The most well-known application of laboratory automation technology is laboratory robotics. The field of laboratory automation comprises numerous automated laboratory acts, software algorithms and the methodologies used to enable, expedite and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of scientific research in laboratories. The application of technology in laboratories today requires timely progress and remains competitive. Laboratories dedicated to activities such as high-throughput screening, combinatorial chemistry, automated clinical testing, diagnostics, large-scale bio-deposit, and many others would not exist without advances in laboratory automation.

Interact with Laboratory and Hospital Information Systems

Laboratory Automation Systems are used to handle tubes with specimens and to prepare them for testing. These systems typically consist of several modules for the manipulation and processing of samples, which function as a network connected by a transport system and are controlled by software; can execute the tasks sequentially with minimal operator intervention. Systems typically include modules for sample preparation, transport to analytical instruments (e.g., hematology analyzers, clinical chemistry, immunoassay), and post-analytical storage. Each module typically includes several units (e.g., de-capsulators, classifiers, centrifuges, analyzers, refrigerators) that may be standard clinical laboratory equipment, or more frequently, units specially designed for the automation system. These units are usually configured according to the particular requirements of the laboratory. Most of these systems can interact with laboratory and hospital information systems.

Improves Efficiency and Reduces TAT

Automation can improve efficiency and reduce turnaround time (TAT,) tests in the clinical laboratory. Pre-analytic automation also reduces the risk of personnel exposure to a bio-hazardous material (e.g., due to broken tubes, splashes) by reducing direct contact with sample tubes; It also reduces the risk of repetitive stress injuries (e.g., due to the de-capsulation of tubes with specimens).

Reduces Possible Errors

Pre-analytical processing is, for many samples, the most difficult part of clinical trials, and the potential for error during this multi-step process is high. By automating routine processing steps, errors are reduced significantly. Laboratory automation is becoming more and more important in modern health sciences. Assuming this development is the challenge of generating more and more data points, while avoiding errors, documenting experiments in detail and simultaneously reducing costs.

Laboratory Automation requires a high level of flexibility and reproducibility of the selected controllers. Because the electromagnetic units work without wear, they can be used in clean rooms without any problem. Unusually compact controllers are ideal for use in automated equipment since they occupy very little space in themselves.

Tracking and Sample Management

Most automation systems in the laboratory have an integrated computer and microprocessor system that tracks and manages sample handling. The computer system can allow users to change the routing of the samples and see the progression of the samples. It can also allow interruptions in the workflow to process the urgent samples. The automation system is interconnected with an existing laboratory information system (LIS) or hospital information system (HIS), allowing the sample to be tracked throughout the entire test process, from collection to reporting of results. This can further eliminate mistakes caused by the erroneous reading of orders or sample identification. Users can interact with the system using a keyboard, touch screen, mouse, or other standard computer hardware. Interfaces with existing analyzers or robotic systems can facilitate the integration of the automation system with the current laboratory workflow.

Hudson Robotics equip health care with innovative laboratory automation and can help researchers that are studying the microbiome with our small form factor, automated tools for bacterial colony-picking, sample preparation, DNA extraction, plasmid preparation and DNA normalization.