From Dream to Reality: The Journey of Automated ICSI

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From Dream to Reality: The Journey of Automated ICSI

As a co-founder of Overture, I am thrilled to share a transformative milestone in the world of reproductive technology. In the spring of 2022, our team in Barcelona transported the innovative sperm-injecting robot we designed to New York City’s New Hope Fertility Center. We reassembled the intricate system—a microscope, a mechanized needle, a tiny petri dish, and a laptop—and prepared for a groundbreaking experiment.

One of our engineers, without any background in fertility medicine, used a Sony PlayStation 5 controller to position the robotic needle. Guided by a camera, the robot moved forward on its own, delicately penetrating a human egg and depositing a single sperm cell. This robotic procedure successfully fertilized over a dozen eggs, resulting in healthy embryos and ultimately leading to the birth of two baby girls—the first individuals conceived through “robotic” fertilization.

Our robot represents a significant step toward automating in vitro fertilization (IVF), with the potential to make the procedure more affordable and accessible while reducing variables from operator errors. Currently, IVF labs rely on highly skilled embryologists, who handle delicate tasks with ultra-thin needles under a microscope. These professionals earn upwards of $125,000 annually, contributing to the high cost of IVF.

I envision a future where these processes are automated. We’ve filed a patent application for a “biochip” that could transform IVF labs into miniaturized, automated systems. Imagine a device where sperm and eggs enter, and an embryo emerges five days later. I sincerely believe that this approach could eliminate the need for specialized clinics, significantly reducing costs and increasing accessibility.

The goal of automating IVF is straightforward: to create more babies. Currently, around 500,000 children are born through IVF each year across the world. However, many who need fertility assistance are unable to access or afford it. A critical question to be asked here is, “How do we go from half a million babies a year to 30 million?” This can’t be achieved if each lab operates like a bespoke, artisanal kitchen.

While fully automated IVF systems are still on the horizon, in the near future even partial automation can reduce costs and pave the way for further innovations.

There is some skepticism about replacing human embryologists with robots. The delicate nature of the procedure currently benefits from human touch and precision. However, we are confident that by reducing manual intervention, we can start precisely measuring and fine-tuning procedures, potentially increasing success rates and making IVF more widely available.

I believe that we can push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our work is not just about making IVF cheaper; it’s about transforming the entire process. I foresee an evolution in the role of the embryologist, shifting from a technician to a data scientist.

Moreover, Sama is uniquely poised to provide a global view of the entire IVF process, beyond the confines of the IVF lab. Sama is able to garner a comprehensive perspective on various stakeholders and variables, including IVF treatment protocols, patient health, and patient response. With access to extensive patient records, in-cycle ultrasound reports, bloodwork reports, genetics of the embryo, and the intended parent, Sama has an unparalleled understanding of the complete IVF journey. This holistic approach allows us to integrate and optimize all aspects of fertility treatment, further enhancing our ability to deliver successful outcomes.

Looking ahead, automation could even support advancements in genome editing and artificial wombs. While we have no current plans to modify the genetic makeup of children, the capability exists. Fertility machines could evolve to gestate children in scientific centers or even be sent on interstellar journeys to populate distant planets.

Our journey has just begun, and we’re excited to see where this path leads us and the countless families we aim to help.