Today, 24/7 automation of laboratory processes often fails due to the limited space that classic laboratory automation systems such as liquid handlers offer. The number of samples to be processed varies greatly depending on the labware required. Capacity can be expanded by integrating interface robots. These enable samples and labware to be fed to the automation system as well as the removal of used labware and processed samples.
In addition, the functionality of the automation system can be expanded by integrating additional devices.
Using the example of automating an enzymatic assay, we have implemented total automation.
The process starts with an empty liquid handler deck. The labware and samples required for the process are assembled on a tray in a central storage area using an interface robot. The finished trays are transported to the automation system by mobile robots. An integrated interface robot transfers labware and samples to internal hotels for storage and realizes the transfer to a transfer position of the liquid handler. Labware and samples are taken over by the liquid handler and positioned in the optimal positions for assay processing. The finished plates are taken over by the interface robot via the transfer position of the LH and fed to the analysis device. Used labware and measured samples are transported via trays by the mobile robots to the final storage station.
Thus, a real 24/7 operation is possible resulting in higher throughput and increased efficiency.
