Workflow Management System for the Integration of Mobile Robots in Future Labs of Life Sciences

Abstract

Abstract A present goal of life science automation is to network the wide range of automation systems distributed in laboratory buildings to control whole process chains. This work pursues the approach of combining mobile robots, human operators and established automation solutions in complex life science workflows. To achieve a higher level of automation, mobile robots assume the transportation tasks between the existing automation islands. A hierarchical workflow management system allows the planning, scheduling and autonomous execution of workflows in comprehensive laboratory infrastructures.