Robotic systems specifically designed for the automation of laboratory tasks are now available commercially. Equipped with computer, analytical hardware, and supporting software, these devices may soon revolutionize the concept of the clinical laboratory and usher in a new era in laboratory testing. We review the types of robots and motion-control software currently available and discuss examples of their applications that extend across many analytical areas. Several ongoing projects are concerned with the systematic integration of robotic devices with other laboratory automation. The integrated robotic laboratories emerging from this work portend a bright future for robotic automation. Many challenges remain, however, in training the individuals needed to develop and manage robotic laboratories, and in making this new technology cost-efficient.
Many clinical laboratory instruments are not designed for robotic compatibility, hence the need for standardization of data communications and analyzer interface hardware. We developed an interface with supporting software that simplifies communication between a microcomputer and clinical instruments. Our interface establishes a standardized bidirectional communications protocol, which is useful in many clinical laboratory robotic projects. Instruments targeted for interfacing require no prior on-board communications capabilities. Additionally, modifications to the clinical instrument are minimized. Once installed, the interface translates input commands to codes or actions recognizable by the analyzer. Features not normally available to the user, such as electrode real-time response and full instrument status, are also reported by the interface, thereby establishing a remote monitor and control mechanism for the interfaced instrument. We have written an operating system to control the interface microcomputer, which in turn commands and monitors the clinical analyzer. A host computer controls the information flow to the interface and provides (a) requests to the interface for instrument operation and status and (b) commands to the interface to initiate the desired instrument operation. This arrangement maintains complete instrument functionality as designed by the manufacturer while allowing remote monitoring and operation of the instrument.
Application of robotic technology has resulted in dramatic improvements in industrial productivity and quality, and spinoffs of this technology that will have an impact on everyday
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