'Big Data' – Challenge or Chance for Lab Automation?

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DÜPERTHAL Sicherheitstechnik GmbH & Co. KG

Elementar Analysensysteme GmbH

TRM Filter d.o.o.

DECHEMA Ausstellungs-GmbH

DECHEMA e.V.

The goal of the initiative is seamless integration of lab equipment and IT systems made by different manufacturers based on uniform communication interfaces, device drivers and lab consumables. Highly-specialized experts are assigned by members of the non-profit consortium to technical working groups for joint development of authoritative standards. According to the information provided by Fraunhofer IPA (Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation), device and component manufacturers must have their products SiLA certified.

iLAB Software Platform

Some initial suppliers such as infoteam Software already market lab automation software platforms that come with interfaces based on existing standards and can be modified to suit individual needs. Institutes including Fraunhofer IPA apply the knowledge gained through their involvement in SiLA to a tailored lab IT. According to the information provided by the supplier, the platform iLAB is built around the iLAB service host and a high-performance database. The system features an open device integration module and runs standardized interface protocols (SiLA, OPC, u. a.).

It also accommodates other analyses or experiment planning software tools. If needed, it can be integrated into higher-level systems via a standardized data interface (e.g., HL7, ASTM, SiLA Data Exchange Standard). Provision has also been made for control feedback loops in ongoing processes to support online process optimization.

The experiment management hierarchy on the platform’s user interface has been designed specifically to facilitate data exchange in interdisciplinary teams or alternating projects. Users have the option of working simultaneously on different aspects of a project, along with being able to consolidate and coordinate data from various sources.

EHEC Beneath the Electron Microscope

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Autobio: Automating Botechnology Processes

Biotechnology production is generally considered to be sustainable and resourcefriendly. Experts predict that within 20 years, around 1/3 of worldwide production will be biotechnology based. Under the umbrella of the Research on Production of the Future framework, the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is contributing to this evolutionary trend through its support for the Autobio consortium.

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