Research on Automated Optimization of Cell Manufacturing Protocols for Regenerative Medicine Using Our AI Published in eLife

Epistra Inc., as part of a joint research group with RIKEN and Robotic Biology Institute Inc., has developed a robot-AI system that autonomously conducts trial-and-error exploration of cell culture conditions, and has successfully improved cell culture protocols used in regenerative medicine.

Research Overview

In this research, we conducted proof-of-concept experiments for automated protocol optimization by combining a robot capable of high-precision life science experimental operations with our artificial intelligence software “Epistra Accelerate.” Through three rounds of experiments (144 conditions) conducted over six months, we achieved the highest evaluation score to date (91%).

Results

The research results demonstrate that robotic and AI-driven exploration alone, without expert intervention, can identify conditions that produce results of quality equivalent to those achieved by experts, proving the feasibility of autonomous experimentation in the field of cell culture.