Abstract: An apparatus for automatic handling of a sample within a receptacle, the apparatus having an axis A-A and comprising a carousel being configured to rotate about the axis A-A, a support extending above the carousel, the support including a carrier configured to move along X, Z coordinate axes to transport receptacles from a first location to a second location, wherein, the X coordinate axis is parallel to the axis A-A, the Z coordinate axis is perpendicular to the axis A-A and to the X coordinate axis, and the X and Z coordinate axes define a line of operation, wherein, the apparatus is configured so that rotation of the carousel aligns a receptacle with the line of operation of the carrier to allow the carrier to transport the receptacle from the first location to the second location.

Abstract: A method of initializing and controlling a robotic installation comprising a first robot (70) having a minimum of four degrees of freedom and a second robot (30) that is of Cartesian type, the method comprising the following steps: using the first robot (70) to collect location information relating to at least one element situated in a workspace common to the first and second robots; and using the collected location information to move the second robot (30) in or around the element.

Abstract: A method of initializing and controlling a robotic installation comprising a first robot (70) having a minimum of four degrees of freedom and a second robot (30) that is of Cartesian type, the method comprising the following steps: using the first robot (70) to collect location information relating to at least one element situated in a workspace common to the first and second robots; and using the collected location information to move the second robot (30) in or around the element.