From robot vacuums to self-driving cars, automation is quickly changing our everyday lives. But at work, many processes are still done by hand – especially in technical settings like laboratories, where samples are routinely tested for quality control in a range of industries from mining to pharmaceutical.
On the surface, this makes sense. Not only do human technicians have expert knowledge and experience, but they can also easily pick up a sample, prepare it, and move It around the lab – something people can do without thinking, but which can be a challenge for machines in an otherwise smart environment.
But these days might soon be behind us. As technology evolves, cameras and sensors can detect qualities that used to need a technician’s eye, and advanced software or AI can make decisions based on machine learning. Sensors and software don’t get tired, meaning that automated processes can be run for long periods of time or overnight, and they’re less prone to making mistakes. Human error accounts for a large proportion of sample contamination in laboratories, which can give misleading, inaccurate, or useless results.
‘Industry 4.0’ is predicted to bring a radical shift across the world’s largest industries, primarily defined by automated processes that remove or reduce this human involvement. Enabled by technological advances, the super-efficient processes of Industry 4.0 also promise to balance ever-increasing demand against the need for more sustainable production.
By cutting waste, energy use, and resource costs, these efficient automated processes can manufacture more at less cost to the planet – which can seem almost a panacea to the challenges faced by today’s biggest industries, such as mining, which needs to ramp up production to support the energy transition.
As this shift begins to gain momentum, early adopters will find themselves with a distinct advantage as they can produce more at a lower cost and higher speed than their competitors.
Some level of automation has been standard in labs around the world for many years. Many individual measurements can be automated thanks to connected instruments. Some can run continuously on-line in a busy processing environment – for example, a moving belt that feeds samples into an instrument saves human labor. But in most cases, there are still many parts of the process that remain manual.
To maximize efficiency, it’s far more time- and cost-effective to create a holistic system that offers end-to-end automation. From sample announcement and preparation to analysis and reporting, a fully automated laboratory can standardize processes, return results faster, and provide much higher up-time compared with a traditional lab. Expert staff can focus on other work unless there is a problem to solve, which also removes human error from the results.
Even sample transport can be done automatically. Pneumatic delivery systems are a convenient choice to move samples over longer distances, alongside the robotic arms and moving belts that work well within a room or single space. The benefits of these solutions are exponentially increased when applied in high-volume, industrial or complex environments.
‘Ready-to-go’ container-based systems can be added to a working site as a standalone analysis solution or as an extension to an existing lab. These provide a single, contained environment that can be customized to the needs of the customer or project – perfect for solving a specific analysis need.
For permanent or larger-scale needs, a completely automated system can be integrated into an existing laboratory setup. This can include features like bulk, manual or automated sample announcement, sample grinding, milling, cooling and weighing, and a range of analysis options including X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, radioactivity analysis and more.
Thanks to increased productivity at lower energy and resource costs, an automated laboratory can be especially beneficial for those industries that are experiencing the most significant changes toward sustainability. Reducing waste, cutting energy costs, and increasing output all at once is a powerful combination – one that can provide a building block not only for more efficient production today, but also a truly future-proof process for tomorrow.
Malvern Panalytical offers completely customizable laboratory automation solutions to fit any need. Multiple analysis techniques can be integrated into the automated laboratory for a complete characterization of samples, and the product is always designed with the customer to ensure a perfect fit for their application. Support and service continues long after installation is complete, with the Malvern Panalytical team of experts on hand to assist with advice and technical support.
Contact us today to find out how an automated laboratory solution could transform and future-proof your processes.