Image: View into a device that automatically processes laboratory samples; Copyright: PantherMedia/Sonar

Topic of the Month September 2020

The laboratory 4.0: networked analyses

There is likely no other branch of medicine where you can find as many high-tech devices as in modern laboratories. A major part of diagnostic and biomedical research is done here. A lot of individual steps in work processes need to be followed precisely to ensure the results' quality. Also, a lot of data is generated here. Therefore, the laboratory of the future needs to automate processes and to work with networked devices to avoid errors.

The smart networking laboratory: when connected devices become one system

Image: View into an automated laboratory machine that stores a lot of vials; Copyright: PantherMedia/kagemusha

Diagnostics, biomedical research, screening active ingredient candidates - laboratories perform many functions and must be flexible. Growing and evolving healthcare demands mean labs have to process an increasing number of samples. Although modern laboratory information management systems can already support high-throughput, a smart and connected laboratory environment can make things even more efficient.

Read the article about the smart laboratory here

SmartLab: all-in-one automation, digitalization, and miniaturization

Image: A miniaturized, round sensor under a fingertip; Copyright: TU Dresden

Laboratories have to analyze and interpret an ever-increasing number of samples for research and diagnostic services, generating lots of data in the process. At the same time, labs are required to produce quality results and operate with speed. Processes that could once be managed using laboratory notebooks and isolated systems must become smart in the future to improve lab efficiency.

Read the interview with Dr. Felix Lenk here

Augmented Reality for better laboratory results

Image: A young laboratory technician with AR glasses uses a pipette, he is surrounded by different bubbles with text; Copyright: Helbling Technik Wil AG

Accuracy is paramount in laboratory settings and ensures that lab results are valid. Errors in a lab can render series of tests unusable and waste precious time and money. In the medical realm, this might even result in clinical trial errors. Augmented reality (AR) can help laboratory technicians to prevent errors and guide their work in the future.

Read the interview with Lynda Metref und Fabian Kappeler here

Video

Smartlab – Robotics and automation in the laboratory

Some tasks in the laboratory are repetitive, need to be done extremely precise and require a lot of time. Such tasks are very tedious for humans, but they are tailor-made for robots. Such is the case with the "AutoCRAT" project at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT in Aachen. Here, a robotic platform is developed to produce stem cells for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Hear how this works and what it looks like from Ferdinand Biermann and Jelena Ochs in our video interview.