Sponsored Content by LabmanReviewed by Maria OsipovaNov 3 2025
Labman is now part of a revolutionary Canada-UK collaboration aimed at transforming biopharmaceutical production through advanced automation, AI, and real-time process control.
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The AI-optimized BALANCE (Bioreactor Automation for Learning and Adaptive Networked Control of Experiments) platform combines the skills of CPI (UK), Basetwo (Canada), Nicoya (Canada), and Labman Automation (UK). The project is funded by a $2 million grant provided by Innovate UK and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP).
The core focus of this 20-month collaboration is to develop a demonstrator platform combining smart bioreactor technologies, real-time sensing, AI-driven optimization, and sophisticated modular automation. Labman will design and construct a fully automated modular sampling system to enable the molecular analysis of cell cultures with minimal manual intervention.
This system will integrate seamlessly with Nicoya’s Alto SPR biosensor, providing instant feedback on yield and quality to enable real-time adaptive control of the process.
The BALANCE system employs Basetwo’s digital twin technology, a machine learning system that analyzes real-time data from biosensors and bioreactors to make informed decisions about process conditions. This closed-loop control system allows for ongoing optimization, predicting outcomes, and minimizing the need for expensive laboratory-based experiments.
This is the next step for biologics and drug manufacturing, integrating Industry 4.0 approaches for bioprocessing. By combining advanced sensing, AI and automation, we aim to accelerate process development, improve consistency, and create smarter, more efficient biomanufacturing workflows.
Tom Smith, Head of Bioprocess Automation, Labman
The project’s goal is to boost yield, scalability, and speed to market for biologic therapeutics by streamlining upstream bioprocessing and enabling dynamic control. CPI will lead system validation to ensure that the platform is technically durable, scalable, and commercially viable.
This collaboration represents a significant advancement in the digitization of biologics fabrication. For Labman, it is another opportunity to show how intelligent, adaptive automation can revolutionize complex scientific processes.
References and further reading:
- CPI. (2025). CPI Joins Canada-UK Project to Revolutionise Biopharma… | CPI. [online] Available at: https://www.uk-cpi.com/news/cpi-joins-canada-uk-collaboration-developing-ai-powered-bioreactors-to-revolutionise-biopharmaceutical-manufacturing [Accessed 14 Oct. 2025].
Acknowledgements
Produced from materials originally authored by Rachael Marsay, Content Specialist at Labman.
About Labman
Labman is a global leader in creating custom automated laboratory technologies, products, and software that empower and advance scientific discovery. We collaborate across diverse industries, including medical, pharmaceutical, agritech, paints and coatings, and FMCG, to deliver innovative solutions. From our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, Labman’s multi-disciplinary teams design, build, and support systems used worldwide, enabling groundbreaking science in leading laboratories every day.
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