Caitlin Smith has a B.A. in biology from Reed College, a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Yale University, and completed postdoctoral work at the Vollum Institute.
Lab automation—you’ve heard of it, maybe even read about it, but your lab still works the way the labs in which you trained worked. They’re powered by hard-working, thinking humans who are capable of good scientific judgment (at least, most of the time) and able to change protocols on the fly when they deem it necessary. What could a mindless robot have to offer you when it comes to complex experiments requiring human deliberation and intervention?
The fact is, automation in the lab has evolved to be much smarter than even a few years ago. Automated instruments can execute a variety of common tasks, including dispensing, mixing, washing, incubating and reading. Human lab workers often spend a considerable amount of time on simple, repetitive tasks that automated equipment could do just as well, or even better. People sometimes don’t realize just how much time they spend on these sorts of tasks, because they do it without thinking. Such time is part of their lab routine and tends to be doled out in short, frequent bursts. So they may not realize that the time adds up. Would you benefit from having an instrument do these tasks instead?
There are different types and degrees of automation—how do you know whether your lab is a good candidate? Depending on your needs, it might be informative to start with an automated workstation, which is relatively simple and designed for tasks such as plating, rinsing or washing. Or you could take the plunge into larger and more sophisticated robotic systems designed to mimic complex human movements such as grasping vessels, pouring liquid samples and moving objects.
Whether you are considering an automation overhaul or simply dipping your toes in the water, there are several criteria that can signal whether automation may be a helpful addition to your lab.
Your lab members are becoming automatons
Almost any lab can benefit from automation when it sees an increased number of samples to process, sort or track. If it seems like your people are spending increasing amounts of time on this work, you might be ready to automate. Nearly any simple and repetitive task can be automated, freeing your humans for “higher-order” tasks like reading and experimental design. Automation usually increases throughput as well, especially if “walk-away” automation is possible; in this case, the instrument can run unattended all night while you sleep. Some manufacturers offer instruments that can automate specific jobs, or sections of your workflow, along with interchangeable modules for different tasks that offer more flexibility. The sheer increase in productivity enabled by automation can pay for the cost of the instrumentation in short order.
The cost of human error is taking its toll
Another lab cost that can be reduced by taking advantage of automation is the inestimable cost of errors in the (perhaps even published) data. It is normal and inevitable that the effects of human errors will surface occasionally—for example, as a result of mistakes made during manual pipetting. But when people must process more and more samples, the impact of errors rises. If this is a big concern, then automating such tasks may prevent headaches down the road and provide some peace of mind.
You want to slim down lab expenses
Automated instruments not only work more efficiently with your reagents but also can reduce physical waste. Thus you can save lab funds by using less reagent and paying for less waste disposal. In the process, you can claim the added benefit of becoming a greener lab. Another way to save money and produce less waste is to use smaller sample sizes. Are your experiments amenable to miniaturization? Combining this with automation can save your lab even more.
Other considerations
When the benefits of automation begin to outweigh the financial cost of this potentially large investment, it is time to consider tackling the subject. Be forewarned that labs with newly configured automation solutions face several common challenges. For example, the sudden glut of data can wreak computing havoc. It is advisable to have an information-technology structure in place to support the newfound increase in data and analysis, especially with larger imaging files. Another factor to consider ahead of time is the physical management of more sample tubes or plates. Finally, if you run into problems or simply want to maximize efficiency, you can have your lab workflow evaluated by a company that advises labs about automation solutions. These consultants can identify production bottlenecks or other problems and suggest ways to maximize efficiency.
When lab members spend more time “what-if-ing,” planning, analyzing and making connections with additional research in the literature, they can open doors to exciting and novel lines of inquiry. One of the greatest benefits of automation is priceless: the chance for lab members to use their scientific training to the fullest by using their minds as well as their hands.