Written by Noelle PeetersMarketing Manager

Breda, 17 January 2025
Cradle, a leading innovator in AI-driven protein design, has always embraced technology for advancing biological research. Their software platform empowers biologists todesign better proteins with the help of generative AI models that continuously learn from experimental results.  

Cradle validates its models by expressing, purifying, and testing hundreds of proteins each week in its wet lab in Amsterdam. Data generated from these experiments underpins the growing number of protein modalities and properties supported on the Cradle platform. Moreover, the lab team is committed to aiding the bioengineering community by sharing the protocols and methods they use to generate high-quality data for diverse proteins, ranging from antibodies to enzymes. 

Before adopting a new automated system, Cradle faced significant challenges in their protein purification workflow. Tedious and time-sensitive liquid handling steps, tightly coupled with incubation stages, posed challenges for obtaining results at scale. Recognizing the need for a robust solution, Cradle sought a partner who could deliver both cutting-edge technology and local support. LAB Services stood out as the ideal choice due to their long track record in building automation platforms and workcells, their competitive pricing, and their forward-thinking approach to incorporating autonomous mobile robots.

"This transformation has opened up new avenues for research that would have been impossible without automation" – Jack Cunha, Automation Engineer

The implementation process with LAB Services went smoothly, with development and testing of the initial workflow completed in just three weeks—matching Cradle’s expectations. Cradle’s careful validation process ensured the system met their needs: each component was tested side-by-side with its manual counterpart, and new assays were developed collaboratively with LAB Services experts.

The journey also involved valuable learning and adaptation. Even after challenges with shipping delays for critical consumables and a critical adjustment to a PlateButler device client, the Cradle’s team fully embraced the PlateButler platform, integrating it seamlessly into their processes. A key segment of their protein purification workflow is now fully automated and additional steps will soon be onboarded, unlocking new possibilities for ambitious experiments that would be infeasible if using manual methods. This transformation reflects their commitment to innovation and efficiency, driving exciting advancements in their research capabilities.

"We’ve been able to double our throughput without compromising quality" - Jack Cunha, Automation Engineer

The platform’s features have been a game-changer for Cradle. The PreciseFlex Robotic Arm equipped with the LAB Services PlateCruiser module quickly and reliably shuttles plates between devices, while thoughtful design of the system’s components allows seamless integration and maintenance. Key highlights include:
  • Turntables beneath the Spark plate reader and I.DOT dispenser, enabling effortless transitions between walkup and integrated use.
  • Modular devices like the BlueWasher and sealers that can be easily removed for maintenance and reinstalled without requiring recalibration.
  • A user-friendly interior corridor for safe maintenance and troubleshooting.
These innovations have translated into measurable improvements for Cradle. Ergonomic risks have been eliminated through automation of repetitive wash steps, and hands-on time in the lab time has been significantly reduced. The system’s efficiency was recently demonstrated when the team purified seven 96-well plates of protein in a single morning—a process that would have taken twice as long manually. The platform has also streamlined onboarding for new workflows, further enhancing productivity.

Feedback from Cradle’s team underscores the platform’s transformative impact. Scientists have been impressed by the productivity gains and are excited to scale up other challenging process steps. Looking to the future, Cradle plans to enhance the platform with additional devices, such as a bulk dispenser and a barcode printer, while providing feedback to improve the PlateButler software’s usability. They envision scientists using the platform to easily build flexible automated workflows for a diverse set of R&D projects, including producing foundational datasets to kickstart Cradle’s ML models.

Overall, Cradle is extremely satisfied with LAB Services’ expertise, support, and commitment to innovation. Quick responses to queries and regular site visits have made the partnership seamless. As their usage of the platform ramps up, Cradle anticipates sharing even more insights in the coming months, reaffirming their trust in LAB Services’ ability to deliver high-quality solutions that drive scientific progress.