Revolutionizing Diagnostic Vial Re-Racking to Improve Walkaway Time

Precision Diagnostics sought to integrate two distinct processes involving the transfer of vials between different rack formats. Their objective was to enhance operational efficiency by making the procedure faster, more straightforward, and inherently safer. To support this goal, they required a solution that would: 

• Operate using a standard wall outlet 
• Fit within a compact laboratory footprint 
• Enable safe and seamless interaction with personnel 
• Minimize energy consumption 
• Reduce operational costs

“We decided to invest in automating our vial re-racking process primarily to improve efficiency. With this instrument, our staff could simply start the instrument, walk-away and tend to other processes while it ran, eliminating the need for a dedicated resource.”
– Richard Thomas, Chief Scientific Officer at Precision Diagnostics

Arimation Robotics, a custom automation solution provider, worked collaboratively with Brooks Automation to develop the best solution for the customer.

Enhanced Worker Efficiency

The Brooks PreciseFlex™ 3400 robot operates autonomously, allowing personnel to focus on higher-value tasks and improving overall productivity.

Simplified Setup and Programming

Designed for ease of use, the robot features an intuitive interface and straightforward programming, enabling rapid deployment.

Compact Footprint

With an extended reach and flexible range of motion, the robot maximizes functionality in space-constrained environments.

Collaborative and Safe Operation

Engineered for human interaction, the robot eliminates the need for protective fencing. Its sensitive force detection ensures immediate stoppage upon contact, promoting a safe working environment.

High-Speed, Intelligent Handling

The Brooks PreciseFlex™ 3400 robot combines speed with precision, automatically adjusting grip force to handle delicate items with care.

Integrated Servo Gripper

The servo gripper design eliminates the need for external sensors. It intelligently detects successful item acquisition and reattempts if necessary.

Energy-Efficient Performance

Powered by a standard wall outlet, the Brooks PreciseFlex™ 3400 consumes minimal energy, contributing to lower operational costs.

Brooks conducted a detailed meeting with the customer to understand their challenges and goals. Brooks then provided a solution designed to handle two processes independently, quickly, and safely, while meeting the customer’s low power consumption goals. By leveraging its expertise in automation systems, Brooks demonstrated the advantages of the pick-and-place process, enabling significantly faster vial transfers. The solution was engineered to integrate seamlessly with the customer’s workflow and reduce overall transfer time. The throughput improvement aligns closely with the customer’s goals of operational efficiency and process optimization. Brooks’ collaborative approach and robust engineering capabilities ensured the solution was both effective and forward-looking.

“This project has been an important step in our automation journey. We learned a great deal throughout the process, and it’s clear that automation will play a key role in how we scale and innovate going forward.” 
– Richard Thomas, Chief Scientific Officer at Precision Diagnostics

Brooks PreciseFlex™ 3400 Family