PinGe Intelligence Launches Ultra-Flexible Robotic Experimental Platform to Revolutionize Smart Laboratories
Innovation is the inexhaustible driving force for industry development.
In late November, the 2023 Future Healthcare Technology Conference kicked off in Hefei. The event not only invited numerous renowned academic experts and professors, such as Mr. Guang-Zhong Yang, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK) and Chief Scientist at the Medical Robotics Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Mr. Mingjun Zhang, Tenured Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Tsinghua University, but also saw the attendance of representatives from leading robotics companies, including Aibo Medical and RainMed Medical. With a strong focus on innovation, the conference established multiple thematic forums to discuss key issues in various specialized fields, such as intelligent medical devices, gene sequencing, biotechnology and intelligent manufacturing, generative AI, neurosurgery, and cardiac surgery.
Meanwhile, a series of innovative technological products and solutions also made their debut at the conference. For example, as an early mover in the smart laboratory sector, during the event,Guangxi Character Zhizao Unveils World’s First Ultra-Flexible Robotic Laboratory Platform for Lab Users. Based on an innovative ultra-flexible robotic experimental platform, Character Zhizao aims to make flexible experimentation possible. VCBeat took this opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with Liang Zhihong, Founder and CEO of Character Zhizao.
VCBeat has learned that the ultra-flexible robotic experimental platform recently launched by Character Zhizao is designed to provide researchers with a versatile platform capable of seamlessly switching between various types of experiments.
This product positioning stems from observations by Character Zhizao that experimental research and testing differ from clinical practice: the former demands flexibility in experimentation, while the latter requires standardization and high-throughput capabilities. However, existing laboratory instruments tend to focus on single-function modules categorized by process or workflow—such as sample pre-treatment, liquid handling, and solid weighing—or on fixed-workflow “work islands.” In other words, laboratory workflows still require personnel to manage handoffs between steps and switch among different instruments.
In response, Character Zhizao has launched an ultra-flexible robotic experimental platform for laboratories to fully meet their needs.
First, the Character Zhizao ultra-flexible robotic experimental platform allows experimenters to freely select and combine multiple modules.Flexibly perform liquid dispensing, solid weighing, plate streaking, colony picking, and more., to meet the diverse experimental needs of researchers.
Secondly, on the one hand, addressing the issue of the various types of labware, containers, and consumables involved in the experiments,Character Zhizao’s ultra-flexible robot end-effector is equipped with a flexible gripper, which can adaptively grasp target objects, freeing conventional instruments from the constraints of requiring precise dimensions of the targets, thereby significantly enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency; on the other hand,Based on AI Recognition Technology with Machine Vision, enabling autonomous identification, positioning, and experimentation for various types of labware and consumables; researchers can even place experimental vessels and consumables flexibly. Furthermore, the integration of additional automation modules allows for flexible expansion of both the consumable and sample storage areas.
Again, based onInnovative Magnetic Levitation Flying Saucer SystemThe ultra-flexible robotic experimental platform by Character Zhizao can achieve complex movements in a minimalist manner while maintaining a clean work surface. It flexibly handles the scheduling of complex tasks such as overtaking, position swapping, obstacle avoidance, and priority queuing, offering a breakthrough solution for high-throughput screening and formulation preparation in complex combinatorial experiments.
The ultra-flexible robot experimental platform by Character Zhizao also features high usability, with a clear and concise graphical user interface that significantly lowers the barrier to entry. The control software alsoResearchers are empowered to customize workflows and experimental combinations, adjust task priorities at any time, and retain full control over flexible experimentation. Experimental processes can be monitored in real time., when experimental results exceed specifications or fail to meet standards, the platform automatically issues alerts, allowing researchers to manage experiments remotely.
Finally, the ultra-flexible robotic experimental platform achieves an extremely streamlined design, with all functionalities integrated within a workbench area of less than one square meter.
“We have conducted research on smart laboratory products both domestically and internationally and have not found any similar offerings. This is our Chinese solution for the smart laboratory sector,” said Liang Zhihong. “Since the initial product launch, we have received procurement inquiries from enterprises and universities, and we anticipate imminent implementation within affiliated institutions. Moving forward,”Character Zhizao will continue to expand its functional modules and enhance the system to accommodate a wider variety of more flexible experiments.”
Undoubtedly, the launch of the ultra-flexible robotic experimental platform marks a significant milestone in the development of Character Zhizao.
Behind this innovation lies a team with composite technical capabilities and differentiated thinking, providing robust support.
According to Liang Zhihong, the predecessor of the Character Zhizao team was one of the earliest teams in China to venture into robotics and intelligent manufacturing.As the core backbone team for intelligent robotics at a publicly listed company, this team has led the R&D of parallel robots and mobile robots, as well as benchmark demonstration projects for smart manufacturing. Over 95% of its members possess more than eight years of R&D experience.The team has repeatedly established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for industries lacking standardized processes, leveraging technologies such as robotic automation, and has accumulated extensive industry experience in addressing sector-specific challenges. Meanwhile, the team also possesses capabilities in digitalization and artificial intelligence.Ranked among the Top 30 Nationwide in the First KingMed AI Medical Laboratory Testing Competition. and has appointed medical advisors and expert members during its gradual expansion,such as Zhu Min, a postdoctoral fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States.
A team with a composite background, combined with unique insights into the industry, has enabled Character Zhizao to propose“Make Change Happen, Let Change Drive Change”“The smart laboratory sector remains in a nascent, chaotic phase, with industry participants actively exploring products, business models, and operational strategies; there are no established norms or immutable rules to follow.”Although certain current constraints still bind the industry, as long as the direction is correct, we should look further ahead and initiate change first. Change will spur further transformation, ultimately driving industry development.“Liang Zhihong said so.
Meanwhile, the series of products launched by Character Zhizao are all centered around differentiation.
Currently, the smart laboratory is on the eve of a market explosion. Technological advancements and the need for cost reduction in institutions such as drug R&D organizations are driving the rapid development of smart laboratories.
Nevertheless, it is undeniable that the industry remains in a phase of gradual growth. Laboratories continue to face certain challenges in areas such as data interoperability and the stability of experimental precision. However, with domestic manufacturers’ innovative explorations of business models (such as data-paid services) and improvements in process technology, these issues are expected to be resolved in the future. Among these factors, a particularly critical element may still be the shift in mindset and perception among researchers.Currently, researchers tend to favor established products and equipment to ensure experimental results, remaining relatively conservative in their acceptance of innovative technologies. “Driving change by leveraging new technologies, new products, and new approaches allows laboratory personnel to tangibly experience the benefits. Impressing customers with the advancements of domestic brands will foster industry acceptance of new products, thereby gradually achieving a win-win scenario characterized by enhanced experimental convenience and the rise of domestically produced equipment.”Mentioned by Liang Zhihong.
Guangxi Character Zhizao remains optimistic about the development of smart laboratories. Liang Zhihong pointed out that it is precisely in the early stages of industry development that innovative enterprises are presented with significant opportunities. “Periods of industry uncertainty represent opportunities for innovative companies. Those capable of making non-consensus yet correct decisions and providing differentiated products to meet unmet market demands hold the key to the growth of small enterprises.” Therefore,In the field of smart laboratories, while most companies choose to optimize processes and reduce manual operations, Character Zhizao has focused on building a flexible platform to comprehensively address the current pain points and challenges faced by laboratories.“Ultimately, the two technological pathways may coexist in parallel, with customers selecting different products based on their specific needs,” pointed out Liang Zhihong. “Moreover, beyond divergent technical approaches, smart laboratories may also see innovation in operational models—for instance, by establishing shared laboratory platforms, or even adopting a ‘scientist + AI + robotics’ experimental paradigm.”
Currently, companies like Character Zhizao, which bring fresh insights and innovative products to emerging sectors, have also attracted the attention of multiple investment firms. VCBeat will continue to monitor this trend.
“Making laboratories truly ‘smart’ and establishing a new model of smart experimentation—this is the goal of Character Zhizao.” This is the answer from Character Zhizao.