Automation and robotics have become a key player in many industries. Healthcare technologies, for example, have paved the way to robotic systems that provide surgeons with higher precision and greater control when performing procedures. Factories, meanwhile, rely on manufacturing robotics to automate injection molding and other processes and increase their output.
With these advantages and advancements in mind, it’s easy to see how researchers can use robotics and automation to produce more precise and accurate results. However, investing in these modern systems requires a huge commitment financially and otherwise, so make sure to 1) determine if and how your laboratory can benefit from automation and robotics and 2) choose the best possible system to purchase. If you’re ready to take the second step, you must consider these factors:
Budget
As mentioned above, automating laboratory tasks isn’t cheap, so you have to focus on your finances before doing anything else. Decide where and how to obtain the funds for your new robotics system, and make sure the purchase won’t disrupt the cash flow for the rest of your laboratory necessities.
System Type
Ideally, you should invest in robotics equipment that will allow you to automate tasks that are important to your research but are highly repetitive and require plenty of time and effort. For instance, if your work requires you to dispense, transfer, and mix various liquids daily, consider investing in automated liquid handling systems. This way, you can cross off pipetting off your To-Do list and have it done by state-of-the-art equipment, which means you can focus on more time-sensitive and labor-intensive tasks while ensuring the precision and accuracy of your work.
Equipment Size
Many laboratories have limited space and struggle to find enough room for their equipment and staff. If you’re in the same boat, look for robotic systems that have a small footprint but still function the same as their standard counterparts. By opting for compact equipment, you’ll get to automate key tasks without having to sacrifice precious real estate in your lab.
Equipment Features
What features are you looking for in your robotics equipment? If you’re investing in liquid handling robotics, for example, you’ll want to get a system with a speedy and precise automated pipette that ensures reliable results. The equipment should also have advanced algorithms plus an integrated camera that allows it to comprehend and respond to preset tasks while tracking objects to immediately spot potential errors.
Equipment Maintenance
Just like other lab equipment, robotics systems require regular maintenance to stay reliable and accurate as time goes by. However, you can opt for modern systems with a low-maintenance design, which reduces the need for frequent servicing and calibrations and lets you complete tests and analyses with minimal interruptions.
Staff Training
Investing in avant-garde equipment would be useless if your team doesn’t know how to properly operate it. So, aside from choosing and buying the right robotics system, you also have to organize training sessions for your staff members. This way, they’ll quickly adapt to the new equipment and learn how to use them to produce fast and accurate results while keeping human errors at a minimum.
Robotics systems are a great addition to scientific and medical laboratories. Use this guide to choose the ideal automation and robotic equipment for your lab!