I. Requirement Analysis
In sample management, tasks such as sample storage, retrieval, handling, and processing usually need to be completed efficiently and accurately. The Reach Robotics composite robot can combine the flexibility of mobile robots with the precise operation ability of robotic arms to provide innovative solutions for sample management.
II. Hardware Configuration
1、Mobile Robot Platform
l Select a mobile robot platform with high stability, high-precision positioning, and navigation capabilities.
l Laser navigation, visual navigation, or other navigation technologies can be adopted to ensure that the robot can move accurately in complex environments.
l Equip it with sufficient battery capacity to meet the needs of long-term operation. Meanwhile, consider fast charging technology to reduce downtime.
2、Robotic Arm
l Select a robotic arm suitable for sample operations, which has high precision, high speed, and a large load capacity.
l Different types of robotic arms, such as the Reach Robotics ultra-lightweight humanoid robotic arm, can be chosen according to the size, weight, and shape of the samples.
l Install end-effectors, such as grippers, suction cups, and five-finger dexterous hands, to achieve the grasping, placement, and operation of samples.
3、Sensors
l Install multiple sensors, such as lidar, cameras, and force sensors, to achieve environmental perception and sample detection.
l Lidar can be used for environmental map construction and obstacle detection; cameras can be used for sample recognition and positioning; force sensors can be used to detect the contact force between the robotic arm and the samples to ensure the safety of operations.
III. Software System
1、Control System
l Develop an efficient control system to achieve coordinated control of mobile robots and robotic arms.
l The control system should have real-time performance, stability, and reliability, be able to respond quickly to various instructions, and ensure the safe operation of the robots.
l Adopt advanced control algorithms, such as path planning algorithms and motion control algorithms, to improve the motion precision and efficiency of the robots.
2、Sample Management Software
l Develop dedicated sample management software to manage tasks such as sample storage, retrieval, handling, and processing.
l The software hould have a user-friendly interface for the convenience of user operation.
l Support integration with other systems such as Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to achieve data sharing and interaction.
3、Artificial Intelligence Technology
l Apply artificial intelligence technologies, such as machine learning and deep learning, to improve the intelligent level of sample management.
l For example, machine learning models can be trained to achieve automatic sample recognition and classification; deep learning algorithms can be used to realize the autonomous operation and optimization of robotic arms.
IV. Workflow
1、Sample Storage
l When new samples need to be stored, the user places the samples at the designated position and inputs the relevant information of the samples through the sample management software.
l The mobile robot moves to the sample storage position according to the instructions, and the robotic arm grasps the samples through the end-effector and places them in the appropriate storage positions.
l The sample management software records the storage positions and relevant information of the samples for subsequent retrieval and processing.
2、Sample Retrieval
l When the user needs to retrieve a certain sample, they input the relevant information of the sample, such as the sample number and name, through the sample management software.
l The sample management software queries the database, determines the storage position of the sample, and sends the instructions to the mobile robot.
l The mobile robot moves to the sample storage position, and the robotic arm grasps the sample through the end-effector and places it at the designated position for the user to use.
3、Sample Handling
l Inside the laboratory, when samples need to be moved from one position to another, the user can issue handling instructions through the sample management software.
l The mobile robot moves to the position where the samples are located according to the instructions, and the robotic arm grasps the samples through the end-effector and moves them to the designated position.
l During the handling process, sensors monitor the status of the robot and environmental changes in real time to ensure the safety and accuracy of the handling.
4、Sample Processing
l When samples need to be processed, such as sampling and sub-packaging, the user can input the processing tasks into the sample management software.
l The mobile robot moves to the position where the samples are located, and the robotic arm grasps the samples through the end-effector and places them on the processing equipment.
l The processing equipment processes the samples according to the preset program. After the processing is completed, the robotic arm retrieves the samples and places them at the designated position.
V. Advantages and Benefits
1、Improve Efficiency
l The composite robot can automatically complete tasks such as sample storage, retrieval, handling, and processing, reducing the time and workload of manual operations and improving work efficiency.
2、Improve Accuracy
l The operation ability of the robotic arm can ensure the accurate grasping and placement of samples, reducing human errors and improving the accuracy of sample management.
3、Improve Safety
l The real-time monitoring of sensors and the safety protection function of the control system can ensure the safe operation of the robots and reduce the risk of accidents.
4、High Flexibility
l The flexibility of the mobile robot enables the composite robot to adapt to different laboratory environments and task requirements, improving the universality and adaptability of the equipment.
5、Convenient Data Management
l The sample management software can record information such as the storage positions and processing history of samples, facilitating user data management and query, and providing support for laboratory quality management and decision-making.
