Laboratories are critical not just to the advancement of many scientific fields but also to the resolution of pressing issues in microbiology, pharmacology, and more. Because of this, it’s important for laboratories to use equipment and methods that allow them to streamline their processes and get each project done within the ideal time frame.
For many labs, one of the best things they can do is to invest in modern technology. This might already seem like a given, but the fact is that not all labs are willing and/or able to switch to digital solutions and that many of them are still using outdated technologies.
How Adopting Digital Solutions Can Benefit Laboratories
By investing in the right kind of technologies and using them wisely, laboratories can give their processes a much-needed overhaul and produce better-than-ever results. This comes from the fact that modern innovations allow labs to:
Speed up processes
Modern laboratory equipment is designed with efficiency in mind. By using advanced machinery, labs can make their workflows more efficient while speeding up their turnaround times and completing their projects on the target date.
Produce more accurate results
When laboratories fail to deliver on precision and accuracy, they’ll lose the trust, respect, and support from the scientific community and all of their hard work will go to waste. Fortunately, producing precise results becomes easier for laboratories when they invest in advanced equipment.
Maximize staff output
Laboratories that still rely on old technologies often overwork their staff due to the inefficient and time-consuming processes that they have in place. They also underutilize their employees’ talent and potential by having them focus on routine work instead of headlining advanced projects. Fortunately, laboratories can avoid committing either mistake by adopting the latest innovations, which allow them to automate repetitive tasks while ensuring that each one is completed according to their specifications. Since all tedious tasks are taken care of, researchers can then maximize their staff’s skills and knowledge and use them on the tasks that matter.
Why Adopting Digital Solutions Is Difficult for Some Labs
It’s clear that modern technology offers numerous benefits to laboratories, so why are there still some facilities that haven’t switched to digital solutions? The answer differs from one laboratory to another, but it’s usually one or more of the following:
- Cost – Updating lab equipment requires a substantial financial investment, which is something that many facilities can’t easily cough up. This is especially true for laboratories that are struggling to get enough funding.
- Time – Switching to more modern methods and tools takes a lot of time. For one thing, laboratories have to find experts who will remove the old equipment and ensure that the new units are properly installed. They also have to organize training for all employees so they’ll know how to use the new tools and machinery and minimize the risk of user error. All of these tasks can take up hundreds of hours, which might not be feasible for labs that are running on tight schedules and have numerous deadlines to meet.
- Space – Many laboratories have limited space and can’t easily accommodate extra machinery without having to rearrange everything. For labs like this, they’ll have to build more space or move to a bigger facility if they decide to get new equipment.
Bridging the Tech Gap with Liquid Handling Robots
Despite their hesitation, laboratories must realize that adopting new technologies is the only way to move forward. Thankfully, there’s no need to make all the required changes all in one go—they can start by taking small but sure steps.
One example is to invest in a robotic liquid handler, which automates the process of dispensing, transferring, and mixing liquids. Modern liquid handling robots are easy to install, and since they have a user-friendly interface, researchers can quickly master the controls and learn how to properly use the machine. This makes them the ideal equipment for laboratories who need to adopt modern innovations but want to ease their way into the process.
Liquid Handling Robots: How They Make Lab Work Easier
Robotic systems are used in numerous industries nowadays. Manufacturers, for example, utilize industrial robotics with AI to enhance precision while speeding up their production. These machines can master new tasks without the need for frequent reprogramming, and they can safely function alongside human workers to improve manufacturing efficiency.
The same principles apply to robot systems that are used in scientific research, including the machines that are designed to handle liquids. This task is one of the most challenging types of lab work since it requires accuracy in every single step. Most lab processes require researchers to measure, dispense, and mix precise amounts of liquids down to the very last microliter, and it’s very easy to make mistakes when handling liquids using manual means.
Fortunately, eliminating errors is easy with the use of liquid handling robot systems. With their automatic pipette, they can mix and transfer liquids with ease and with no hassle at all to you—simply input the pipetting volume that you want, and the machine will take care of the rest. Modern liquid handlers come with integrated cameras that make calibration quick and easy, and they’re designed with cutting-edge algorithms that allow the system to visually comprehend its tasks and respond appropriately. The camera and algorithms also used by the machine to monitor objects in real-time and identify potential user errors.
With these advanced features, liquid handling robots can deliver accurate results and reduce the margin of error. Since they’ll take on the time-consuming process of dispensing liquids and mixing reagents, they leave researchers free to focus on other more important jobs and ensure their project’s success.
Experience the Benefits That Liquid Handling Robot Systems Bring
Adopting modern innovations allows laboratories to improve their productivity and efficiency and stay ahead of the competition. For facilities that deal with liquid reagents and materials in their projects, getting a liquid handling robot is the first step to speeding up their lab work while upholding their commitment to precision and accuracy.