Britain launches first terror-proof, high-security robotics lab to combat the subsequent pandemic
EXCLUSIVE: UK-first laboratory launched in Liverpool which is encased in steel and where robots have taken over the roles of scientists – and work 24/7
Air lock entrance system is the only way in and out of the steel encased lab
Britain’s first terror-resistant, high security robotic lab is being launched in Liverpool to help fight the next pandemic.
The £20million lab uses robots to take over most human tasks so scientists are removed from the danger area when testing hazardous new viruses and pathogens. It is also fitted with steel cladding and an air-lock entrance system so that it is secure against potential terror attacks as a key national bio-security asset.
Instead of scientists standing at benches pipetting liquids by hand, the category 3 lab uses robotic arms powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Because these robots do not need sleep they can test thousands of drug combinations and vaccine candidates 24/7, to make rapid discoveries against new diseases.
The Liverpool Accelerate Laboratory will also use organoids – human cells grown in the lab into miniature organs – to test how new treatments will react in the body as part of efforts to reduce the need for animal testing. It will grow a range of organoid models including cells of the liver, lung, tonsils and skin.
Professor Janet Hemingway, founding director of iiCON, said: “We’re so pleased to be marking the launch of this landmark facility. Research using human organoids is at the cutting-edge of infection research and development – moving drug discovery away from animal testing and offering new ways of shaping more targeted treatments to respond to some of our most challenging infections.”
The new facility builds on the UK’s capacity to quickly create vaccines and treatments for new or rapidly evolving pathogens which could cause the next global pandemic. It will invite in commercial partners including pharmaceutical companies to help develop new treatments at scale.
Lab staff managing the AI system are only required to wear PPE rather than full hazmat suits because pathogens are behind glass screens in a sealed system accessible instead by robots.
It incorporates a sealed system and is kept under negative pressure so air flows inwards, preventing airborne pathogens from escaping.
Built at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), it is a high-security, steel-clad facility built to comply with changes in the Terrorism Act so it is considered a key UK biosecurity asset. It will be run by the Infection Innovation Consortium (iiCON).
Professor Giancarlo Biagini, Pro-Vice Chancellor for research at LSTM, said: “The Liverpool Accelerate Laboratory is an advanced facility that builds on years of pioneering organoid research. It harnesses the potential held by this exciting technology to accelerate the development of advanced human infection models for emerging and high consequence diseases.”
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, said: “We’re bringing together AI, robotics and world-class research into one place, which means we can develop new drugs and vaccines faster, save lives and reduce the need for animal testing.”
