Dynamic Robot Deck Layout for Flexible Laboratory Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems in laboratory settings, such as those used for endotoxin assays, rely on static automation scripts, which are inflexible, time-consuming to create, and require manual intervention, limiting their ability to adapt to different assays or tests without reprogramming.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic automation system that uses a computing device to receive templates, generate robotic commands, and control a robot to perform assays, allowing for dynamic deck layout determination and automation of multiple assays in a single run without pre-programming, using a robotic apparatus with stations for equipment like reagent racks and microplate holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static automation scripts are used to control robotic systems, then the system can perform predetermined assays with consistent results, but the system lacks flexibility to adapt to different assays without reprogramming and requires significant time to create new scripts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic automation by allowing the robotic system to automatically generate and modify control scripts based on user-defined parameters and assay requirements. Instead of using fixed static scripts, the system dynamically creates new scripts on-demand, enabling rapid adaptation to different assays without manual reprogramming time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-programming by automatically generating control scripts based on assay specifications provided by the user. The robotic system serves itself by creating the necessary automation code without requiring external programmers or technicians to write scripts manually, thereby eliminating script creation time and improving adaptability.
2Extent of automation
If static automation scripts are used, then the robotic system can execute predetermined procedures reliably, but manual intervention is required to apply scripts and adjust parameters for different tests
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates and applies control scripts based on user-defined assay parameters. It performs self-configuration by interpreting high-level user instructions and translating them into detailed robotic control commands, eliminating the need for manual script application and parameter adjustment while maintaining full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to handle multiple different assay types through a single unified interface. By accepting generic assay specifications and automatically generating task-specific scripts, the system provides universal automation capability across various test types without requiring separate manual programming for each assay.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized scripting knowledge is required to create robotic control code, then precise control can be achieved, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming for laboratory technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer that translates simple user-defined assay parameters into complex robotic control scripts. This mediator automatically handles the conversion from high-level assay specifications to detailed control code, maintaining precise robotic control while eliminating the need for users to possess specialized scripting knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-programming by automatically generating precise control scripts based on user requirements. The robotic system creates its own control code with the necessary precision and detail, eliminating the need for manual script creation by technicians and removing the barrier of specialized scripting knowledge while maintaining control accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for dynamic automation are provided. An automation module may receive at least one map template that is selectable by a user. Based on the map template, the automation module may dynamically generate a robot deck layout map and/or procedure and also generate a series of robotic commands for a robot. The robotic commands may then be passed to the robot to carry out the automation. Accordingly, the automation may be entirely dynamic, without the need for a user to pre-program or pre-assemble all of the robotic commands prior to the automation. The automation module may thus be able to build, in real-time and/or on the fly, the robotic commands based only on the at least one map template that was selected by the user.