Software Developments Enhance the Reliability & Performance of Robotic Automation Platforms for High Throughput Screening

Abstract

The Global
High Throughput Screening Centre at AstraZeneca requires versatile automation
to adapt to the many different assay formats carried out. We achieve this using
modular systems based on HighRes BioSolution’s task-based CoLAB Flex carts,
which are controlled using Cellario Scheduling Software. The AZ Automation Team
has been carrying out software improvements on these systems, including: a
Certus Flex dispenser verification tool to streamline the calibration of
multiple Certus Flex valves, a CoLAB Flex cart docking program to automatically
check the location of docked carts, a Cellario user checklist to simplify the
user’s responsibilities, and an order metrics dashboard for error
tracking.  These software improvements have simplified the user experience
on our complex HTS automation platforms and have reduced user errors. Moreover,
capturing any errors has allowed us to improve the system set-up further.