There are over 1,000 biopharma companies in New England, and the life sciences industry is a top contributor to the New England economy, with year-over-year employment growth for the past 16 years. What does this mean for your educational institution? You can contribute to the employment growth by providing a qualified talent pipeline to local companies in this sector. Check out this list of New England BioPharma companies to see which companies are close to your school or university.
Although slower to adapt than other industries, biopharma companies are accelerating their adaption of automation and industry 4.0. They are applying industry 4.0 skills and technology to various laboratory automation processes. Here are some of those processes, along with examples of how life sciences companies are using Festo Automation technology:
Sample Handling
Synchron Lab Automation automates the collection of DNA from shredded plant material to help with plant breeding in the agricultural industry. With automation, they can collect 40,000 DNA samples per day.
Anton Paar, a laboratory equipment manufacturer, uses automation to save time and guarantee error-free analyses. Their Modular Sample Processor prepares samples that are then tested for specific properties.
Gas Handling
Modern valve technology helps regulate the control of medical gases and fluids. Musashi Medical Laboratory uses this technology to create a compact and convenient mobile oxygen system for people with chronic COPD who suffer from shortness of breath.
Liquid Handling
Companies use high-precision dispensing and positioning technology to handle liquids for medical and hospital environments. B. Braun Melsugen, a solutions supplier for the healthcare market, uses a range of machines and systems, from mixing systems to filling machines, sterilizers, inspection machines, and packaging machines, that are operated with pneumatic automation solutions.
Industry 4.0 skills are at the foundation of the automated processes and technology life sciences companies are using. You can teach your students these in-demand skills through the Festo Industry 4.0 Certification Program to support life sciences and many other industries in New England.
Want to learn more about how you can train your students in Industry 4.0 skills relevant to local life sciences companies? Contact us!
