Russian Scientists Unveil AI‑Powered “Smart” Microorganism Counter
In a breakthrough for microbiology and pharmaceutical research, Moscow’s NPP Itelma has launched the world’s first automated colony counter that leverages artificial intelligence to accelerate drug development and enhance analytical precision
Automating Microbial Colony Counting
Moscow’s inaugural AI‑driven colony counter, developed by NPP Itelma—one of Russia’s leading electronic systems manufacturers—has already been deployed in specialized laboratories across the capital and regional research centers. This device replaces time‑consuming manual counting with a fully automated workflow, effectively eliminating human error and dramatically shortening analysis cycles.
By seamlessly integrating hardware and software design on its Moscow campus—from initial concept and prototyping through to assembly and rigorous testing—Itelma underscores Russia’s self‑sufficiency in high‑tech instrumentation for science and medicine.
Advanced AI‑Enabled Illumination System
At the heart of the counter lies an innovative lighting array that allows real‑time adjustment of illumination parameters to suit diverse biological samples. The AI module automatically recognizes both the type of growth medium and the morphology of microbial colonies, adapting exposure and focus to ensure consistent, high‑resolution imaging.
Driving Innovation and Healthcare Benefits
Analytically, this “smart” counter not only generates reproducible data sets but also feeds continuous performance metrics back into an evolving AI algorithm—paving the way for predictive analytics in microbial behavior. For researchers, that means deeper insights into growth kinetics and antibiotic susceptibility profiles, accelerating decision‑making in drug discovery pipelines.
Ultimately, healthcare providers and patients stand to benefit from faster turnaround times on new treatments, reduced research costs, and more reliable test results. By reducing reliance on imported equipment, Russia’s homegrown solution positions the country as a contender in the global biotech instrumentation market, while delivering tangible advantages to public health initiatives worldwide.
