In modern laboratories as well as in biotechnology plants, robots, sensors, and automated systems have become essential for executing experimental protocols, controlling processes, and managing production data.
The Automation in Development and Production module enables students to understand how these technologies are used both in laboratories and in industrial environments.
During this module, students discover the fundamental principles of automation and learn how automated systems can be used to execute and control experimental tasks or production processes. In particular, they explore the concept of a workcell, an automated workstation capable of performing a sequence of operations within a laboratory or production environment.
Industrial automation relies on control systems capable of communicating with sensors, actuators, and machines. In this context, students become familiar with the principles of programmable logic controller (PLC) programming as well as with different communication protocols used in industry, such as IO-Link, Modbus, and EtherCAT.
The course also addresses data management and the creation of user interfaces through visual programming tools such as Node-RED. Students therefore learn how to develop simple data acquisition and visualization systems for automated environments.
As part of the practical work, they apply these concepts by configuring and controlling a robot used to automate experimental tasks, allowing them to connect programming, data acquisition, and equipment automation.
The module also includes a mini-project in which students put the concepts studied into practice. This project is inspired by Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles used in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly Annex 11, which concerns the development of computerized systems in regulated environments.
This approach allows students to become familiar with the requirements and working methods used in the Life Sciences industry.
By combining automation, modeling, and artificial intelligence, the Digital Life Sciences program prepares students for the technologies currently transforming life sciences industries.
Understanding how to automate a biological protocol, connect equipment, or design intelligent production systems provides key skills for Industry 4.0 engineers in the Life Sciences sector.
Through this type of practical module, students develop a comprehensive understanding of automated systems, enabling them to connect life sciences, data, and engineering at the heart of modern industrial processes.
Discover the Digital Life Sciences study plan here.