Recent technological advancements and automation have transformed laboratory performance, particularly with the rise of robotic laboratories. These facilities leverage automation to optimize operations, minimize risks, and enhance efficiency. Robotic laboratories execute diagnostic analyses autonomously, improving labor utilization, quality control, turnaround time, and safety. This session explores stand-alone robotic systems and integrated modules for pre- and post-analytical processes, emphasizing system compatibility. We will introduce the concept of fully automated, self-driving laboratories as a transformative approach while highlighting the need for alignment with specific workloads and operational requirements. Additionally, success depends on strategic laboratory design, including containment considerations and workflow optimization, ensuring automation enhances efficiency while maintaining regulatory and accreditation compliance.
At the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Understand the importance of planning for laboratory automation.
- Recommend processes for laboratories to evaluate their need for automation and to determine what solution(s) will work.
- Measure the benefit of automation, including workflow optimization, key performance indicators and cost justification.
Speakers : Aurel Tamburri MHM, MLS, CRSP, DOHS and
Carrie A. Smith, PhD, CBSP (ABSA), RBP (ABSA)