Automated Specimen Sorter Naturalis

Sample triage and sorting limits both the assessment of community composition and building of reference databases because it currently relies on labour-intensive work by skilled persons. In marine benthic monitoring this can result in up to two years delay between sampling and reporting. An approach integrating image recognition and, where needed, additional techniques (e.g. X-ray, hyperspectral imaging, UV imaging, etc.) will make this process more efficient and allow identification of specimens that cannot immediately be linked to vouchers in the reference database. This component will be able to process a complete range of sample types, including: passive open trap samples (terrestrial), attractant trap samples (terrestrial), soil cores, marine samples, and aquatic samples. The biological specimens in these samples are sorted by size or other physical features and quantified. The different fractions of the sample then enter the DNA sequencing component. For macro-organisms, image recognition tools are used to separate known from unknown specimens. Representatives of the latter then enter the DNA pipeline for identification, while another subset is added to the specimen collections. One automated specimen sorter, including the turnkey delivery of the system, and necessary supplies (e.g. flowcells), support, and maintenance for a period of 4-5 years and possibly longer.

38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)