Thermo Fisher Scientific has showcased its online automation system configuration tool, the Thermo Scientific iAutomate at the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS), 2014.
iAutomate is a self-serve, free-to-use tool, iAutomate is designed to reduce the time associated with configuring and trialling an automation set-up. Users can quickly and easily build their own system to meet application or process requirements, or modify an existing system around the Orbitor or Orbitor BenchTrak plate movers, a fully customisable plate mover. This allows for lab- or office-based access for automation optimisation and online estimating.
Currently housing an inventory of more than 100 different instruments, the iAutomate software enables the complete configuration of the Orbitor BenchTrak with standard product lines and service parts. When setting up a project, users have access to the product catalogue through the software, which can be filtered, for example, by instrument type.
Once chosen, the products will appear on the main screen and can be assembled via drag-and-drop functionality, where they will automatically align around the Orbitor BenchTrak. This can be visualised in 2D or 3D, where a scale model can be inspected in detail from any angle.
By selecting the Estimate tab at the top of the page, users will be presented with all the elements of their system, along with associated price and a summary. The entire workflow can also be shared with colleagues at any stage of the process. Systems can also be purchased using the 'Contact Me' button, whereby users will be contacted by personnel from Thermo Fisher Scientific.
