720712PROTEUS & SLAB next generation life science robotics for a better quality of lifeClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKThere were 8.2m cancer related deaths globally in 2012(1), rates are increasing >50% by 2020(2) & there are ~300K people diagnosed with cancer in the UK PA, the ~3% mortality due to late diagnosis(3) is a major problem, equating to 10K preventable UK deaths/PA(4) Sara Hiom (Cancer Research UK) said: "We know the strain the NHS is already under & the number of people diagnosed with cancer is increasing - further investment is essential". Adding "Research would indicate we do fewer key diagnostic tests (KDT) in this country than comparable countries, but there are a lack of workforce,… a lack of kit, to do those tests,... this really does need to be addressed"(7) KDT’s also screen for numerous long term conditions (diabetes, depression, dementia, & hyper tension) which 25% (~15m) of the UK suffer from (=50% all GP consults, 70% hospital days) ~800m KDTs/PA = ~300k patient KDTs/day The fundamental issue affecting KDTs in the lab is cost: a small robot costs ~£15K for repetitious un-skilled tasks a further £15K is required for software + systems integration, making the £30K total purchase cost a real issue whilst valuable scientific talent carrying out these tasks is inefficient use of resources. As in any production process, automation offers the ability to increase efficiency, reliability, throughput & quality. Existing systems are typically over-engineered for their function Our focus is creating plug&play(P&P) hardware to automate KDT instruments & equipment & remove costly “on site” software & integration Peak analysis & Automation Ltd (PAA) has developed a concept with key innovations for new automation & integration system Our P&P set up is designed specifically to address the issues at <1/3 total cost (£9K) This system will revolutionise diagnostic testing labs in the UK & globally whilst offering the opportunity to increase the quality of (& save) life for up to 10K UK citizens