The Challenge
Medical and clinical laboratories are under pressure on multiple fronts:
- Rising testing volumes for diagnostics, research, and quality control
- High labor costs and ongoing workforce challenges
- Manual sample handling that introduces variability and error
- The need for strict traceability, data integrity, and compliance
- Increasing expectations for turnaround times without sacrificing accuracy
Traditional manual workflows struggled to meet performance goals, especially when repetitive tasks — like tube sorting, sample transfer, or plate preparation — taxed skilled staff and created bottlenecks. Lab leadership needed automation that could improve throughput, reduce risk, and support consistent results, while fitting into existing lab layouts and compliance frameworks.
The Solution
MWES designed and integrated custom robotic automation systems tailored specifically for laboratory workflows. These solutions focused on automating repetitive, high-volume tasks such as sample sorting, transfer, decapping/capping, and plate handling while maintaining traceability and data integrity.
Key system features included:
- Precision robotic arms capable of handling delicate vials, tubes, and plates
- Adaptive end effectors (EOAT) engineered for secure, gentle sample manipulation
- Vision systems and sensors for part detection and verification
- Touchscreen HMI interfaces for intuitive operator interaction
- Integration with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
- Safety interlocks and ergonomic workstations to protect operators and samples
MWES automation enabled labs to consolidate manual actions into streamlined robotic workflows — reducing the number of human steps in sample processing and creating smoother, more predictable production flow.
The Results
Implementation of the robotic laboratory automation systems delivered measurable operational benefits:
- Increased Throughput — Higher testing capacity with fewer manual touchpoints
- Improved Accuracy & Consistency — Automated sample handling reduced variability and human error
- Reduced Labor Dependence — Skilled staff redirected from repetitive tasks to higher-value work
- Enhanced Traceability & Compliance — Integrated controls improved data capture and audit readiness
- Better Operator Safety — Reduced ergonomic risk and exposure to repetitive work
By integrating automation in critical laboratory processes, MWES enabled labs to achieve faster turnaround times, improved quality control, and scalable performance that supports future growth.
