Share thisDesign, cost savings, and employee welfare considerations for the vivarium
Robotic automation has proven itself to be an invaluable asset as a reliable, safe, and cost effective solution to a wide array of markets. This technology has been implemented in industries including pharmaceutical drug research, the manufacture of capital equipment, and laboratory animal research.
This article will address several factors that should be investigated prior to making a decision to pursue or abandon the idea to implement an automated cage wash facility. Justification should be made not on the price, but on the cost and design of the system.
What is the difference between price and cost? The price of an automated system is a concrete number that is provided by the equipment supplier that can be used to provide the return on investment due to labor and utility savings in the facility. However, intangible costs, such as employee health and welfare, research integrity, and reallocation of resources should also be investigated when considering cage wash automation. Finally, advances in technology have resulted in an automated cage processing systems that are now more reliable, user friendly, and more affordable than systems installed only five years ago.
Robotic Cage Handling System Design and Equipment Price
Historically, a robotic cage handling system is designed and installed at universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies who are expanding their research capabilities via new construction. Justification for procurement of a system varies, but typically includes a combination of employee welfare concerns, increased flexibility and throughput, and research integrity. Merck in West Point, Pennsylvania installed a robotic cage handling and vacuum bedding system in 2001. According to Glass, Klein, Terpeluk, and Pouch, “The system has allowed our facility to increase its production capability and achieve its desired ergonomic objectives. A net cost savings of $2.7 million will be achieved over its useful life by the redeployment of workload, reduction in overtime, and utilities savings.”1
It is paramount that a fully inclusive design team be formed with a clear, common understanding as to why a fully robotic cage handling system is to be purchased.
The design team should work together with the equipment provider as early as possible to ensure the end-users receive a fully operational system that meets their throughput requirements while meeting budgetary and construction timeline constraints. The design team should be comprised of a cross-functional group of individuals, each of whom will have an active role in the robotic automation system, including (but not limited to) the building facility manager, cage-wash manager, building architect, laboratory planner, and the general contractor. It is highly recommended that the general contractor and building architect be involved, as there is substantial coordination involved with the robotic cage handling system and additional building trades. For instance, a vacuum bedding delivery and disposal system is typically purchased with a robotic cage handling system; however the vacuum bedding system requires a substantial amount of planning to ensure the transportation pipinghas a clear path through the building. HVAC, electrical, and plumbing utilities must be coordinated in tandem with the bedding system to minimize conflicts with the highly valued utility and interstitial spaces.