Lab Test Robot End Effector for Sample Handling and Instrument Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated sample handling and test procedure performance in medical and chemical laboratories face challenges due to the need for human skill and coordination, particularly in handling temperature-sensitive samples and challenging environmental conditions, leading to reliability and accuracy issues and a desire to increase throughput.

Innovation Solution

A robot equipped with manipulators, controllers, and sensors is used to autonomously equip and operate test instruments, performing tasks such as loading samples and controlling test procedures, utilizing pre-programmed routines to handle and process biological and chemical samples with precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If human personnel perform sample handling and test operations, then coordination and flexibility are maintained, but reliability and accuracy decrease due to challenging environmental conditions and temperature-sensitive samples

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of sample handlingVSAvoidautomation of laboratory tasks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The robot system performs sample handling and test operations autonomously without human intervention. The robotic arm automatically picks up samples, transports them to test instruments, and operates the instruments based on pre-programmed instructions, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for human personnel to work in challenging environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the human mechanical system with a robotic mechanical system. The robot uses robotic arms, grippers, and automated transport mechanisms to perform tasks that were previously done manually by human personnel, substituting human coordination and flexibility with automated mechanical precision and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual sample handling is used, then flexibility in handling temperature-sensitive samples is maintained, but handling errors increase and throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethroughput of laboratory proceduresVSAvoidaccuracy of sample handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The robot system autonomously manages the entire sample handling process from retrieval to testing and storage. It automatically monitors sample conditions, adjusts handling parameters, and coordinates with test instruments, enabling the system to improve both throughput and accuracy without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated robot system enables continuous operation without interruptions. The robotic arm can continuously retrieve samples, transport them, operate instruments, and return samples to storage without breaks, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining consistent accuracy through programmed precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Speed

If automated systems are implemented to increase throughput, then speed is improved, but coordination and positioning accuracy of samples may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of handover operationsVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of samples

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated robotic mechanisms. The robotic arm uses programmable motion control, precision motors, and automated positioning systems to achieve both high speed and accurate positioning, eliminating the trade-off between speed and precision that exists in manual operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robot system incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors, encoders, and vision systems that continuously monitor the position and status of samples and instruments. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to maintain positioning accuracy while operating at high speeds, ensuring both speed and precision are achieved simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4711766A1Robot for automatically equipping and operating test instrument

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL AG

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AI summary

A robot (114) for automatically equipping and operating at least one test instrument (116) is disclosed. The robot (114) comprises: - at least one robotic arm (132) comprising at least one base (134) and at least one end effector (136), wherein the robotic arm (132) is configured for moving the end effector (136) from at least one first position to at least one second position; - at least one tube gripper (140) arranged and connected to the at least one end effector (136) and configured for gripping and releasing at least one sample tube (126); - at least one artificial finger (142) arranged and connected to the at least one end effector (136) and configured for operating at least one input unit (118) of the at least one test instrument (116); - at least one scanning device (144) arranged and connected to the at least one end effector (136) and configured for scanning at least one item of information of the at least one sample tube (126); - at least one e-paper display (148) configured for reproducing the at least one scanned item of information. Further disclosed are a method of automatically equipping and operating at least one test instrument (116), a test system (110) for automatically performing at least one test procedure on at least one sample (112) and a method of automatically performing at least one test procedure.