Collaborative robots, ultrasonic acoustic energy, picodroplet technology, and cloud computing are among the technologies advancing liquid handling—simplifying workflows and raising efficiency and productivity levels. These new, often automated, and efficient solutions are frequently enabled by connections—between human operators and robots, among complementary technologies, or via the cloud.
Massachusetts-based HighRes Biosolutions develops robotic systems that work alongside scientists to automate laboratory tasks. According to CEO Peter Harris, the majority of their systems integrate collaborative robotic components and therefore are able to work safely with scientists. “If the robot collides with a person, its force is not great, and it knows to stop. You can typically just reach out your hand and stop a collaborative robot from moving, or grab it and teach it a new location or path to follow. As a result, people and robots can work together to perform work.”