Whiff was started in 2014 to build devices for scientific researchers. Generally, these are devices they could (or have) made into simple prototypes. Usually they have published results associated with the use of the device, and colleagues are asking how to build one themselves or where to buy them. We step in and take that responsibility off their shoulders.
Why is that a good thing?
If you are like the researchers we work with, you have more work than time. Hanging around a workshop building and testing devices may be fun, but it's not what you do. And having done it once in need of your own research purposes, you certainly don't want to do it again for some one else's program. So you refer others to the materials and methods supplemental and thank them for their interest. Our vision is to help researchers achieve reproducible scientific results buy removing variables associated with custom laboratory setups.
The materials and methods supplemental is rarely enough.
Lack of reproducibility of results is a substantial obstacle in scientific research. If it is due to an inability to duplicate a piece of custom kit made in your lab, the process of discovery SLOWS down; time gets wasted; and money is spent on fruitless work.
Most research tools have markets too small to attract commercial partners.
There aren't economies of scale, triple-digit year over year growth rates or the promise of a Ferrari some day in the future.
We like those markets!
We are primarily interested in taking lab-built electromechanical devices developed at a research facility and generating a “cookie cutter platform” containing all of the essential elements required to duplicate or reproduce results. Essentially we are removing variability and confusion from the Materials and Methods section of research reports. We:
- use off the shelf components,
- fabricate only when necessary
- implement software controls and sensors
- provide customization IF it does not change essential operation
Clients receive all documentation, parts lists and source code.