Background

For cultivated meat to be available on a commercial level, processes at both the lab experimentation stage and production stages need to be automated for maximum efficiency to feed consumers. Simulation in the form of computer modeling or small-scale modeling are necessary to simulate the possible model of this process.

Research focus areas:

• Automation (lab stage) - robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will be required to develop automated experimentation systems including robotic lab equipment and data programs. This will allow faster processing of things such as media delivery and growth assessment of cell cultures. It can also help with food characterisation assays (assessing multiple samples at once).

• Automation (production stage) – the same tools also need to be developed for bioreactors during the larger scale production stage. Specifically, this would include designing automated sensing mechanisms and adjustments for media delivery, waste removal and maintaining correct pH, temperature and oxygen levels, etc.

• Simulation – AI and machine learning can also assist with computational simulation and miniature modelling needed for many things such as predicting metabolic pathways and rates of cell growth, nutrient utilisation, waste production and media flow, etc.