« All News & Opportunities

31st January 2025

Medical device from Bangor University and Caernarfon manufacturer “game-changer” in cancer research and diagnosis

A medical device being developed by Bangor University and a Caernarfon-based manufacturer could be a “game-changer” in the research and diagnosis of health conditions including cancer.

Bee Robotics, with the support of Bangor University, developed a prototype which purifies urine to leave a concentrated sample for biological analysis.

Spearheaded by coordinator Osborn Jones, the company worked with the University to analyse and evaluate the automated process. This was after successfully being awarded a Skills and Innovation Voucher (SIV), which was redeemable against academic support.

Companies in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Flintshire were offered an opportunity through the SIV scheme to collaborate through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Bee Robotics has specialised in the design and manufacturing of advanced liquid handling robotic services for more than 25 years.

Osborn Jones revealed they are very much in the “early stages” of their journey but thanked Edgar Hartsuiker, a senior lecturer in Biomedical Science at the North Wales School Cancer Research Unit and Fab Lab manager, John Story – both based at Bangor University – for their “innovation and guidance”

“We were able to get a much more reliable test by concentrating and purifying the urine samples,” said Jones.

“And what sets this apart from other sample analysis is automation, it means we can undertake the process much more quickly.”

“However, it was very important we understood the science behind the process, which is where the support we received from the University was critical.”

He added: “We will continue testing, will keep working on this and with the prototype we can take a sample and concentrate it, while reducing the number of inhibitors to allow more sensitive diagnostic tests.

“I have never seen anything like this with automation for analysis, there is no human interference at all, so it could be a game changer in diagnosing and researching different medical conditions.”

Having collaborated with Bee Robotics previously, John Story was pleased to help Osborn Jones with this latest invention.

“Osborn had identified a relatively recent and novel technique and wanted to explore it, so we created a machine that would allow him to pursue that idea,” he said.

“As a result, he has been able to demonstrate the value of the technique and is looking at where this could be applied, primarily in the health sector.”

“We were delighted to support him during this initial phase of development and are excited to see how the project evolves.”

“We also want to thank Osborn for the opportunity to collaborate and warmly invite other companies to explore working with the XLAB team.”

Edgar Hartsuike added: “This is a great example of a multidisciplinary collaboration between a local company and Bangor University, with the potential of improving the early detection of various diseases, making a real difference to peoples’ lives.”

Gwynedd Council supports the Skills and Innovation Voucher Scheme. The project has received £360,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and been extended until 31 March.

There were three types of vouchers available, redeemable in a range of areas including R&D, consultancy, skills and training, use of university facilities, use of specialist equipment, and access to knowledge: Midi: Up to £5,000 for five to eight days of support; Maxi: Up to £10,000 for 10 to 15 days of support, and Talent, with a value up to £5,000 for a 12 week graduate internship.