This new system is designed to support the diverse needs of multiple investigators and research teams simultaneously, enabling GLBRC scientists to more efficiently discover and optimize synthesis of biofuels and bioproducts from plant biomass.
The anaerobic-capable automation system Ginkgo Automation will develop is designed to enable GLBRC scientists to run multiple, diverse experiments at once, across both aerotolerant and anaerobic conditions, while increasing “walkaway” time—allowing investigators to spend more time interpreting data and planning the next generation of experiments rather than tending to routine laboratory tasks.
Ginkgo Automation brings significant prior experience in automating workflows for anaerobic organisms, a key requirement for many of GLBRC’s research programs. The result is a customizable, future-forward system that can be easily adapted to meet emerging research needs and support more complex workflows as GLBRC continues to pioneer innovations in the bioenergy space.
In addition to providing advanced automation hardware and software, Ginkgo Automation’s deployment at GLBRC will include access to Catalyst Flow, a fully remote, active error resolution and troubleshooting support service.
Catalyst Flow’s proactive monitoring is expected to enable Ginkgo’s scientists and engineers to identify and resolve approximately 80-90% of system errors remotely, without the need for user-initiated tickets.
“This project brings us one step closer to transforming the way researchers leverage laboratory automation,” said Will Serber, Head of Ginkgo Automation. “With the design of this new, automated, anaerobic-enabled system, we’re not just pushing boundaries—we’re reimagining what’s possible in the lab.
"By giving GLBRC investigators the ability to run flexible, multi-user, lab-directed evolution workflows in a highly automated manner, we expect this system to accelerate scientific progress. Ultimately, it’s about empowering researchers to achieve more with less effort and drive real-world impact in biofuels and bioproducts development.”
