows us to achieve our targets precisely, flexibly, and safely. We can perform tests faster and do not expose our laboratory staff to potential infection risks, as is the case with manual testing.”

The goal of the automated testing system is the specific detection of a neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibody without cross-reaction with other infections — making this test the gold standard for serological COVID-19 testing. The resulting data can then be used by both the tested individuals and researchers to better understand immunity from vaccination or infection. Additionally, the data will serve local policymakers as a basis for minimizing the risk of further infections, for example by avoiding virus hotspots.

“This project is a clear example of how robotics can increase speed and efficiency while also making the work safer for the involved researchers,” says Daniel Navarro, Head of Consumer Segments and Service Robotics at ABB. “In close collaboration with UTMB, we are consolidating our expertise in biology, laboratory processes, automation, and software to develop an automated robotic solution that significantly advances our efforts to combat the COVID pandemic.”

The automated neutralizing antibody testing system was programmed using the offline programming software RobotStudio® to simulate and test various combinations of laboratory equipment and robot positions, thereby developing the most effective concept. The result: a functioning system that was operational within just 18 months — much less time than typically required for a project of this kind.

“What we achieved in such a short time is extraordinary. Many multimillion-dollar companies would take several years to develop a solution like ours,” says Juan Garcia, Director of Laboratory Services at UTMB. Dr. Michael Laposata adds: “None of what we have accomplished would have been possible without ABB and the other project partners. From creating and simulating a working concept in RobotStudio® software to commissioning the automated testing cells now in use in our lab — this is the best teamwork experience I’ve had in 35 years in this profession.”

An additional advantage of the automated system is that it can also be used for other types of virus tests. This project is just one of several worldwide where ABB robots are employed to find ways to protect against COVID.