Boyd J C, Felder R A, Savory J
Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
Clin Chem. 1996 Dec;42(12):1901-10.
Rapid changes in healthcare coupled with parallel advances in technology have stimulated the evolution of new approaches for laboratory automation. In particular, the emergence of commercially available laboratory robotic systems offers promise for streamlining the clinical laboratory. Increasing cost-containment pressures make the application of this technology extremely attractive, and several organizations have begun to systematically integrate robotic devices into their laboratory automation schemes. Integration of these technologies, however, presents many challenges for software developers, instrument manufacturers, and laboratory workers. Differing needs across laboratories require flexibility 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 important to assist in the design of optimal configurations. Software for the overall control of integrated automation will be needed that can be tailored by the laboratorian to fit the requirements of the individual laboratory. Thus, laboratory workers will need to be actively involved in implementing this new wave of laboratory automation, becoming well-versed in computers, electronics, and systems engineering.
医疗保健领域的快速变革以及技术的同步发展推动了实验室自动化新方法的演进。特别是，商用实验室机器人系统的出现为简化临床实验室带来了希望。日益增加的成本控制压力使得这项技术的应用极具吸引力，一些组织已开始将机器人设备系统地集成到其实验室自动化方案中。然而，这些技术的集成给软件开发人员、仪器制造商和实验室工作人员带来了诸多挑战。各实验室不同的需求要求机器人、仪器和控制系统具备灵活性和智能性。机械和电子接口的标准化将是使这些系统易于集成的关键。借助仿真建模和人工智能方案的系统工程对于协助设计最佳配置至关重要。需要用于集成自动化整体控制的软件，实验室工作人员能够对其进行定制以满足各个实验室的需求。因此，实验室工作人员需要积极参与实施这新一轮的实验室自动化，精通计算机、电子和系统工程。
