LABORATORY AUTOMATION - A CHALLENGE FOR THE 1990S

There is tremendous on industry and laboratories to develop increasing ly complex procucts: for example catalysts, chiral chemicals, drugs an d ceramics; conform to regulations; cope with increasingly severe comp etition; and meet steadily increasing costs. It is difficult, in this situation, to remain productive and competitive. It is vital to be equ ipped with, and be able to use appropriately, the suitable methodologi es and technologies. Working methods and personnel have to be appropri ate. The future depends on three interdependent domains: automation in the broadest sense of the word instrumentation and information system s. The easy work has already been done. Between 1984 and 1990, it was a question of going from nothing to something; now, it is necessary to increase and optimize. Therefore, the crucial question is now. 'how c an me go quicker in experimentation and acquire more knowledge, while spending less money?' One solution is to use all the aspects of automa tion (robotics, instrumentation, data). Successful laboratory automati on depends on: shortened time to market; improved efficiency/cost rati o; motivation/competence/expertise; communication; and knowledge acqui sition. This paper examines some of the major technological areas of a pplication.