Quality robot

The use of "fixed" automation, automation designed to perform a specific task, is already widespread ia the analytical laboratory as exemplified by autosamplers and microprocessors for sample processiag and instmment control (see also Automated instrumentation) (1). The laboratory robot origiaated ia devices coastmcted to perform specific and generally repetitive mechanical tasks ia the laboratory. Examples of automatioa employing robotics iaclude automatic titrators, sample preparatioa devices, and autoanalyzers. These devices have a place within the quality control (qv) laboratory, because they can be optimized for a specific repetitive task. AppHcation of fixed automation within the analytical research function, however, is limited. These devices can only perform the specific tasks for which they were designed (2). 

Robotics The introduction of robotics has given a new dimension to packaging in that it is now possible to do repetitive tasks with speed and accuracy at notably lower cost than if done by people. The manufacture of robots is well established with corporations of substantial resources providing a quality product with continuity of service, supply, and software support. There is also a specialty industry which is available to supply both accessory hardware and software which are custom designed to handle specific user situations. Economic analysis needs to be done before making the decision as to whether to automate using robots, fixed automation, or the labor of people aided by work aids. 

The application of technology in laboratories via automation and robotics (flexible automation) minimizes the need for human intervention in analytical processes, increases productivity, improves data quality, reduces costs, and enables experimentation that otherwise would be impossible. Pharmaceutical companies continuously look for ways to reduce the time and effort required for testing. To meet the ever-increasing demands for efficiency while providing consistent quality of analysis, more pharmaceutical R D and QC laboratories have now automated their sampling, sample preparation, and analysis procedures. 

Any decision to establish automated or robotic systems must carefully consider prerequisites such as the annual numbers of samples to be processed to achieve an acceptable cost-to-benefit ratio. Late phase development stability studies may benefit from fully automated systems based on the enormous numbers of samples to be analyzed for each stability time point. The use of automated systems in manufacturing quality control is now required due to the sheer number of samples to be... 

Unattended operation of the laboratory robot extends the working day and permits faster sample turnaround. In a manufacturing/quality control environment, faster release of product for shipment can greatly reduce inventory costs. 

In the past, laboratories have justified the initial investment in dedicated automation on the basis of the large number of identical, repetitive operations carried out. Fixed or dedicated automation is utihzed for large quantities of standard procedures, such as those found in manufacturing environments or in clinical laboratories. Fixed automation follows a predetermined sequence of steps to perform a defined procedure although efficient, it can only perform one repetitive procedure. Robotics, however, can provide flexible automation to meet the changing needs typical of quality control and research laboratories. Flexible automation is programmed by individual users to perform multiple procedures, and can be quickly reprogrammed to accommodate new or revised procedures. In these situations, a careful assessment of the software overhead must be made before a decision to purchase is made. 

Because of their frequently complicated shapes, three-dimensional (3D) objects require different coating techniques, such as spray, dip, and flow and spin coating. The lamps in curing units for 3D objects are stationary and the parts pass in front of them. They usually rotate two to three times as they pass through the irradiation zone. The irradiation zone must have a shield to eliminate direct and first scattered light. Because of the complexity of coated parts and high demands on quality, UV lamps are frequently mounted on robotics (shown previously in Figure 7.1). 

Since in our pharmaceutical network simulation models we deal with packets, let us explain a few aspects of packet formats. Packets carry information and can be sent between transmitters and receivers. In our example, packets can carry robot programs when uploaded from the design/programming office servers to the robot lines and then to the individual CNCs, or robots, or parts of them if there is a need for an update, edit, quality control, production control, maintenance, and other data. (Packets can include mission-critical, panic related real-time data between the robot controller PCs and the line servers.)... 

Application of any analytical method is always easier when the matrix does not contain species that interfere with determination of the analyte. However, when an interference is expected, it is necessary to isolate the component to be measured from the matrix. Therefore, the quality of the result often depends on sample preparation. This preliminary step can have a more important influence on the end result than the measurement itself or the precision of the instrument used. Sample preparation, which follows the so-called sampling procedure, can often be tedious, delicate and time-consuming. Nonetheless, it has become an active area of study that benefits from the recent progress in chemistry and robotics. Currently used instruments that allow fast and selective measurements on very small amounts of sample have encouraged the development of new, rapid sample preparation methods. 

Robotic errors tend to be major, so that errors can be spotted more easily. In fact, robot-based laboratory procedures can provide a record of all steps for quality control purposes. 

It takes a lot more than just connecting an IR instrument to a pipe to make the instrument into a process analyzer. The system not only has to be constructed correctly and be capable of flawless operation 24 hours a day, but it also has to be packaged correctly, and be able to access the stream correctly and without any interference from process-related disturbances such as bubbles, water, particulates, etc. Finally, the data acquired from the instrument has to be collected and converted into a meaningful form and then transmitted to the process computer, where the information is used to assess the quality of the product and to report any deviations in the production. Beyond that point, the process computer, typically not the process analyzer, handles any decisions and control issues. There are a few exceptions where robotics are integrated with the analyzer, and good vs. bad product quality are assessed at the point of measurement. The use of... 

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