The Labcyte Access Dual Robot System (DRS) is praised as “The New Sound of Sample Management”. Developed in conjunction with AstraZenica, to merge the acoustic liquid dispensing technology developed by Labcyte with the mass spectrometry technology developed by AstraZenica.

It is a compact, modular, high-capacity, and high-throughput platform, designed and optimized for the use of Echo Liquid Handlers in sample management workflows. It is the only automation platform on the market compatible with the Echo 655T Liquid Handler, enabling the production of assay-ready plates from acoustic sample tubes. The system combines industry-leading software with ergonomic and environment management options to provide a complete, easy-to-use, store-to-assay sample management solution.

Access DRS for Acoustic Sample Management

• Modular
• Configurable
• High-capacity
• High-throughput
• Environmental distribution option

Key Benefits

• Maximum Throughput and Uptime for Echo Liquid Handler Integrations
• Superior Flexibility in a Compact Footprint
• Ergonomically Designed and Certified for Laboratory Use
• Minimized Sample Hydration with Environmental Management Option
• Includes Tempo Software 2.0 with Advanced Features for Large Scale Applications

Research

StudioRed evaluated ergonomic concerns throughout the development of the Access DRS. Anthropometric data was evaluated in order to accurately consult Labcyte concerning user-operations and maintenance in accordance to OSHA and other published ergonomic recommendations. We provided renderings of 50th percentile male and female CAD human models positioned interacting with the system and performing critical tasks. This enabled Labcyte & AstraZenica to understand and visualize the user’s needs in important areas such as these;

• Body positioning capability while reaching around devices, through framework and accessing tight spaces to change disposables
• Whether shelves needed to extend or device carts need to disengage in order to program or service devices and position robot-arms.
• Whether step-stools are needed to access devices or liquid filled vessels
• If alert notification lights can be observed form every point of view.
• Evaluate dimensions of handles while pushing and pulling device carts of considerable weight.
• Physical mock-ups were used to evaluate the bar-grip’s cross section form, girth, and texture.
• Simple mock-ups were also created to dial in the appropriate dimensions for the modular door’s edge-lip grip.

Design

A modular system with out-set modular doors proved to be quite a geometrically challenging endeavor but our designers tackled it with enthusiasm and produced clever solutions. Many different solutions with and possibilities for part-count reduction were presented. In many cases, form and style was dictated by functional possibilities and our designers treated each mechanism carefully to create a consistent system style and theme. Concerning the modularity and the re-use of parts; in the end we determined that more unique parts were necessary for simplicity and functionality.

Phase 1 Concepts:

Phase 2 Concepts:

Final to Proceed with:

Engineering

Before engineering began on the enclosures, our industrial design team sourced, designed and specified environment-control ports for the DRS robot arms to reach through to the Echo 655T. Using vendors accustomed to manufacturing water-craft windows, we were able to customize these ports for lab equipment in the bio-tech market.