Automated systems for removing tissue samples from seeds, and related methods

An automated method for removing tissue samples from seeds, the method comprising:

• removing a tissue sample from a seed at a first sampling location of a sampling module of an automated seed sampling assembly;
• and
• removing residual seed tissue from a second sampling location of the sampling module, at about the same time the tissue sample is removed from the seed at the first sampling location of the sampling module, by
• actuating a blow off jet to direct air through the second sampling location and toward a collection port;
• and
• drawing the residual seed tissue into the collection port via negative pressure air flow at the collection port.

An automated seed sampling assembly comprising at least one sampling module, the at least one sampling module including:

• multiple sampling locations each associated with a sampler, wherein each sampler is operable to remove tissue samples from a seed at the corresponding one of the sampling locations;
• a moveable seed grip assembly configured to move the first seed toward the sampler associated with a first sampling location of the multiple sampling locations to thereby facilitate removal of a tissue sample from the first seed while a second sampling location of the multiple sampling locations is cleaned, and subsequently to move the second seed toward the sampler associated with the second sampling location to thereby facilitate removal of a tissue sample from the second seed while the first sampling location is cleaned;
• at least one sensor positioned on the seed grip assembly in association with at least one of the multiple sampling locations, the at least one sensor configured to:
• determine a location of a seed prior to the seed being received by the seed grip assembly at the at least one of the multiple sampling locations;
• and
• determine a position of the sampler at the at least one sampling location.