Buy or build an automation platform?

Automation systems are typically composed of a collection of modules that are built or purchased to perform common laboratory tasks. Building such modules from individual components is the most flexible approach to automation, but at the expense of significant development and time investment to ensure adequate performance. In contrast, modules designed to perform the most common laboratory tasks can be purchased and then modified to meet individual needs. The cost of purchasing a module may be higher, but the advantage is that the feasibility of performing the task is usually verified by the supplier. The disadvantage is that any deviation from the common tasks that the module is designed to perform may require additional customization. Unchained Labs, Tecan, Chemspeed Technologies, (above are laboratory instrument and solution suppliers) These systems are expensive, but require minimal development if the factory acceptance test (FAT) can be performed effectively. Therefore, the balance between flexibility, cost, and development time can determine whether to buy or build a module or an integrated system. In laboratories with expert users, building a custom platform is more appropriate, while in laboratories with novice users, purchasing a commercial platform with a user-friendly graphical user interface may be a better choice.

Required modules

What laboratory tasks need to be automated? After purchasing the module, how can researchers understand its inner workings in order to effectively use the equipment and troubleshoot it. Next, we will give an overview of the common modules used in chemical automation and their hardware components.

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