Device Integration Concepts in Laboratory Automation

In recent years, industrial processes have been conquered by networked, communicating, and, in some cases, decision-making tools. This paradigm change is often referred to as Industry 4.0 by professionals in the economy, IT, and industry. Although somewhat lagging, the same process is accelerating in the field of laboratory automation as well. Automated devices and robotic solutions are present in this area since decades; however, extensive system integration has only gained importance recently. Automated laboratories utilize a large variety of devices that are becoming interconnected and are more and more often integrated into external control systems; however, standard communication protocols are often lacking. This paper discusses innovative software solutions in the context of a biopharmaceutical process development laboratory: firstly in a hierarchical distinction and then in the aspect of their function. Different approaches for system integration are discussed, including two specific implementation examples.