Devices and Systems for Laboratory Automation

Devices and Systems for Laboratory Automation

Structured Overview on the Available Systems and Devices for Laboratory Automation

Choosing the right systems and devices for the automation in any given laboratory is an essential part for the process to succeed. As relevant information to make an informed choice is not always readily available, a structured overview is essential for modern scientists. This book provides an introduction into laboratory automation and an overview of the necessary devices and systems. Sample topics discussed by the two well-qualified authors include:

• Specific requirements the automation needs to fulfill such as liquid delivery, low volume delivery, solid delivery, and sample preparation
• An overview on robots and mobile robots
• Common interfaces in laboratory automation

For scientists and all individuals working in laboratories, the work serves as an indispensable resource in helping to make laboratory processes more streamlined, effective, and efficient.

Kerstin Thurow is the Director of the Center for Life Science Automation at the University Rostock, Germany. Her scientific work is dedicated to the automation of life science processes and she has authored more than 240 scientific publications. Steffen Junginger is currently working as a senior scientist at the Institute of Automation, University of Rostock. His main research interests include smart system integration, next generation robotics and autonomous mobile robotics.

INTRODUCTION
A Definition of Laboratory Automation
Short History of Laboratory Automation
Potential of Laboratory Automation
Life Science Applications and Requirements (short review on life science applications and requirements automation life science processes)
The LUO Concept in Laboratory Automation (definition of LUO concept, based on that description of main device classes required in laboratory automation)
References

FORMATS IN LABORATORY AUTOMATION
Microtiter plates
Sample formats in analytical application,
Sample formats in medical applications
References

LIQUID DELIVERY
Historic Development of Liquid Handling
Use of Liquid Handling Systems
Liquid Handler Drive Types
Single Channel Systems
Multichannel Systems
General Rules in Liquid Handling
Critical Liquid Handling Parameters
Liquid Handling Performance Monitoring
Overview on Commercially Available Liquid Handling Systems
References

LOW VOLUME DELIVERY
Definition of Low Volume
Application Areas of Low Volume Dispensing
Low Volume Dispensing Technologies
Overview on Commercially Available Low Volume Dispensers
References

SOLID DELIVERY
Introduction
Solid Delivery Technologies
Overview on Commercially Available Solid Delivery Systems
References

DEVICES FOR SAMPLE PREPARATION
Automated Heating, Cooling and Mixing
Automated Centrifuges
Automated Pouring and Filtration
Automated Solid Phase Extraction
References

ROBOTS IN LABORATORY AUTOMATION
Classical Industrial Robots
Cobots
Application Examples
References

MOBILE ROBOTS IN LABORATORY AUTOMATION
Characteristics and Concepts of Mobile Robots (including definition)
Sensors and Actuators for Mobile Robots
Commercially available Mobile Robots
Application of Mobile Robots in Industry
Special Requirements for using Mobile Robots in Life Science Laboratories
References

CAMERA BASED OBJECT DETECTION AND MANIPULATION
Overview on Available Cameras
State of the Art in Camera Based Object Detection
References

ANALYTICAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
Reader Systems
Classical Analytical Systems
References

INTERFACES IN LABORATORY AUTOMATION
Introduction
Analog Interfaces
Digital Interfaces
Network Interfaces
Standardization in Laboratory Automation (SILA)
References

SAMPLE IDENTIFICATION IN LABORATORY AUTOMATION
Barcode Technologies
RFID Technologies
Advanced Technologies
References