TCI Engineering

Project Overview

TCI Engineering developed with UNIL University of Lausanne an automated system for loading and unloading a washing tunnel dedicated to laboratory mouse cages. The project spanned the entire lifecycle from technical studies and procurement to manufacturing, installation, testing, and commissioning. The solution was designed to meet stringent environmental, safety, and operational standards while seamlessly integrating into existing workflows.

The primary goal was to enhance UNIL’s operational efficiency by delivering a reliable and fully automated system capable of handling both cages and their covers. The system needed to streamline the cleaning workflow, ensure user-friendly operation, and comply with the highest benchmarks for sustainability, safety, and technical performance.

Final Solution

Thorough testing and commissioning were carried out to validate the system’s performance, safety, and seamless integration with existing infrastructure. The software architecture unified all subsystems, enabling synchronized operations and real-time performance monitoring.

Spanning seven months, the project commenced with detailed thermal, electrical, and mechanical planning, underpinned by a comprehensive risk assessment. The engineering phase systematically addressed operational constraints, including daily cage throughput and material handling requirements.

During manufacturing, TCI developed a robust automation system using premium components that met international standards. Installation involved meticulous calibration and integration, ensuring minimal disruption to UNIL’s ongoing operations and delivering optimal system performance.

Final Result

The final system delivered significant improvements in both workflow and compliance :

This project illustrates how TCI Engineering combines custom automation expertise with a deep understanding of client-specific operational environments.