Ongoing advances in automated technologies and digital science solutions are helping laboratories achieve unprecedented levels of throughput, efficiency and reproducibility. Together, these powerful tools are driving improvements in process management and data integrity to support workflow optimization across a wide range of applications.
For some laboratories considering the transition to automation, perceived concerns around disruption when implementing or scaling solutions can drive a cautious approach to their adoption. Addressing these concerns directly, the latest modular laboratory automation solutions provide enhanced levels of configurability and versatility to ensure the smooth implementation of automated technologies and ongoing workflow scalability.
Supporting workflow scalability with flexible laboratory automation platforms
For many laboratories, early experiences of automation were based around monolithic, first-generation platforms that prioritized speed and capacity over flexibility. While these systems certainly transformed operational output, they were often built to perform a single task, and could be costly and technically challenging to adapt to other applications.
Modern laboratory automation platforms are substantially more flexible, with some of the most versatile options comprising modular systems that can be configured and re-configured, according to a laboratory’s evolving needs. For example, systems based on docking carts served by central robots allow different instruments to be moved in or out, enabling laboratories to add or repurpose instruments for different tasks, or to easily expand capacity. As such, today’s platforms offer the flexibility to adapt and extend workflows as laboratory requirements change.
Configurable and intuitive laboratory automation solutions to support inspired science
Recent advances in laboratory automation are taking flexibility and performance to the next level. The Thermo Scientific™ inSPIRE™ Collaborative Laboratory Automation Platform is a highly configurable option for laboratories looking to create the right solution for their workflows. The platform’s light design and space-saving vertical orientation allows laboratories to assemble and configure the system according to their needs. Its modular infrastructure coupled with smart docking technology permits multiple systems to be connected. This provides the autonomy to build expanded workflow solutions from an extensive catalog of components.
As well as being a highly configurable solution, the inSPIRE platform is intuitive to operate and designed to work collaboratively alongside users. For example, the platform’s unique SmartHandle technology provides touch-enabled automation control with haptic feedback, allowing operators to effortlessly interact and share instruments with the system. Other features, such as SmartHandle color changes, provide an at-a-glance notification of the instrument’s status and overall system health for maximum clarity and ease of use.
The platform packs powerful automation functionality and incorporates the fully collaborative Thermo Scientific™ Spinnaker XT Microplate Robot, which boasts built-in vision technologies for easy teaching and barcode reading, as well as automatic container re-orientation and de/re-lidding. When integrated with Thermo Scientific™ Momentum™ Workflow Scheduling Software and Thermo Scientific™ SampleManager LIMS™ Software, inSPIRE allows users to harness the full potential of connected automation for enhanced process efficiency, data quality and compliance across a wide range of workflows, including drug discovery, synthetic biology, as well as human and animal health applications.
Enhancing flexibility and scalability through configurable laboratory automation platforms
The Thermo Scientific inSPIRE is a modular system that provides a scalable solution for laboratories looking to realize the throughput, efficiency and reproducibility benefits of automated workflows. Thanks to its flexible and intuitive design, this powerful platform is helping laboratories build solutions that meet their needs and ensure the smooth roll-out of automation across their workflows.
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