Laboratory automation: a challenge for the 1990s

[摘要] There is tremendous pressure on industry and laboratories to developincreasingly complex procucts: for example catalysts, chiralchemicals, drugs and ceramics; conform to regulations; cope withincreasingly severe competition; and meet steadily increasing costs.It is difficult, in this situation, to remain productive and competitive.It is vital to be equipped with, and be able to use appropriately,all the suitable methodologies and technologies. Working methodsand personnel have to be appropriate. The future depends on threeinterdependent domains: automation in the broadest sense of theword, instrumentation and information systems. The easy workhas already been done. Between 1984 and 1990, it was a questionof going from nothing to something; now, it is necessary to increaseand optimize.Therefore, the crucial question is now: ‘how can we goquicker in experimentation and acquire more knowledge,while spending less money?’ One solution is to use allthe aspects of automation (robotics, instrumentation, data).Successful laboratory automation depends.on: shortened time tomarket; improved efficiency/cost ratio; motivation/competence/expertise; communication; and knowledge acquisition. This paperexamines some of the major technological areas of application.

[学科分类] 分析化学