Development Of An Automated Liquid Handling System For Science Lab Automation

In recent years, various automation technologies developed in engineering fields have been gaining attention from scientists and researchers to improve productivity, accuracy and quality of work in their science labs. This paper presents a unique case study of a private company sponsored project to develop a prototype of an automated liquid handling system for science labs. The device is especially intended for applications such as proteomics, oligonucleotides and high throughput screening. The system is composed of assembled syringes, pneumatic devices, linear drive, stepper motor, PLC and other miscellaneous devices. Two graduate students were involved in this project to satisfy the master’s project requirement of our Mechanical Engineering curriculum. The development of the prototype was divided into two major stages. The first major stage conducted by the first graduate student consisted of requirement definition, conceptual design, modeling and simulation. The second stage conducted by the second graduate student consisted of design reviews, prototype fabrication, and testing. The project provided the students with an excellent opportunity for exposure to mechatronics technologies as well as the experience of being a part of a real-world engineering product development.