OU Researchers To Use Robots For Faster Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing

Liquid handling robots will help researchers and graduate students at the University of Oklahoma fly through COVID-19 testing.

IMMY, a Norman based company that distributes tests for infectious diseases, is providing the bots.

The University of Oklahoma said through the help of these robots, they’ll be able to conduct hundreds of tests per hour.

According to OU, the robots will amplify COVID-19 testing by tenfold.

OU has ordered three.

“The more testing we can get done in the state the better we understand where we are and who needs to be quarantined,” said Bradley Stevenson, OU Associate Professor of Microbiology.

Each one is capable of extracting 96 samples of the viral genetic material needed for testing.

 “A human is sitting there and putting all the reagents in a 96-model plate, and can only do that so much, but when you have a robot it’s a lot faster and less chances for error,” said Stevenson.

With currently only one student certified to do the testing the robot significantly decreases the chances of an interruption.

“Robots can’t get sick either. Right now, there’s a couple spots and there’s one human certified to do it, if that person gets sick then they can’t be here,” said Stevenson.

OU researchers and graduate students said while their thrilled to be utilizing their skillset in such an important time they’re working knowing there’s no room for failure.

 “These are our neighbors, family, friends that are going to get tested, we can’t fail at it, there’s a lot of pressure,” said Stevenson.

OU is working with the diagnostic company IMMY which is also developing a new antibody blood test. It would show if someone has already been exposed to the virus. They hope to roll out that test this week.