Automating a human-heavy task for better results

Ensuring accurate, reliable data is key to certain businesses, like Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC). Yet using operators and basic equipment is too variable and can cause unreliable data. We created a laboratory automation solution that eliminated their problems and has become adopted internationally. Find out more about the ILAS3000.

The problem

Milk samples require precise and consistent preparation procedures to achieve accurate and reliable test results. Attempting this with operators and basic equipment is too variable and can lead to unreliable data as LIC discovered. Following preparation, samples were placed in a rack and passed though the milk analyser, resulting in a variation in temperature between the first and last sample being analysed. In addition to a tedious and RSI-inducing task for operators, LIC lacked any comprehensive traceability of samples.

The solution

We created the ILAS3000 Waterbath Robot, a laboratory automation solution that removed problems around milk sample preparation. The ILAS3000 custom machine reduces operator involvement in the milk testing process by operating unattended for long shifts. The operator only needs to load and unload trays. Any interaction with the machine is through a screen, mouse and keyboard, allowing the operator to check errors and monitor progress.

To prepare the sample, a gantry system picks up the vial and moves it to a carousel in a water bath that’s temperature controlled to ensure perfect heating. The vial is then shaken, de-capped and scanned before being presented to the analyser. After analysis, the vial is returned to its tray of origin. The milk samples are tracked throughout the process using barcodes. The analyser data can then be paired with the correct sample.

The ILAS3000 has a strong software component and can integrate with laboratory IT systems (LIMS) and provide data for IIoT reporting. It can also be customised to suit a variety of sample vial types.

Numerous international dairy labs operate multiple ILAS3000s. Its reliability and ability to be serviced remotely means that the ILAS3000 is trouble free for operators and lab managers.”

What it does

This custom machine:

• Automates the sample preparation process.
• Handles all aspects of the milk testing process from picking the vial to placing it in a water bath; performing analysis; and returning it to the correct tray.
• Uses barcodes to ensure all milk samples can be accurately tracked throughout the process.
• Can be serviced remotely, allowing it to be used anywhere in the world.

How it helps

The ILAS3000 Waterbath Robot helps dairy labs:

• Improve the consistency of sample preparation.
• Reduce operator involvement in the milk testing process, helping produce more accurate, reliable data.
• Provide sample traceability through the entire process.
• Improve health and safety by removing an RSI-inducing task for operators.

What the client says

“Since we’ve had the Waterbath Robot, there’s a definite improvement in quality, mainly around the consistency in how each sample is handled as opposed to the conveyors where individual operators used to handle the samples very differently.”

Karyn Lane, Sample Processing Manager