AstraZeneca in Loughborough has included six Bigneat robotics enclosures within their New Compound Management Facility, Phase III Building 80 for product protection.

The prime objective of the installation was to house a variety of laboratory robots which would be bathed in low humidity air provided by AstraZeneca’s own air supply. Air inlet ducts were designed to ensure even distribution throughout the enclosures. The specifications included easy access to robots for everyday changing of consumables and for routine maintenance, and under bench storage for collection of waste materials.

Specific needs for the safe operation of the systems include interlocks connected and activated by the air management system, power and data communication links.

Dr Andrew Warren - Robotics Scientist at this facility comments “As a laboratory manager I have to ensure that our team never stops working, so breakdowns are unacceptable. These cabinets have worked perfectly from the day they were installed”, he adds “We are able to work in the knowledge that we are working safely and that our processes are protected from moisture contamination.”