Did you ever wonder how lab work will look like in the future? Get a sneak peek!
From 21st – 23rd May, labvolution brought together more than 200 exhibitors from 18 countries, the trade fair centered around the topics automation, digitization and big data in science. Once again the smartLAB showcase, a joined effort of labfolder and partners like Fraunhofer IPA or the Hannover University; was a major visitor attraction showing the intelligent laboratory of the future.
To highlight the capabilities of a fully connected and automated lab, we exhibited two completely different experimental procedures. One that mimics a 1-day experiment (water analysis) while the second one serves as a proof of concept for how a smart laboratory can assist in multi-day processes (bioreactor).
For both use cases, although the laboratory environment seems familiar there is one big difference: the used protocol was not printed out on a piece of paper as it appears to be the ordinary habit; rather, the scientist receives the step-by-step instructions displayed in a pair of smartGlasses (developed by Noack Laboratorien and the TCI of the Leibniz University Hanover). While performing the experiment, each device used was connected through the cubuslab software. This resulted in automatic live-updates displayed in the smartGlasses and also directly transferred into the electronic laboratory notebook.
First, the demonstrators presented a water analysis. In order to assess the water quality, scientists test the pH which defines the acid/base balance; and detect pathogens through a PCR of the extracted DNA.
Further, the application of IPTG to a bioreactor was demonstrated. This can be applied to labs that induce bacterial cultures that way or even organizations that work with large scale fermentation processes.
At first, the demonstrators presented a common procedure for water analysis. In order to assess the quality of a water sample, scientists may test for the pH which defines the acid/base balance; and detect pathogens by doing a PCR of the extracted DNA.
Here at Labforward we clearly see the advantages of a “connected lab” and as part of this vision, we announced the merger of the labfolder ELN with the cubuslab (now Laboperator) solution for device integration. This announcement attracted many interested people to our booth, existing customers as well as potential collaborators. Overall it was a great opportunity to build and develop the relationship to manufacturers as well as visitors.
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