AIPLAK: Intelligent Platform for the Incubation and Digitalization of Microbiological Cultures

AIPLAK (Smart Culture) is a strategic initiative focused on the development of a new generation of intelligent incubation systems for clinical microbiology laboratories, combining automation, advanced imaging, and artificial intelligence to optimize incubation processes and microbiological interpretation.

The project addresses critical technologies aimed at enabling more efficient, digitalized, and scalable laboratories through the integration of automated incubation, continuous microbial growth monitoring, and advanced image analysis support algorithms. These capabilities enable dynamic sample organization and prioritization, reduce routine review tasks, and provide laboratory personnel with actionable real-time information.

In addition, AIPLAK places particular emphasis on the standardization of microbiological processes and the improvement of laboratory productivity, facilitating a more efficient use of available human and technological resources.

AIPLAK is aligned with global trends in automation and digital transformation in clinical microbiology,contributing to the development of more connected, efficient laboratories that are better prepared to address the continuously growing diagnostic demand.

Project Objectives and Scope

Development of an intelligent microbiology incubation platform based on digital image acquisition.

Implementation of continuous monitoring systems for tracking culture evolution throughout incubation.

Development of artificial intelligence algorithms for sample classification and prioritization.

Early detection of microbial growth through automated image analysis.

Optimization of incubation, review, and technical interpretation times.

Improvement of productivity and operational efficiency in clinical microbiology laboratories.

Sener’s Participation in the Project

AIPLAK's contribution is built around three key technological pillars that are essential for the intelligent automation of the microbiology workflow.

Advanced Incubation and Imaging System

AIPLAK integrates controlled incubation and automated microbiological image acquisition into a single platform. The system generates high-quality visual information throughout the entire incubation process, providing complete traceability and continuous monitoring of every sample.

Continuous Growth Monitoring

The platform continuously tracks culture evolution through sequential image acquisitions. This capability enables the early detection of microbial growth and alerts users so they can take action sooner on samples that require attention.

Artificial Intelligence Applied to the Microbiology Workflow

AIPLAK's algorithms automatically sort images acquired during incubation to classify and organize samples according to their microbiological behavior. This functionality facilitates technical review, simplifies decision-making, and optimizes daily laboratory operations.

Through its development, AIPLAK contributes to transforming traditional microbiological incubation into a digital, connected, and intelligent process, driving new levels of productivity, traceability, and automation in the clinical laboratory.

Advantages and Strategic Contribution

Comprehensive digitalization of the microbiological incubation process.

Intelligent sample prioritization based on culture evolution during incubation.

Early microbial growth detection through continuous monitoring.

Reduction of workload associated with routine review activities.

Acceleration of automation and standardization within clinical microbiology laboratories.

Project Development

The AIPLAK project is being developed entirely by Sener, leveraging its extensive expertise in laboratory automation, machine vision, artificial intelligence, and the development of advanced solutions for clinical microbiology. This capability enables the integration of all the multidisciplinary knowledge required to adress every stage of the project, from technology design and development to validation and preparation for industrial deployment.

Project Funding

The AIPLAK (Smart Culture) project receives public funding through the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology and Innovation (CDTI) and the European Union – NextGenerationEU, within the framework of strategic R+D+I support programs.

This funding supports the development of critical technologies for the field of laboratory automation. Project Reference No. EXP 00150094 / IDI-20230088.