FOCUS GASP's central computer is hardwired to the PCs running each workstation. Programs for workstation operation are written in C language which, in turn, talks to a database where preparation information is collected. Like the other two systems, GASP still requires lots of work before it can reach its stated goals. However, as these developing systems demonstrate, robotics are becoming more responsive to chemists' needs and finding niches in specialized activities. Alan R. Newman References
Figure 6. Liquid-handling workstation (left) adjacent to the automatic dilution workstation. (Courtesy Robert Sharp.)
have a long operating life. At present, three of the workstations are in operation: the central computer, called the network manager; a liquidhandling station; and an automatic dilution station. Still in the planning stages are workstations for solids, ointments, mixing, and separations. The liquid-handling station has the
role of obtaining an aliquot of sample, placing it into a tared vial, either pipetting or weighing the sample, capping the vial, and sending it to the next workstation. The dilution station reads the bar code and meters liquids into the sample. To conserve laboratory space, consumables are dispensed vertically (Figure 6).
(1) Borman, S. Anal. Chem. 1985, 57, 651 A-652 A. (2) Dessy, R. Anal. Chem. 1983,55,1100 A1114 A. (3) Dessy, R. Anal. Chem. 1983,55,1232 A1242 A. (4) Isenhour, T.; Eckert, S. E.; Marshall, J. C. Anal. Chem. 1989,61,805 A-814 A. (5) Frisbee, A. R.; Nantz, M. H.; Kramer, G. W.; Fuchs, P. L. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1984,106, 7143. (6) Kramer, G. W.; Fuchs, P. L. Advances in Laboratory Automation Robotics 1986, 361. (7) Kramer, G. W.; Fuchs, P. L. Advances in Laboratory Automation Robotics 1987, 339. (8) Sharp, R. L.; Whitfield, R. G.; Fox, L. E. Anal. Chem. 1988, 60,1056 A-1062 A.
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