Insights from maxon at MassRobotics’ Healthcare Robotics Webinar
As laboratories evolve to handle an increasing volume of complex tasks, automation has shifted from being a luxury to a necessity. This was the key message from Robotics in Healthcare: Revolutionizing Laboratory Automation with Precision Drive Systems, a recent webinar hosted by MassRobotics’s Healthcare Robotics Working Group and featuring insights from maxon’s Sandro Walter, Global Business Development for Laboratory Automation and Life Science, and Michael Beasley, Business Development Manager for US Industrial Automation. The discussion, moderated by Mary Jane McCraven, Marketing and Business Development Manager at Harmonic Drive LLC, explored the current landscape of lab automation, focusing on the challenges laboratories face today and the opportunities automation offers to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
0:00 – Introduction and Overview
3:33 – Maxon’s Overview by Michael Beasley
8:24 – Challenges in Lab Automation by Sandro Walter
13:05 – Case Study: Liquid Handling
19:29 – Case Study: Centrifuges
27:32 – Collaborative Solutions for Lab Automation
29:00 – Q&A Session moderated by Mary Jane McCraven
Rising Pressures and the Need for Automation
The demand for automation in laboratories is being driven by multiple factors, including the aging global population, rising healthcare costs, and increasing pressure to process more tests in less time. Sandro Walter highlighted that the United Nations projects that by 2050, over 1.5 billion people will be aged over 65, significantly increasing the need for healthcare services. With chronic illnesses on the rise and new drug developments continuously emerging, labs must adapt to process larger volumes of samples more quickly and accurately than ever before.
These demands are compounded by the growing issue of staff shortages and the high cost of building and maintaining laboratory facilities. Walter emphasized that automation is not just an option anymore, but an essential part of laboratory operations, as it allows labs to meet higher throughput demands while maintaining precision.
The Reproducibility Crisis: A Call for Precision
One of the most significant challenges discussed was the “reproducibility crisis” in laboratory research. A 2016 study conducted by Nature found that over 70% of researchers were unable to reproduce another scientist’s experiments, while more than 60% failed to reproduce their results. This highlights significant issues in scientific reproducibility across multiple disciplines. Walter underscored this point, illustrating the need for precision in lab automation. Automated systems can play a critical role in mitigating the risks associated with human error, ensuring that processes are consistent and repeatable across multiple trials, a vital factor in fields like pharmaceutical research and diagnostics.
Key Challenges in Lab Automation
During the panel, Walter and Beasley delved into several specific challenges that laboratories face today:
- High Throughput Demands: Laboratories must process hundreds, if not thousands, of samples per day, placing immense pressure on equipment to perform quickly and accurately. Walter pointed out that advanced drive systems need to be dynamic and capable of rapid changes in direction while maintaining a high level of precision to meet these demands.
- Downtime and Maintenance: Walter emphasized the costly disruptions that can occur when lab equipment fails. He cited a survey that found 70% of laboratories identified downtime as a critical issue. To combat this, they recommend using brushless motors and high-quality materials such as ceramic components to extend equipment life and minimize maintenance.
- Workflow Efficiency: Laboratories must ensure that every step in the workflow is efficient and reliable. Walter noted that precision is key, particularly in liquid handling systems, where high-resolution encoders ensure accurate sample measurement down to the nanoliter scale.
- Space Constraints: As labs face increasing demands for space-efficient solutions, Walter highlighted the trend toward smaller, more compact instruments. By integrating drive systems that optimize both space and performance, customers can shrink the footprint of their equipment
Opportunities for Innovation: Case Studies
Throughout the discussion, Walter shared case studies that demonstrated how maxon’s tailored approach has helped clients overcome these challenges. In one example, the customer replaced a larger motor with a smaller, brushless version for a liquid handling system, significantly improving precision while reducing the system’s footprint. A ceramic lead screw was used to extend the life of the system and reduce maintenance needs.
In another case, the user wanted to improve centrifuge performance by addressing vibration and noise issues. By refining the drive system, the customer was able to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the equipment, while also extending its operational life.
A Customer-Centric Approach
Michael Beasley, who oversees maxon’s industrial automation sector in the US, emphasized the importance of understanding customer needs and creating tailored solutions. He explained that maxon’s approach often begins with standard components, which are then customized to meet specific client requirements.
Beasley stressed that the shift toward more solution-based approaches in lab automation is not just driven by the customers who are seeking more comprehensive, ready-to-deploy solutions to minimize supply chain complexities and expedite time-to-market. This highlights the market’s changing scope and suggests a useful tip for innovators entering this space. He highlighted how with this approach, maxon has enabled their clients to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Moderating a Deep Dive into Automation
As the moderator, Mary Jane McCraven helped facilitate the discussion, guiding the speakers through a variety of important topics and ensuring that the audience had the opportunity to dive deeper into strategies and technologies impacting the industry.
McCraven posed questions about the regulatory challenges suppliers face when developing healthcare robotics solutions, which led to a discussion about the stringent ISO 13485 certification process and maxon’s long-standing commitment to meeting regulatory standards. She also highlighted how AI is transforming the healthcare robotics landscape, prompting a conversation about the integration of AI into lab systems, particularly for predictive maintenance and process optimization.
McCraven’s questions helped illuminate not only the technical aspects of innovations but also the broader industry trends shaping the future of lab automation. Her engagement ensured a well-rounded exploration of the intersection between robotics, automation, and healthcare.
Looking Ahead: The Role of AI in Lab Automation
Walter also discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare robotics. He noted that AI will play an increasingly important role in analyzing data generated by automated lab systems, helping laboratories uncover new insights. He is exploring the use of AI for predictive maintenance, where motors act as sensors to detect potential issues before they lead to equipment failures, significantly reducing downtime and enhancing system reliability.
Conclusion
The webinar provided a comprehensive look at the state of lab automation, from the challenges faced by modern laboratories to the innovative solutions being developed by companies such as maxon. As Walter, Beasley, and McCraven emphasized, the future of lab automation lies in the ability to deliver tailored, precise solutions that meet the growing demands for efficiency, scalability, and accuracy.
For more insights and to watch the full webinar, visit the MassRobotics website. Stay tuned for upcoming events in our Healthcare Robotics Webinar Series and continue to explore how robotics is revolutionizing healthcare.