JOIN USThe device, jointly developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd and National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, is expected to be used in the future to culture induced pluripotent stem cells, which can develop into any type of body tissue.
Cell culture has been one of the major barriers to the spread of regenerative medicine as it requires a time- consuming process.
At present, experienced technicians need to take care of each person's cells manually to prevent the incorporation of cells of other people.
The new device -- around 4 meters in width, 2 meters in height and 2 meters in depth -- has two arm robots that can reproduce the movements of veteran technicians and makes it possible for the cells of several people to be cultured automatically and consecutively, Kawasaki officials said.
The price of the device is expected to top USD 1.07 million, they said.
"It's the world's most advanced device," a company official added.