Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Hugo Caserotto is a leading figure in the automation of macromolecular crystallography (MX), a field critical for determining the 3D structures of proteins. His research focuses on the engineering and robotics that enable high-throughput structural biology experiments. Caserotto’s most significant contribution is the development of the SPINE standard sample holder, detailed in his highly cited 2006 paper (111 citations). This standardized vial and clip design became the de facto industry norm, allowing robotic sample changers to reliably handle cryocooled crystals across different synchrotron beamlines worldwide. He further advanced the field with the "RoboDiff" system (2016, 44 citations), a groundbreaking device that integrates a sample changer directly into the goniometer. This innovation eliminates the need for a separate robot arm, dramatically increasing the speed and reliability of automated data collection. By solving the critical engineering challenge of sample mounting, Caserotto’s work has enabled the high-throughput pipelines essential for modern structural biology, drug discovery, and our understanding of complex biological mechanisms.