• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Your Membership
    • Edit Your Profile
  • Services
    • Advertising
    • Case studies
    • Design
    • Email marketing
    • Lead generation
    • Magazine
    • Press releases
    • Publishing
    • Sponsored posts
    • Webcasting
    • Webinars
    • White papers
    • Writing
  • Shop
    • My Account
    • Cart
  • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Terms of use
  • Events

Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

  • News
  • Features
  • Video
  • Webinars
  • White papers
  • Press releases
  • Featured companies
    • AMD Xilinx
    • BlueBotics
    • Elite Robot
    • RGo Robotics
    • SICK Sensor Intelligence
    • Vicor Power

Omron robots ‘speed up the production of Covid-19 tests’

June 16, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Medical technology company Senova says it is relying on Omron’s “smart robotics” systems in the production of rapid antibody tests that show immunity “within a few minutes”.

In the fight against the coronavirus, speed and close co-operation are required. This is why Senova, a German developer and manufacturer of rapid test systems for biomarkers, viruses and microorganisms, decided to use the robotics expertise of Omron to enhance its production process.

Previously, the manual production of the tests was very time-consuming. In the past few weeks, in conjunction with Omron and Kraus Maschinenbau, Senova has developed and built machines that significantly accelerate and improve the process.

This will enable more people to be tested more quickly.

Senova brought the first rapid Covid-19 antibody tests to the market in record time. These tests, which look similar to pregnancy tests, are produced using Omron’s eCobra 600, a medium-sized SCARA robot.

This boosted the production volume, so two further eCobra 600 Pros have been integrated into the production line.

The cutting and packaging machine was developed and built by Kraus Maschinenbau and is controlled and driven by Omron’s NX controller. The first machine was delivered in mid-May. More lines are planned due to the increase in demand.

Test effectiveness confirmed in record time

Senova is based in Weimar and specialises in Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) technology. The company’s latest solution is the rapid antibody test, which is currently their most sought-after product worldwide. It shows within ten minutes whether a person has already been infected by Covid-19.

An international team of researchers, including members of the Jena Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies (Leibniz-IPHT), developed the test, which has now been available for a few weeks.

It uses a blood test to show whether someone is currently infected with the SARS-CoV-2 (that is, Covid-19) virus or is already immune.

The IgM antibodies can be found in the blood a few days after infection; whereas the IgG antibodies only form during the infection.

They often remain detectable for months and indicate an existing immunity. For example, nurses and doctors can now be tested to find out if they are immune to the virus.

The research team has completed the tests in conjunction with Chinese partners and the medical device retailer Servoprax. They confirmed their effectiveness in a record time of three months.

To meet the high worldwide demand for such tests, Senova is now producing the kits in large numbers.

The previously manual production and packaging of the test kits was unable to keep up with the thousands of order enquiries. The schedule for this project was therefore very tight.

With the new machine and the Omron robots, 30 to 45 rapid tests can be cut and packaged per minute. As the demand is so great, the capacity had to be increased rapidly and the implementation of additional machines is already planned.

Precise and reliable assembly

The eCobra robots are vital for providing the precise assembly of the components, and are very reliable, flexible and efficient.

SCARA robots are ideal for highly accurate machining, assembly and material handling in medical technology.

The four-axis robots have a range of up to 800 millimetres and can be easily adapted to the various fields of application. The eCobra technology gives high repeatability and a payload of up to 5.5 kilograms.

The amplifiers and controllers built into the robot reduce the number of cables. The overhead mounting configuration enables the efficient use of space, even in the clean rooms that are so essential in medical technology.

By working closely together, Omron and Kraus Maschinenbau have been able to provide a machine that ensures the quality, reliability and speed of the manufacture and packaging of the tests.

Dr Klaus Kluger, general manager, central east Europe at Omron Electronics, says: “We are pleased that our technology can support a small part of the global efforts to fight the coronavirus.

“In a case like this, it shows once again how important close and trusting cooperation is.”

Joachim Kraus, managing director of Kraus Maschinenbau, says: “The quick and uncomplicated implementation of this challenging project was only possible through the excellent interaction and co-operation between customer, machine builder and system and control supplier.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Share this:

  • Print
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest
  • Skype
  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • Pocket

You might also like…

Filed Under: Features, Industrial robots Tagged With: antibody, built, covid, demand, developed, ecobra, kraus, machine, maschinenbau, medical, omron, packaging, production, rapid, record, robots, senova, technology, test, tests, time

Join the Robotics & Automation News community

Reader Interactions

You must log in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Latest articles

  • ASI and SICK optimize and automate logistics truck yard operations
  • Fugro provides uncrewed surface vessel to TAQA
  • Radial selects Covariant to automate e-commerce fulfillment with AI-powered robotics
  • Aerones demonstrates ‘first’ robot for wind turbine maintenance and repair
  • Electric Future: Two-wheels good, four wheels not so much
  • Electric Future: Battery production facilities bloom on both sides of the Atlantic
  • Electric Future: MIT showcases electric autonomous boat technology
  • Electric Future: Siemens providing software platform to support nascent electric airplane market
  • Electric Future: Stalled car revolution
  • Scythe Robotics secures $42 million new financing to accelerate production of zero-emissions autonomous mower

Most Read

  • Top 20 electric vehicle charging station companies
    Top 20 electric vehicle charging station companies
  • Why is My Car Key Stuck in the Ignition?
    Why is My Car Key Stuck in the Ignition?
  • Berkshire Grey and Locus Robotics combine to offer ‘industry-first’ cross-platform robotic automation
    Berkshire Grey and Locus Robotics combine to offer ‘industry-first’ cross-platform robotic automation
  • Difference Between Three-Phase and Single-Phase Power
    Difference Between Three-Phase and Single-Phase Power
  • Universal Robots reports record annual revenue of $326 million
    Universal Robots reports record annual revenue of $326 million
  • Mercedes-Benz becomes ‘world’s first’ automotive company to certify SAE Level 3 system for US market
    Mercedes-Benz becomes ‘world’s first’ automotive company to certify SAE Level 3 system for US market
  • Scientists have found more water in space than they ever knew possible
    Scientists have found more water in space than they ever knew possible
  • Lockheed Martin Ventures invests in on-demand manufacturing startup Machina Labs
    Lockheed Martin Ventures invests in on-demand manufacturing startup Machina Labs
  • The Best Mechanical Engineering Design Software in 2022
    The Best Mechanical Engineering Design Software in 2022
  • Electric Future: Stalled car revolution
    Electric Future: Stalled car revolution

Overused words

ai applications automated automation automotive autonomous business china companies company control customers data design development digital electric global industrial industry logistics machine manufacturing market mobile operations platform process production robot robotic robotics robots safety software solution solutions system systems technologies technology time vehicle vehicles warehouse

Secondary Sidebar

Latest news

  • ASI and SICK optimize and automate logistics truck yard operations
  • Fugro provides uncrewed surface vessel to TAQA
  • Radial selects Covariant to automate e-commerce fulfillment with AI-powered robotics
  • Aerones demonstrates ‘first’ robot for wind turbine maintenance and repair
  • Electric Future: Two-wheels good, four wheels not so much
  • Electric Future: Battery production facilities bloom on both sides of the Atlantic
  • Electric Future: MIT showcases electric autonomous boat technology
  • Electric Future: Siemens providing software platform to support nascent electric airplane market
  • Electric Future: Stalled car revolution
  • Scythe Robotics secures $42 million new financing to accelerate production of zero-emissions autonomous mower

Footer

We are…

Robotics and Automation News was established in May, 2015, and is now one of the most widely-read websites in its category.

Please consider supporting us by becoming a paying subscriber, or through advertising and sponsorships, or by purchasing products and services through our shop – or a combination of all of the above.

Thank you.

Independent

Archivists

June 2020
M T W T F S S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930  
« May   Jul »

Complex

Old-skool

This website and its associated magazine, and weekly newsletter, are all produced by a small team of experienced journalists and media professionals.

If you have any suggestions or comments, feel free to contact us at any of the email addresses on our contact page.

We’d be happy to hear from you, and will always reply as soon as possible.

Future-facing

Free, fair and legal

We support the principles of net neutrality and equal opportunities.

Member of The Internet Defense League

Copyright © 2023 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT