Abstract: A robotic laboratory automation workcell preferably includes instruments and equipment that are integrated by using conveyor or track elements and a robotic arm. The automation workcell is controlled by a centralized or main controller or processor using specialized control software to automate the proteomics research process. The automated workcell is capable of performing genetic laboratory experiments from start to finish by moving samples or microplates between the instruments for analysis. A goal of the automated workcell is to perform repetitive procedures in an effort to build and maximize the efficiency of a gene(s) of a targeted organism.

Abstract: A robotic laboratory automation system includes a vision feedback apparatus with one or more teaching plates adapted for placement in a microplate or other specimen holder of a laboratory instrument or stack to represent the location of the microplate. The vision feedback system is adapted to control the robotic manipulator to automatically adjust the location of the manipulator to a position adjacent to a teaching plate upon locating a pattern on the teaching plate and then store the coordinates of the determined position. With the stored position coordinates the robot can return to the determined positions previously represented by the location of teaching plates to locate an actual microplate or specimen holder at the determined position without the vision feedback system.