Revio is a gene sequencing machine used for human genetic analysis, cancer research, agricultural genomics, and more. It performs genetic diagnostic tests including revealing underlying genetic disease, understanding cancer's complex genomic structure, and characterizing infectious viruses, microbes, and rare diseases. Revio sequences 1,500 whole human genomes per year for less than $1,000 per genome, a true innovation.

Revio is an all-in-one laboratory machine that includes an interior test chamber that the user interfaces with. The chamber contains genetic material sample cell trays, a robotic arm, and a waste bin. The test chamber is light-tight, and temperature controlled. Its access door automatically slides down to access the interior work deck. Two user interface displays (interior and exterior) indicate set-up, status, and results.

THE CHALLENGE:

Analyzing a complete human genome is a complex biological feat. It requires very specific chemistry and electronics working together in a carefully choreographed process. Our challenge was to incorporate these advanced technologies, components, and process steps into one machine. It needed to be highly effective, easy to use, as small as possible, and attractive so PacBio could express its brand values.

THE SOLUTION:

The result is Revio, the most advanced genetic testing product in the world, now considered the new gold standard in genetic science. Revio has the highest sample throughput and accuracy, the greatest resolution, a fault-tolerant user interface, and it offers universal access to all user types.

Revio represents a sea change in this category in many ways, including being fifteen times more powerful than any previous product. Every feature of the design is aimed at enhancing or supporting this remarkably powerful technology inside. The operational sequence has been simplified and optimized with a sleek new dual-screen User Interface. Access to the internal work deck is maximized via a large front sliding door which exposes a neatly organized sample work deck.

In contrast to the machine's technological complexity, we made it incredibly simple for the user, which reduces mistakes and increases throughput. Users approach the machine, input a test on the external touchscreen, lower the door with a button push, load samples, use the internal touchscreen as needed, raise door, then check progress via an external light beacon which is visible from across the lab.

Revio represents the very cutting-edge of life science technology. It is presently in laboratories doing critical genetic discovery, which contributes directly to quality of life.

HUMAN FACTORS:

Revio benefits the user in many ways - primarily performance (more accurate results and more information in the result), throughput (ease of access, speed, and ability to run 4 simultaneous tests), comfortable human factors, small footprint size, and lower cost per test. It offers integrated end-to-end workflow, from sample set-up to results, which users love.

The physical work deck has been designed around the user, where ergonomic optimization allows for easy access to the SMRT Cells, reagents, and disposables. The SMRT cells and trays, which hold the key to Revio's advantages, have been designed and engineered for simple, intuitive, and delightful interactions. They are logically organized which makes it easy to remember their placement and they are shaped for easy grab.The wide door gives users maximum visibility and access to the work deck. The door always remains flush during its travel up and down, so it never gets in the way. The door action and tactile feel is nothing less than perfect.

USER INTERFACE:

The two touchscreen interfaces provide complete control over the run cycle as well as real-time monitoring and data management across multiple instruments and remote desktops. The navigation and information architecture of the User Interface has been highly refined with the goal of providing a seamless and intuitive machine operation. Elements of operation have been grouped in logical categories and workflow timing cues have been optimized too. The digital UI is also aesthetically pleasing and consistent throughout, which helps to guide intuitive operation of the machine.

FORM & COLOR:

The most efficient layout of the internal components resulted in a big boxy shape, but to make the cubic form exciting and proportional we divided it into three vertical color "blocks". This instantly made it distinctive and utterly modern. We then colored each of the three blocks in progressive shades of gray, inspired by a genetic sequence map where you see genes in shades of gray. The bold architectural form and color treatment instantly communicate sophistication, competence, and precision - exactly what the PacBio brand stands for.

DESIGN DETAILS:

Every detail of Revio had to be perfect, especially considering its high performance and high cost. The sliding door is one sheet of back-painted Gorilla glass, and the upper right corner of the door has a touchscreen display. The characters on the display appear to float on the large black door since all characters are white, and the display black background matches the black glass door. The bottom ventilation grill is made with a woven wire which was inspired by a Bugatti performance car grill.

FIT & FINISH:

Revio is an example of what you can do on a large machine if you care about every single detail. It is tightly toleranced, so part lines and gaps are small and consistent. Premium materials, finishes and textures pervade the whole design.

SOCIETAL IMPACT

Revio was conceived, designed, and inspired by the dream that human genomic sequencing is the key to understanding the very building blocks of life. If diseases like cancer could be better understood - what causes it, what propagates it, and what stops it - then the dream is fulfilled. This is what Revio is doing now, and it's what makes Revio so important to the greater good of mankind and society.

Revio is science at its best and the design allows that science to be completely realized. In cancer research there's a huge need for a clinical instrument like Revio that can illuminate the large compound mutations that in many cases drive tumors out of control. Other areas of Revio's focus are Huntington's disease, fragile X syndrome, and other rare genetic conditions caused by structural variants. Revio is finally giving scientists and doctors a means of understanding these biological mechanisms.

UNIVERSAL ACCESS:

Because Revio greatly reduces timelines and project costs by bringing higher throughput, more scalability and lower sequencing project costs, it opens up opportunities for researchers around the world who were previously unable to afford the technology. Revio's wider access to more scientists globally is a big societal benefit of Revio.

ENVIRONMENTAL SENSIBILITY:

Environmentally speaking, Revio requires 50% fewer consumables than the previous generation sequencer, thanks to a consolidation of reagent and sample plates into a single unit and due to the SMRT cells much higher 3x density. This all equates to much less hazardous waste.

BUSINESS RESULTS:

Scientists in the field of genomics are calling Revio "the next best thing in sequencing". It is now PacBio's most successful product and not only are the sales of the machines brisk and profitable, but they continue to create an additional revenue stream with consumables. Revio's consumable growth is up by 24%, amounting to $59.9 million annually.

PacBio announced record sales since Revio's introduction in Q4 of '22, selling over 100 units for about $1 million/ each, making Revio the most successful in the company's history.

"The strong demand for Revio exceeded our expectations and is evidence of demand for sequencing at scale. Its extremely high accuracy has the potential to change the way researchers approach genomic applications. With Revio, PacBio is well positioned as we move into the future" said Christian Henry, CEO of PacBio.

Revio has no competition at this level of performance. It is the highest performing system at the lowest cost in the Long Read Technology field. In addition, Revio is acclaimed for its best-in-class human factors as well as its compact, professional physical appeal. All these factors have elevated the PacBio Brand to the top of its class. PacBio presented Revio at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference on Jan 11, 2023, to great fanfare, including being lauded for its outstanding Industrial Design.