Human-Automation Interaction Strategies for Life Science Applications: Implications and Future Research

Abstract

The objective of this research was to identify current and future approaches to the design of highly automated systems for life science processes involving humans in control loops in applications such as high-throughput compound screening and high-performance analytical chemistry. (In some advanced applications, screening of biochemical reactions and analytics are performed together.) The identified approaches were classified according to existing theories of human-centered automation, which provided a basis for projecting human performance implications, including error recovery capability. We provide background on the life sciences domain and established theories of types and levels of automation in complex human-machine systems. We describe specific forms of robotic and automated technologies used in life science applications and the general design of high-throughput screening and analytical systems to accommodate particular process configurations. Some example classifications of life science automation (LSA) schemes are presented by referring to a taxonomy of levels of automation from the literature. Finally, we identify the need for future empirical research on human performance consequences of LSA and remedial measures, including enhanced supervisory control interface design.

Toward a Fully Automated High-Throughput Phototransfection System

“…A “tower-based configuration” for the automatic execution of various biotechnology (genomics and proteomics) protocols is presented in the work by Najmabadi et al, 22 whereas Choi et al 23 present a robotic platform for clinical tests suitable for small- or medium-sized laboratories using mobile robots. A high-throughput automated genome and chemical analysis system is shown in Meldrum et al, 24 and an automated microscope platform for biological studies, drug discovery, and medical diagnostics is illustrated in Potsaid et al 25 Studies to identify current and future approaches to the design of highly automated systems for life science processes involving humans in control loops in applications such as high-throughput compound screening and high-performance analytical chemistry, adherent cell culturing, and the cultivation of primary and stem cells have been explored in the works by Kaber et al 26 and Kuncov-Kallio and Kallio, 27 respectively. Also, previous work on image segmentation techniques for biological applications is shown in Makkapati et al 28 and Makkapati 29 to properly identify the presence of tuberculosis in biologically stained images and for autofocusing of images of blood smears containing red blood cells, respectively.…”

Mobile Robot for Life Science Automation

“…In recent years, there have been major advances in laboratory automation for life science processes [1]. The developed advanced systems used in life science automation can be classified into three main kinds, referring to their purposes: complex robot-based systems [2][3]; automated analytical and measurement systems [4][5], and laboratory information management systems [6].…”

“…An example of a laboratory robot from the Centre for Life Science Automation (Celisca), Germany, is shown in Figure 1. A laboratory robot system for life science automation [1] Within laboratory robotics, there are also two subcategories: desk robots and mobile robots. Generally, the desk robots are developed to aspirate/dispense liquid samples from and to plates or else to move plates between instruments while the mobile robots take charge of the necessary long-distance transportation for the distributed workbenches.…”