Revolutionary paths
How EngRoTec - Solutions and Zimmer Group are mastering automation in the laboratory
For years, modern laboratories have increasingly relied on the automation of processes in order to make repetitive and time-consuming work steps more efficient. The challenges in laboratory automation are diverse and demanding. On the one hand, it is important to make more value-adding use of labor in the laboratory, as delicate and monotonous work can be time-consuming and error-prone. On the other hand, the specific requirements of the often sensitive tasks must be taken into account.
Automating the loading and unloading of microplates
EngRoTec - Solutions from Hünfeld has implemented a pioneering solution for an international pharmaceutical company that revolutionizes the automation of repetitive laboratory processes. The main objective was to automate the loading and unloading of microplates using an automated guided vehicle system. These microtiter plates are required for testing biological properties, e.g. for absorbance measurements in photometers or for high-throughput screening in the pharmaceutical industry.
The biggest challenge here was the smooth interaction between the automated guided vehicle system (AGV), 6-axis robot and servo gripper. With the FWR series tool changer and the HRC-02 collaborative gripper, the Zimmer Group was able to make a decisive contribution to finding the optimum solution.
Media-free tool changer and MRK gripper
One of the most important requirements for the robot accessories was the lack of compressed air for the mobile manipulators, which is why electric actuators and media-free tool changers were chosen for the implementation. The Zimmer Group played a decisive role here with its products, in particular the FWR series tool changer and the HRC-02 gripper.
The FWR series tool changer enables automated tool changing without an external control system. In conjunction with the depositing station, the changer is mechanically actuated during retraction, which means that no additional energy is required. The FWR also offers the option of manual tool changing.
The HRC-02 gripper of Zimmer Group is DGUV-certified and offers a collaborative gripping solution. With an integrated controller and sensitive servo drive, it enables precise gripping of different components with a defined gripping force. The IO-Link control and use in combination with LWR fixed parts open up optimum application options for larger workpieces and different dimensions thanks to servo technology.
Optimized laboratory automation from EngRoTec - Solutions and Zimmer Group
By integrating the automated guided vehicle system with Zimmer Group products, EngRoTec - Solutions has successfully advanced the automation of repetitive laboratory processes. thanks to the rapid provision samples of the tool changer and gripper, extensive tests were carried out and smooth communication between the AGV, robot and gripper was ensured.
The media-free tool changing technology of the FWR tool changer and the precise gripping solution of the HRC-02 gripper are now making a decisive contribution to increasing efficiency and precision in the laboratory environment. The successful collaboration between EngRoTec - Solutions and the Zimmer Group promises pioneering solutions for the pharmaceutical and laboratory sectors.
