Lab robots are useful for any novel process which is so new you are not sure exactly what you need. Once a particular type of application or process becomes popular, for example DNA testing, equipment manufacturers begin to design and provide workstations which perform the entire process. Tried and tested they do all the chemistry and upload the results to your computer. However when a process is new and uncertain and off-the-shelf equipment is not available then that's where you need a robot arm. For example ST supplied a great many robots for DNA testing including the UK national DNA database but this is no longer a market for robot arms. Instead ST finds it's robots at the forefront of research and technology.
ST has been working in the area of laboratory robotics since 1993. Our customers include major pharmaceutical companies (see customer list) This phenomenal experience means that we have a solution to almost any new process we come across. Moreover because of our equally vast experience in the demanding world of manufacturing we can offer the lab market a totally reliable workhorse of a robot, together with software and hardware that enables us to interface with any instruments you choose or already own.
For most laboratory applications we recommend the totaly new R19. This may be mounted on a track which can be up to 5 meters long. New advanced drives ensure swift smooth motion and quiet operation in the lab environment. DSP technology provides fast multi-axis compound motion plus the ability to multi-task. The R14 is a mini-Cartesian robot suitable for positioning plates under fixed positions and similar applications such as the cool storage cabinet below.
ST robots have the benefit of the ROBOFORTH II programming system which is more versatile by far than any competitive system. Among many feature of particular importance to HTS are orderly error handling and reporting and a dynamic object database which keeps track of all objects in the workspace and prevents collisions. Once you (or we) have programmed the robot it may be supervised by any computer using your own software or proprietory supervisors such as Overlord and LabVIEW via the free ActiveX modules provided. The ST robot controller will also supervise other instruments and schedule and collect data using comma separated files.
High Thruput Screening
ST will custom design any HTS system or other chemical process. Below is a schematic of a typical system. Systems have been for forensic science, drug development, bacterial resistance, toxicology, stem cell research and others. Instruments integrated include MWG, Tecan, Fluorscan Ascent, Packard, Hamilton, 'Tetrad' thermo-cyclers, centrifuge, bar code scanner, Multidrop, plate sealer, shaker, incubators and so on. Many of these systems are controlled by Overlord scheduling software. ST provides simple removable plate stacks and has also designed a simple dustproof 'hotel' comprising drawers of titer plates, capacity up to 96 plates. The robot simply pulls out a drawer to access titer plates then pushes it back again after use. Another product is the R14 based Peltier cooled storage cabinet accessible by the robot. We are equally able to handle lids, tubes, entire containers or objects of any shape or size.
A larger Genomics system The robot also changes the decks on the plate sealer to accomodate different sizes of plate
A small genomics system
R16 can access any instrument
Peltier cooled storage device based on R14 mechanism When the robot requires access a slot opens, then closes when the robot leaves. Cooled with Peltier diodes controlled by intelligent PID controller it will hold 0.1C and cool down to 20C below ambient.
A simple incubator modified for robotic access with a pneumatic door and pull-out shelves. The robot pulls out the required shelf before accessing the plates. Transparent screens prevent losses while the door is open.
