Automated Cell

Automated Cell, Inc. (also known as Automated Cell Technology) was a life sciences company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specialized in the development of automated cell biology tools and drug discovery services. Founded in 1998 by Raymond K. Houck and Dr. Paul DiMilla, the company developed proprietary high-throughput imaging systems, such as the Live Automated Cell Imager (LACI), to monitor cell motility, proliferation, and morphology in real-time. Automated Cell utilized these tools to advance its own internal pipeline of monoclonal antibody therapeutics, with a primary focus on treating cancers like melanoma. The company's technology aimed to improve the productivity of therapeutic development by providing precise, automated analysis of cellular behavior. While the company was a pioneer in integrating robotics with cell biology, its primary operations transitioned as its leadership moved to other ventures in the mid-2000s.