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Thermo Fisher Scientific, Artificial Partner on COVID-19 Testing Platform Automation

NEW YORK – Thermo Fisher Scientific and automation software developer Artificial said on Tuesday that they are collaborating to develop an integrated and comprehensive software automation platform for Thermo Fisher's COVID-19 testing platform, enabling higher throughput and support of global healthcare initiatives.

Under the collaboration, Artificial will provide access to its aLab Suite software, which integrates with the Thermo Scientific Momentum Workflow software and robotics hardware. Specifically, the aLab Suite software enables dynamic scheduling of protocol runs with batch optimization, coordinates manual system setup steps associated with process execution of Momentum, and guides lab technicians on loading system consumables.

"This collaboration enables biopharma and contract services companies to both simplify their lab technicians' interactions with automated systems and more efficiently coordinate the use of their multiple Momentum automated systems, increasing productivity and minimizing user intervention to meet industry needs," said Hansjoerg Haas, Thermo Fisher's senior director and general manager of laboratory automation, in a statement.

Financial and other terms of the collaboration were not disclosed. Thermo Fisher said it will provide feedback to Artificial on aLab Suite functionalities and capabilities to inform future product development.

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