Abstract: A data services modeling framework provides for event contextualization from state changes in events within laboratory workflows, and for orchestrating activities in workflow cycles. The data services modeling framework forms a part of data services within an orchestrator software package that provides a set of dynamic processes within laboratory workflows, for improving and enhancing workflow performance. The data services modeling framework includes a data services model configured to analyze state changes in event data, by applying algorithms for isolating the activities producing state changes, re-creating an event state, analyzing data points defining state changes to explain the event state at relevant time periods in the workflow cycle. The data services modeling framework also enables publication of messages representing contextualized event data for subscription with the orchestrator environment.

Abstract: An approach for fully automating the use of robotic devices in a laboratory workflow includes defining sequences for automating tasks and equipment involved in such a workflow, and calculating a path for each sequence that resolves get, handoff, and placement procedures. The approach develops a schedule that executes resolved pathways in and between each device. The approach is provided with an easy-to-use interface, in which a user drags and drops devices to automatically configure them, defines operations to be performed by these devices, and then runs the laboratory workflow. The interface also provides the ability to monitor progress of the workflow, and make modifications and adjustments as needed.

Abstract: A software framework for implementation in the performance of automated robotic workflows establishes a peer-to-peer communications structure between applications operating on different computing platforms within the same workflow environment. The software framework instantiates a messaging protocol within a remote actor-based model that separates server-side activity that includes third-party software controlling third-party instruments from client-side activity that includes scheduling software controlling workflows within the automated workflow environment. This framework promotes continuous messaging across the different computing platforms and enables a restart of the third-party software following an exception or fail state experienced by the server-side workflow elements without interruption to the automated workflow environment.

Abstract: A software framework for implementation in the performance of automated robotic workflows imparts a hierarchical communications command structure, utilizing an actor-based model to run driver software isolated from scheduling software, by instantiating a message-based abstraction layer that acts as an intermediary between the scheduling software and the third-party driver software. The actor-based model is used within the message-based abstraction layer to isolate the third-party software controlling third party instruments from scheduling software, where such scheduling software and third-party instruments are operating on a common computing platform. This framework prevents scheduling applications from entering an error state, or crashing, where the third-party software component also crashes, and allows the scheduling software to restart the third-party software to continue with the processes controlled by the scheduling software, without interruption to the automated workflow environment.

Abstract: A framework for self-assembly of workcells includes analyzing multiple constraints to determine configuration and movement of mobile robots and/or one or more robotic devices in the performance of workflows. The framework includes multiple elements that model a deployment and transportation strategy in a rules engine for identifying and allocating available workcell resources, and generates configuration schemes and pathway topologies that govern the self-assembly of workcells and execution of workflows using such workcells. The framework is applicable to single or multi-robot configurations, and enables self-assembly of each workcell in a single path or in multiple paths. The framework is further applicable to multiple item processing scenarios, such as round robin processing, batch processing, or both, and accounts for multiple handling and processing actions.

Abstract: An approach for fully automating the use of robotic devices in a laboratory workflow includes defining sequences for automating tasks and equipment involved in such a workflow, and calculating a path for each sequence that resolves get, handoff, and placement procedures. The approach develops a schedule that executes resolved pathways in and between each device. The approach is provided with an easy-to-use interface, in which a user drags and drops devices to automatically configure them, defines operations to be performed by these devices, and then runs the laboratory workflow. The interface also provides the ability to monitor progress of the workflow, and make modifications and adjustments as needed.

Abstract: An approach for fully automating the use of robotic devices in a laboratory workflow includes defining sequences for automating tasks and equipment involved in such a workflow, and calculating a path for each sequence that resolves get, handoff, and placement procedures. The approach develops a schedule that executes resolved pathways in and between each device. The approach is provided with an easy-to-use interface, in which a user drags and drops devices to automatically configure them, defines operations to be performed by these devices, and then runs the laboratory workflow. The interface also provides the ability to monitor progress of the workflow, and make modifications and adjustments as needed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for handling a plurality of tubes or vials, and for applying and removing caps to and from tubes or vials, which may be disposed in a rack. The apparatus and methods are well adapted for automated capping and de-capping using generic or off-the-shelf tubes, vials, and caps, such as are commonly used for laboratory samples and reagents.