Robotic Arm Integration

Based on the last 15 years of offering services in the integrated systems market, we have worked with many different robotic arms & types as well as their software architectures for implementation.  In addition, we have developed many robotic arm accessories such as gripper systems, storage units, carousels and de-lidding stations to complete the total application solutions delivered as our end product.  Perhaps, more significant is the software architecture, drivers and tools that we assembled to implement a large list of non-compatible third party devices into cohesive systems.

Conveyor Technology

The conveyor technology utilized in the Quick Deck product line is a modular and flexible system that can be easily modified to handle any combination of laboratory disposables.  It is a bi-directional system that can support the transport of a single micro plate directly without the use of tray or machined part.  Alternatively, it can be utilized to transport any batch size of disposables that is desired.

The friction based power roller system is superior to other technologies previously applied to laboratory automation as it allows one item to be gently held on the conveyor without excessive vibration while others are transported.  Another important feature is the capability to pass disposables from one Quick Deck section to another while spanning an opening.  This allows disposables or cassettes to be passed from one instrument to another without any physical connection of the instruments.  The length of the Quick Deck module is flexible to fit the application, but a set of specific lengths are more desirable based on the availability of standard belt lengths to power the rollers.

Elevator Technology

The elevator technology utilized in the T-Rx System is portable to other configurations or applications where a vertical storage system is desired.  The bi-directional capability allows for greater versatility allowing the module to be an in-line system instead of only an end point.  This alone provides the capability for unlimited connection to additional instruments within the line by simply adding an additional elevator module.  Furthermore, this allows for the dual sided storage doubling the capacity for each elevator module within the automation line.

Robotic Tool Changing

Based on the Oasis LM Series liquid handling platform development, we have designed and tested the capability for automatic tool changing of an entire liquid handling tool for a different one.  This feature provides extreme versatility for application development when multiple and specific liquid handling functions are necessary to solve the application or applications.  This capability requires much more than just the compatibility of the hardware to be precisely picked up and dropped off.  The electronics must be protected from the necessary ‘hot swapping’ that happens while tool connections are made / broken with the instrument powered on and running.  This is one of the features that we have built into the WARP1 – Servo product line.

We have not released this feature as a general option with the Oasis in Method Manager Software as this feature adds another layer of complexity to the software solution.  This is particularly true in a software environment that is designed to be already extremely flexible.  Perhaps robotic tool changing is most useful in a more specific application when there are constraints on the capability of the overall system and application.

Tray Based Controlled Environment Chamber

We have completed a significant development project for the production of an environmentally controlled chamber compatible with the T-Rx System.  The controlled environment chamber is designed to handle both Cell-Based Assay screening where heating, CO2 and humidity production are necessary as well as the opposite application of Compound Storage where chilling and the removal of humidity are required.

This system has several significant advantages over existing robotic laboratory incubators, including the removal of all electrical & robotic components from the incubation chamber itself.  The most significant issue for Cell-Based Assay screening is the issue of sterility and the capability of the lab technicians to clean the inside of the chamber to prevent contamination.  Electrical and mechanical items such as motor, grease and pulleys are difficult items to keep clean.  Secondly, our design includes a removable & dockable incubator chamber that allows a user to replace the incubation chamber on the robotic system with an additional one during the long Cell-Based incubation periods that may last for several days.  This allows the users to simultaneous utilize the robotic system for multiple on-going assays.

This product is not yet released and additional validations are required for the proper performance of the control unit with outlined specifications.   An engineering development group related to Forma Scientific and specializing in incubator design was contracted for the design and testing of all of the control unit functions including, heating, cooling, humidity and CO2. Dynamic Devices engineered all of the robotics and plate / tray handling.