Modern Laboratory Automation under Containment Conditions.
Introduction: Robotics in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Pharmaceuticals.
Continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible with better products and solutions is the DNA of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. This dynamic field is driven by a spirit of research and innovation. As a result, processes are becoming ever more complex, while the pressure is increasing due to competition, cost increases, a shortage of skilled workers, and stricter regulations at the same time. These challenges can be met with laboratory automation and robotics, making processes more efficient, precise, and safe. In the use of these technologies, the aspect of containment plays an extremely important role in ensuring the protection of the product.
EU GMP Annex 1.
The new version of EU GMP Annex 1 has also raised the requirements for pharmaceutical production. In particular, additional requirements apply to containment in order to further reduce the risk of contamination. Now robotic systems are explicitly mentioned.
Tackling New Challenges with Robotics.
The risks involved in the handling of hazardous substances are manifold and dependent on many factors. Mistakes can have devastating consequences. However, economic aspects must also be taken into account in order to remain operational. The increased use of robotic solutions is an economically sensible way to improve safety. Automation can be used in all areas of laboratory operations, from medical applications to microbiology and research involving cell biology. The entire workflow, from warehouse logistics for labware and sample vessels to filtration and incubation, all the way to colony detection, can be automated with robots. The systems can be designed modularly and throughput rates can be scaled as required.
The human factor.
Wherever people work, there will be human errors. For this reason, personnel who handle hazardous or very sensitive substances must be qualified and trained. Not only is this associated with costs, but the increasing shortage of skilled workers is also having an impact on the supply of suitable employees. Furthermore, many tasks in the laboratory are repetitive and tie up valuable manpower in time-consuming routine activities. Robotics allows tasks to be carried out autonomously and frees up employees for more complex and creative activities. Personnel costs can be reduced without compromising on safety.
The productivity factor.
Automated systems can work around the clock. This allows yields to be increased without additional labor or production facilities through extended operating times. This can also reduce the time to market for new biotechnological or pharmaceutical products. New developments can be brought to market earlier and secure the associated competitive advantages.
The consistency factor.
The precision of robotics in laboratory automation makes it possible to carry out experiments with a degree of consistency that would be virtually impossible to achieve manually. This improves the reproducibility of the results and helps to increase the validity of scientific studies. In production, it ensures reliable compliance with the specified standards. The reserves for possible product recalls or liabilities can be reduced.
Together with the Goldfuß Engineering GmbH, which specializes in robotics solutions, Weiss Pharmatechnik offers automation systems for a variety of tasks under containment conditions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories.
Stay tuned to learn more about our laboratory automations in the fields of Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Pharmaceuticals.
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