Tom Kissling, pRED Lab Automation Partner, F. Hoffmann La Roche, presented the ACDC (Automation Connectivity & Digitalisation Concept) lab. His work is centred on building a foundation for integrating mobile robots, AI tools, and closed-loop systems in the future.
Kissling’s ethos is that democratisation of automation is key. To achieve this, it is critical to enhance lab automation through modular, adaptable, and standardised systems. This will accelerate R&D productivity and reduce costs and implementation time.
Rather than focusing too much on technology, it is paramount to adopt a "people to process to technology" mindset. Kissling warned the audience that it is very easy for vendors to convince their customers that their technology is perfect for automating certain processes. However, if the client doesn’t have the right people to operate the technology, it is useless. Therefore, it is important that the people define the process and then pick the right tools.
Kissling also emphasised implementing a strict separation of software layers (method execution, orchestration, connectivity). Furthermore, using open standards like SiLA helps to avoid vendor lock-in and enable plug-and-play integration of lab devices.
Furthermore, failing fast, failing early, and failing often teach scientific researchers important lessons. Failing later in projects is more frustrating, and there is also a higher chance of running out of money. Kissling posited that this fail-fast approach allows for rapid prototyping, early user feedback, and incremental improvements. As a result, this facilitates quicker value gain and avoids large, delayed, or over-budget projects.
Even though the ACDC lab is yet to fulfil its potential, it has been successfully implemented in several projects at Roche, including Barcode Hero. Barcode Hero is a small and simple facility that showcases the plug and play concept very well. It also demonstrated the ability to quickly assemble, test, and deploy automation solutions that can be replicated across different labs.
Although the focus is on connecting instruments using SiLA drivers, the main standard in device connectivity, Kissling believes that the architecture is designed to be open to other standards and technologies like mobile robots. Looking at the bigger picture, this could open doors for widespread lab automation and robotics use across the pharma industry.
