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many steps that have to be repeated
over and over again every day, such as
opening sample vials. Because even the
tiniest quantities of sample material are
sufficient for analysis purposes, sample
vials are becoming smaller, making them
more difficult to open by hand. The errors
that can occur when handling samples
manually are minimised by using
automation processes. The same applies
to the risk of sample contamination.
An innovative laboratory platform from
Festo shows what the future of laboratory
automation might look like. Nine modules
demonstrate the entire process sequence,
from the pre-analysis to the analytical
process and then the post-analysis. This
includes the automated handling of
individual sample vials that are removed
from or added to the sample carrier, the
opening and closing of sample vials and
the removal and addition of liquids in the
millilitre, microlitre and sub-microlitre
range.
Dosing precision as well as the modularity,
flexibility and expandability of the system
are the main focus throughout the process
sequences. Products from other
manufacturers can also be integrated on
the platform alongside Festo components.
This enables custom solutions to be
designed for every application.
Fully automated pipetting process
Blood sample processing is fully
automated on the laboratory platform, as
shown by the pipetting process. First, a
central transport system brings the blood
sample to the pipetting module on a
sample carrier. There, a highly precise
pipette adds a specific amount of liquid
blood components from the collection
tube to each vial. The delivery system
then transports the vials to the next
module in the process.
Loads of up to several hundred grams can
be precisely and safely moved using a
classic 3D handling system. The handling
system consists of an electric planar
surface gantry EXCM that covers a
maximum working space of 360 x 700 mm
for motion in the XY direction as well as
an electric axis EGSK for vertical Z motion
with strokes of up to 100 mm. The system
is completed by stepper motors, motor
controllers as well as a multi-axis
controller.
Step-by-step optimisation
Automation does not necessarily mean
converting all previously manual processes
to become fully automated. The transition
often takes place in steps, from
Fast and precise:
modern handling
systems ensure the efficient
handling and reliable transport of
highly sensitive samples and fluids.