On Thursday, July 11, the Qubit Bot robotics team had the distinct pleasure of hosting a virtual outreach event with Eric Liu, Director of Product Management for drug products at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Organized by team member Kylie, this Zoom event provided invaluable insights into the pharmaceutical industry and practical advice for our upcoming FIRST FTC season.
Meet Eric Liu
Eric Liu has been with Thermo Fisher Scientific for nearly 24 years, contributing to significant projects such as the Human Genome Project and various roles in pharmaceutical discovery. Currently, he oversees sterile fill finish and oral solid dose services, ensuring the production of critical drugs and vaccines. Beyond his professional achievements, Eric enjoys traveling, gardening, motorcycling, fly fishing, and hiking.
Thermo Fisher Scientific: A Pillar of the Life Sciences
Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global leader in serving science, employing over 125,000 individuals and generating more than $40 billion in annual revenue. The company's diverse portfolio spans from industrial equipment to genetic analysis and clinical research. Eric expounded on how Thermo Fisher's work in the pharmaceutical sector ensures the development and production of life-saving drugs and therapies, emphasizing the critical nature of maintaining sterile environments in drug production. Some of Thermo Fisher’s incredible products include Covid vaccines, PCR tests, and cancer treatments.
Eric elaborated on his current responsibilities in the Pharmaceutical Services and Drug Product division, which generates around $3 billion annually. This division focuses on producing oral doses (tablets, capsules) and sterile non-oral drugs (liquid vials, pre-filled syringes). He explained the rigorous processes and advanced technologies used to maintain sterility in drug production, showcasing images of the sophisticated machinery at Thermo Fisher facilities.
Key Takeaways from Eric's Presentation
Innovation and Adaptability
Eric highlighted the importance of innovation and adaptability, especially in crisis situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. Thermo Fisher's rapid development of COVID-19 testing machinery exemplifies how swift innovation can mitigate global challenges. For the Qubit Bot, this underscores the necessity of staying ahead with emerging technologies and being adaptable in our strategies.
Versatility in Project Management
Managing both injectable and oral medications requires a deep understanding of diverse processes and stringent safety standards. Eric's versatility in handling different drug types showcases the value of cross-training and specialization within teams. For our robotics team, this means fostering an environment where members can develop skills in multiple areas, enhancing our overall capability.
Importance of Collaboration
Thermo Fisher's organizational structure, with specialized yet integrated divisions, demonstrates the power of collaboration towards common goals. This approach ensures efficiency and innovation across various sectors. Applying this to our team, we should encourage clear objectives within sub-teams while promoting close collaboration to achieve our collective goals.
Practical Advice for the Qubit Bot Team
AI and Machine Learning Integration
One of the significant challenges we discussed with Eric was incorporating AI and machine learning into our robot hardware and software. His insights into the rigorous standards and innovation at Thermo Fisher inspire us to pursue these technologies diligently. By setting high standards for our AI implementations and continually innovating, we can enhance our robot's performance.
Vinyl Wrapping for Customization
Eric introduced us to a cost-effective way to change our robot's color using vinyl wrap instead of printing new plastic parts. This method involves applying heat to the vinyl wrap to conform and stick to the robot's surface, offering an easy and economical solution for customization. This practical advice will help us maintain aesthetic flexibility without incurring high costs.
Applying These Learnings to the Upcoming FTC Season
The Qubit Bot team plans to apply these insights to enhance their preparations for the upcoming FTC season:
Incorporating AI and Machine Learning
The team can leverage the importance of innovation by integrating AI and machine learning into their robot’s hardware and software. This will involve exploring new technologies and techniques, similar to how Thermo Fisher innovates in drug manufacturing.
Enhancing Team Specialization
By encouraging team members to specialize in different aspects of robotics, such as programming, mechanical design, and automation, the team can achieve a higher level of expertise and efficiency.
Adapting Advanced Technologies
Learning from Thermo Fisher’s use of advanced machinery and sterile environments, the team can explore ways to incorporate cutting-edge technologies in their robot design and operations.
Expanding Outreach and Collaboration
Emulating Thermo Fisher’s comprehensive service offerings, the Qubit Bot team can expand their outreach and collaboration efforts with other robotics teams and industry experts.
Maintaining High Standards
Prioritizing quality and compliance in all aspects of their projects, from design to execution, will ensure that the team consistently produces reliable and high-performing robots.
Conclusion
The outreach event with Eric Liu from Thermo Fisher Scientific has armed us with valuable knowledge and strategies for our upcoming season. By emphasizing innovation, versatility, and collaboration, we can tackle the challenges of AI integration and enhance our robot's capabilities. Additionally, practical tips like vinyl wrapping for customization provide immediate benefits that improve our team's efficiency.
As we prepare for the new season, we are inspired by Thermo Fisher's commitment to excellence and Eric's invaluable insights. The lessons learned from this event will undoubtedly propel us toward greater success and innovation in the world of robotics.
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