Share thisThe daily tasks associated with the care and use of laboratory animals for research is neither easy nor pleasurable. However, maintaining clean and healthy environments for these animals is a crucial part in the success of all animal research programs. The laboratory animal industry and the companies that make products to support it, have long worked to find solutions that simplify and make more efficient, many of the daily tasks required for their successful operation. This article will focus on the cage processing tasks required on a daily basis and the equipment and processes available to support the efficient completion of these tasks. We will discuss the programming and design processes that can be used to determine and document the steps, the quantities, and the requirements of each of the cage processing tasks, including the preparation of a process flow diagram and a throughput analysis. We will discuss equipment selection as well as descriptions of the major equipment available on the market and the pros and cons of each technology. Finally, we will discuss the integration of the new technologies within the facilities they are designed to support.
Robotics versus Automation
The difference between robotics and automation will not be discussed at length in this article, as the focus is to discuss technologies available to allow machines to do the repetitive activities required in cage and bottle processing. Robotics is one component of the larger automation system in cage, bottle, and bedding processing. Automated cage processing systems may or may not involve robots. Standard rack washers, tunnel washers, bottle washers, or automatic bottle fillers are all forms of automation as they replace manual cleaning of cages and bottles. Today, there are a host of automation devices available to handle the various parts of cage and bottle processing work in an animal research facility. This article will focus on large automation systems that include some type of robotic equipment that takes the entire cage and bottle processing from the soiled side of the cage wash area to the clean side.
Why Automate?
There are many reasons why automation should be considered for a vivarium; and not all of them are aligned to save money. There is no simple answer as to how to justify the use and expense of installing automation, and each facility must study its own operations, cost of labor, number of cages to be processed, etc., to determine the best use of technology to improve the facility’s operations.
Increasing Throughput: The main driver to automate a facility is not to increase the throughput per hour. The throughput increases will come from the automated system’s continuous work with no need for breaks, etc.
Saving Money: Merck in West Point, Pennsylvania installed a robotic cage handling and vacuum bedding system in 2001. “The system has allowed our facility to increase its production capability and achieve its desired economic 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