Mobile robotics solves staffing bottlenecks and streamlines workflows

Over the past 3 years, the laboratory market has undergone unprecedented transformation, marking a fundamental shift unlike any other period before. The ongoing shortage of specialised staff has been significantly worsened by the coronavirus pandemic, leaving many clinics struggling to keep their labs adequately staffed.

Night and weekend shifts are increasingly causing issues in this respect. Many employees are unable or unwilling to work during these hours and may even consider other job opportunities if uncertain about their current situation. Consequently, there were no other options to ensure the lab's operation and maintain the services on site, but to transfer the testing to point-of-care devices to be carried out on the wards. However, this solution requires precise planning in terms of costs, implementation and quality of outcomes.

Here is where URG's robotics become especially relevant. The existing lab equipment is operated by autonomous robot systems at night and on weekends, which means that the staff are no longer required at these times, and the quality of the results is the same as before. URG's broad portfolio enables different application scenarios and maximum flexibility.

With the mobile solution uLab Mobile, even more complex workflows can be automated. uLab Mobile recognises samples – either by the colour of their cap or by a barcode – and processes them accordingly. Apart from detecting and sorting samples, the service robot is capable of loading and operating lab equipment like centrifuges and analysis devices. One key benefit of uLab Mobile is its seamless integration into current manually operated laboratory setups, eliminating the need for any changes, thus providing a clear advantage over stationary solutions. One crucial element in this regard is the uGO software provided. It acts as a link between the robot and the lab peripherals, facilitating seamless real-time data exchange, such as with a LIMS system.

The stationary uLab Duo robot takes this idea a little further, as it automates the entire pre-analytical process. All basic test procedures such as clinical chemistry or coagulation analysis can be fully automated. uLab Duo is capable of handling up to 95% of all urgent requests autonomously during weekends. The laboratory staff is immensely relieved.

On the other hand, the transport robot uLog provides a straightforward entry point into mobile lab automation. uLog relieves laboratory staff of the often-tedious task of transporting samples. This can reduce walking distances by up to 70%, leading to significant time and convenience benefits. Like uLab Mobile, uLog can even use automatic doors and elevators, which considerably expands its range of applications.

In most cases, robotics can be integrated into the existing laboratory concept as an extension. Planning the costs is simpler with robotics compared to a point-of-care solution since robotics involves only fixed costs for both the initial investment and ongoing service. The costs for the test analysis itself remain unchanged, as this is carried out using the existing lab equipment.

For the first time, robotics offers a suitable replacement for the traditional staff-operated lab, easing the workload on employees, particularly during off-peak hours. This not only guarantees 24/7 availability but also enhances the appeal of the laboratory as a workplace.

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