ROBOTICS AND THE CHANGING FACE OF THE CLINICAL LABORATORY

Rapid changes in healthcare coupled with parallel advances in technolo gy have stimulated the evolution of new approaches for laboratory auto mation. In particular, the emergence of commercially available laborat ory robotic systems offers promise for streamlining the clinical labor atory. Increasing cost-containment pressures make the application of t his technology extremely attractive, and several organizations have be gun to systematically integrate robotic devices into their laboratory automation schemes. Integration of these technologies, however, presen ts many challenges for software developers, instrument manufacturers, and laboratory workers. Differing needs across laboratories require fl exibility and intelligence in robots, instruments, and control systems . Standardization of mechanical and electronic interfaces will be key to making these systems easy to integrate. Systems engineering, aided by simulation modeling and artificial intelligence schemes, will be im portant to assist in the design of optimal configurations. Software fo r the overall control of integrated automation will be needed that can be tailored by the laboratorian to fit the requirements of the indivi dual laboratory. Thus, laboratory workers will need to be actively inv olved in implementing this new wave of laboratory automation, becoming well-versed in computers, electronics, and systems engineering.