The Future.

Through an intensive design process and collaboration with the NEMC team, the Robotics Academy reached the desired goal of a functional automated fruit fly analysis prototype as of December 2004. The prototype system is capable of screening 16 genetic lines in 35 minutes. The screening process automates all manual tasks currently performed, including feeding, washing, and data collecting. Compared to the current manual operation, the automated prototype screens a greater quantity of genetic lines in one trial run at three times the speed, thus allowing for human labor to be applied elsewhere in the lab.

The major system design accomplishments include the following:
(1) Verification of accurate data collection with fluorescent dye.
(2) Development of an accurate positioning and dispensing mechanism.
(3) Selection of an appropriate food for both feeding and washing.
(4) Development of a reconfigurable automated system.

Fine-tuning the current process and fabricating the final project is in progress this semester. Completion of the final automated device is anticipated for the end of February 2005. The Robotics Academy will operate the system in tandem with the NEMC team to analyze the final functionality and high throughput capabilities. Data collection will begin in March of 2005 and a thesis will contain information concerning work ranging from June 2004 to May 2005.