How new cryo tech for eggs and embryos is transforming fertility labs

Labman partners with TMRW on a cutting-edge IVF specimen storage and retrieval system.

Image Credit: Labman

Challenge

Conventional IVF specimens, such as eggs and sperm, are frequently mishandled, tracked inefficiently, or maintained under suboptimal conditions. Improving the management of these vital samples is a central goal of TMRW’s mission.

Solution

To address these challenges, TMRW partnered with Labman to engineer a tool capable of storing and tracking IVF samples in an innovative form factor suitable for global installation. The CryoRobot Select integrates biometric scan technology, a custom-made cryogenic storage tank, and sophisticated sample-tracking capabilities.

Results

Aligned with and approved by the FDA, multiple ISO standards, and the EU’s GDPR laws, the CE-marked device now plays an essential role in TMRW’s product pipeline.

Through the TMRW system, embryologists can monitor every individual sample worldwide using unique RFID technology at the sample level, enabling a safe, efficient, and marketable solution that is demonstrable, reinforcing confidence among customers using TMRW’s services.

The technology reduced sample storage time by 48 % and sample retrieval time by 62 %.

In the rapidly evolving field of biotechnology, advancing human life remains paramount, and TMRW Life Sciences is pioneering a transformative future for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

TMRW’s objective is to improve the management of these life-critical samples by tackling the addressed problems associated with IVF, and the CryoRobot Select developed in collaboration with Labman has laid the groundwork for a cutting-edge transformation.

An innovator in reproductive health, TMRW Life Sciences aims to introduce contemporary technology into IVF laboratories. Its goal is to support embryologists to securely store and retrieve specimens under temperature-controlled conditions. To realize this vision, they turned to Labman, a company widely recognized for its expertise in engineering advanced automation solutions.

The CryoRobot Select, the result of this collaboration, is a system that seamlessly integrates biometric-scan technology, a tailored cryogenic storage tank, and sophisticated sample tracking capabilities. This system represents a significant advancement in reproductive health technology.

Replacing our first automation product with the CryoRobot Select should allow us to continue to expand into further clinics and markets, with a smaller footprint, less cycle time, and less handling required by the users.

Alex Hultgren, Principal Device Engineer, TMRW

The CryoRobot Select provides significant advantages for embryologists using the TMRW system, enabling global tracking of every individual sample through unique RFID technology at the sample level. This innovation guarantees that each sample is stored under optimal conditions and handled with exceptional care. Testing and verification provide reassurance that eggs and embryos in TMRW’s storage systems are safe and secure.

We have introduced RFID technology to the embryology clinic in the form of Labware. The challenge was to develop an automation system that picked/placed labware [according to the embryologists requirements]. This all needed to be done based on a risk-based development process, ensuring both the customer and the specimen are safe throughout the storing/retrieving processes.

Alex Hultgren

Image Credit: Labman

A combination of Labman’s expertise and TMRW’s commitment to advancing IVF, the CryoRobot Select exemplifies the power of innovation. This system stands as a product of vision, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to shaping the future of reproductive health.

In a world where every sample is precious, the CryoRobot Select ensures that no aspect of IVF is left to chance, establishing a new benchmark for the industry.

Having a partner like Labman in the development (and production) of automation systems has been a very collaborative working process. Overall, I have been very happy with how agile, solutions-oriented, and technically competent they have been. It speaks for itself that with our latest development project, as technical lead I encouraged the company to bring Labman on as our development partner again.

Alex Hultgren

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.

Video Credit: Labman 

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