On October 3, 2026, the CAPCell team participated in the Engineering Community Summit (ECoS) at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM), bringing a practical example of AI-driven cell manufacturing to the engineering community.
CAPCell student Emma Montaner presented a demonstration showing how YOLO, an AI model for object detection, can be used to detect cells growing in a bioreactor. By connecting images from a biological process with computer vision, the demonstration made a central CAPCell research question tangible: how can AI help researchers observe and understand a cell culture?
Connecting AI with cell manufacturing
The demonstration introduced attendees to the connection between image analysis and bioprocess monitoring. Detecting cells in bioreactor imagery is one example of how visual data can support the study of a growing culture and contribute to the development of AI-assisted monitoring tools.
This work connects with CAPCell’s research in sensing, computer vision, data fusion, and intelligent biomanufacturing. It also shows how computing and bioengineering can address a shared research challenge, giving students a concrete application for skills in programming, data preparation, and machine learning.
Research as an outreach experience
CAPCell’s participation at ECoS connects directly with the center’s education and outreach activities. The event’s program for future engineering students included “AI for Improved Cell Manufacturing,” creating an opportunity to introduce emerging engineers to research at the intersection of AI and biotechnology.
Student-led demonstrations such as Emma’s help make that research accessible. They give participants an example to discuss, connect classroom concepts with laboratory questions, and introduce pathways into interdisciplinary research. Presenting the work also gives CAPCell students an opportunity to practice explaining technical ideas to a broader audience.
CAPCell faculty Dr. Heidy Sierra and Dr. Emmanuel Arzuaga also participated in the event. Together, the team’s involvement reflects CAPCell’s commitment to sharing its research and helping build Puerto Rico’s future workforce in AI and cell manufacturing.
Learn more about the Engineering Community Summit, explore CAPCell’s research, or visit our education and workforce activities.