The Role of Robotic Automation in Modern Pharmaceutical Laboratories

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the activities of medical and pharmaceutical laboratories seldom received national or international attention. Fast forward to today and  more people than ever are aware of the work that goes on within these facilities and how important this work is to public health. Simply put, the research and discoveries that come out of laboratories are nothing short of miraculous – and so it only makes sense that the modern medical and pharma labs are equipped with the right tools and technology that can expedite the work without compromising the accuracy and integrity of the results.

All else being equal, the world would be a very different place without much of the work developed in labs over the past century. With a very real reminder of that fact still fresh in our collective memory,  it’s safe to say that the world will continue to be indebted to these focal points of research and discovery.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of accuracy in a lab setting, define laboratory automation, and uncover how robotic automation is leveraged in the modern pharmaceutical laboratories

The Importance of Accuracy and Consistency in a Laboratory

We can all appreciate just how important accuracy and consistency are in any controlled setting, laboratories especially. Whether a lab is responsible for processing medical samples for diagnostic purposes or used to develop and test a new medication or vaccine, accuracy and consistency are far and away the most important characteristics of a successful laboratory. Results of a highly precise experiment can be scuttled if the incorrect compound quantities are used, and measurements off by a fraction could invalidate weeks or even months worth of work.

Since much of the work done in a scientific laboratory must be replicated and validated by other sources, if the methods used to conduct the experiment were less than accurate, the results could be misleading and difficult to replicate. This could have a considerable financial impact on the lab, undermine the credibility of the facility and its staff, and most importantly could jeopardize any positive outcomes of the work being done. 

Quality and replicability of results aside, safety is another major reason why accuracy is important in a medical or pharmaceutical laboratory. A single lapse in judgment could result in the incorrect compounds or quantities of chemicals being mixed together, potentially creating a health hazard for those working in the facility. The materials used within a laboratory may not be volatile in isolation, however that may not be the case when an otherwise inert compound is combined with others. Potential reactions of poorly mixed chemicals range from the creation of harmful gas, up to an explosion. 

From a financial and cost-efficiency perspective, accurate measurements of compounds and ingredients is tantamount to a viable laboratory. Many of the components, materials, ingredients, and chemicals used in experiments and tests are difficult to come by and therefore expensive. Ensuring only the necessary quantities are used to validate the experiment’s hypothesis or to achieve the desired outcome is crucial to the financial sustainability of the facility.

What is Laboratory Automation? 

Laboratory automation involves the use of automated technologies, like robotics, in order to accurately and consistently perform routine tasks that do not necessarily require human supervision or intervention. Leveraging automated equipment for things like measuring and mixing components, dispensing samples, and packaging medicines, not only ensures a consistent and superior output, it also allows the technician to focus on the more technical aspects of their jobs.  

Applications of Advanced Robotics in a Medical or Pharmaceutical Laboratory

Laboratory robotic automation represents the next evolutionary step in the integration of sophisticated technology in scientific experimentation. As such, there are a number of unique applications for lab automation in both medical and pharmaceutical laboratories.

Automated Sample Handling. The vast majority of laboratories have to manage and handle many, many samples in a given day; these can be tissue samples as would be the case in a medical laboratory or chemical or biological samples of compounds used in the development of new drugs, as would be the case in the pharmaceutical laboratory. In both cases, automated sample handling ensures each sample is handled properly and quickly, mitigating the risk of contamination or those associated with human error. 

High Throughput Screening.  This process, typically used in the development of new medications, consists of testing literally thousands of different compounds for viability as a potential drug candidate. Laboratory robotics are ideal for this task as they can conduct these tests with far greater speed and precision than a human technician. As one can imagine, this has allowed many drugs and treatments to be developed at a fraction of the cost and at a much better pace. 

Material Management. As mentioned previously, some of the materials used in laboratories can be volatile, toxic, or infectious in nature, posing a health risk to those in the immediate environment. Automated equipment can be leveraged to handle and secure these materials, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to human technicians.  

Robotic Lab Software and Data Analysis. Many of the experiments being conducted require the analysis of vast amounts of data. Particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, where strict regulations dictate that substantial research and study must be conducted to ensure the efficacy and safety of the drug. Precision medicine, a growing subfield within the medical industry,  consists of tailoring treatments on a patient by patient basis based on their genetics and individual needs. This is possible thanks in part to DNA sequencing, which has come a long way in the last couple of decades due to advancements in technology. Genetic sequencing facilitates a more accurate diagnosis of a person’s health as well as the development of their customized treatment plan. 

Laboratories are a Natural Fit for Robotic Automation

What would the world be like without medical laboratories developing vaccines or pharmaceutical laboratories discovering new medicines? It doesn’t take much imagination to concede that it would be a very bleak place. 

Fortunately, modern laboratories leverage cutting edge technology, robotics and automation included, to conduct experiments, complete research, and develop medicine faster, cheaper, and most importantly, safer than ever before. If you’d like to learn more about robotic automation technology or how you can make an impact as an automation technician, speak to our Program Consultant by calling 1-888-553-5333.