EP3930887A1

EP3930887A1 - Automation of laboratory processes by means of a laboratory-process support device

Info

Publication number: EP3930887A1
Application number: EP20706327.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Dejmek; Peter Welter; Christoph SCHEMAINDA; Martin STAEHLER; Andreas Mueller
Original assignee: HTE GmbH the High Throughput Experimentation Co
Current assignee: HTE GmbH the High Throughput Experimentation Co
Priority date: 2019-02-28
Filing date: 2020-02-28
Publication date: 2022-01-05
Also published as: WO2020174080A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a laboratory-process support device (2). The laboratory-process support device (2) comprises a handling system (3) and a central control unit (5). The handling system (3) is configured to serve a laboratory installation (4, 4a-4g). The handling system (3) is furthermore configured to handle a reactant (12), an intermediate, a product (13) and/or a reactor for a chemical process of the laboratory process. The central control unit (5) is configured to plan a laboratory process and to appropriately control the handling system (3).

Description

Automation of laboratory processes by a laboratory process support device Background of the invention

The invention relates to a laboratory process support device, a laboratory system with this laboratory process support device and a method for carrying out laboratory processes with the aid of the laboratory process support device. The invention also relates to a program element and a computer-readable medium.

In smaller laboratories and research facilities, the experiments are often carried out manually by a user, e.g. a laboratory technician. Automation of the laboratory equipment is usually not feasible, since the laboratory structures and laboratory processes change frequently, so that cost-efficient automation is not possible. Conventional automated laboratory systems consist of permanently piped units which can carry out a certain laboratory process fully automatically, but these systems are not flexible. The individual laboratory facilities can therefore not be put together quickly and easily to form a new laboratory process. Furthermore, the control of the laboratory process is usually difficult to program, so that automation is not possible or not economically viable here either. Small experiments and laboratory processes are therefore mostly carried out manually even nowadays, since a user can carry out new laboratory processes more quickly.

In the prior art, examples can be found that relate to the automation of apparatus and devices in laboratories, but not relate to a laboratory process per se.

For example, WO 2007/090665 A1 discloses a device for metering highly viscous liquids which comprises a plurality of metering modules arranged in a holder and a scale.

EP 1 546 735 B1 describes a work station for providing solid samples.

In WO 2014/079725 A1, an apparatus and a method for producing electrochemical cells are described.

EP 915 341 A2 describes and claims a processing robot system for processing products. The processing robot system is made up of different units that can be automatically coupled. Every single unit is equipped with a robot. By means of the processing robot system, the throughput can be increased compared to the systems known from the prior art.

WO 00/60361 describes a fully automated analysis system with integrated measuring devices which is used to analyze biomolecules. Different analytical methods of detection and analysis are integrated within the system. US 2005/0101022 A1 describes an apparatus and a method for the automatic and sequential testing of catalysts. The apparatus comprises a fixed experimental set-up with a large number of reactors that can be loaded with catalyst, as well as a reaction space with a reaction zone. The reactors loaded with catalyst are stored in a holder and inserted into the reaction zone in a sequential manner. In the reaction zone, the reactors can be supplied with feedstock. The apparatus also has a product collection and analysis system.

A modular transport system is described in WO 2013/1491 17 A2. Samples are transported between modules by means of the transport system. Different track sections are integrated into the modules, which form transverse track sections and sub-track sections. The modules can be connected and a suitable connection can be used to form a circumferential track that runs through a plurality of modules. The samples are transported along the continuous orbit and the one or more transverse track sections.

However, a laboratory process support device which can be flexibly, quickly and easily adapted to different laboratory processes cannot be taken from any of the prior art documents.

Description of the invention

It is an object of the invention to flexibly design and further optimize a process flow of a laboratory process, as well as to further automate it.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Embodiments and developments can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a laboratory process support device. This laboratory process support device has a handling system and a central control unit. The handling system is set up to operate a laboratory facility. The handling system is also set up to handle a starting material, an intermediate product, a product and / or a reactor for a chemical process of the laboratory process. The central control unit is set up to plan a laboratory process and to control the handling system accordingly, so that the handling system carries out the laboratory process or essential parts of it.

In one embodiment of the laboratory process support device, individual laboratory processes can be at least partially automated, or they can also be fully automated. The handling system can be used to operate laboratory equipment for the laboratory process. The partially automated operation or the fully Automated operation of a laboratory system by means of the laboratory process support device also offers the advantage that the laboratory processes can be carried out with the fume cupboard closed, on weekends and / or at night, and the presence of the user is no longer required. The laboratory process support device can thus be advantageous due to safety aspects, since the user (laboratory technician) is protected from possible sources of danger by locking a laboratory fume cupboard. It is also advantageous that when the fume hood is closed, it is possible to place parts of the fume hood under an inert gas atmosphere, for example in order to handle substances that are sensitive to atmospheric oxygen. In other words, laboratory processes or process steps of the laboratory process that were previously carried out manually can be automated by the laboratory process support device. The laboratory process support device can have the central control unit and the handling system for this purpose. The central control unit can plan the laboratory process and control the handling system accordingly to carry out the process steps of the laboratory process.

The hierarchical arrangement of several laboratory facilities to form a laboratory process by the central control unit can offer the advantage that it collects and manages all data centrally, from planning through implementation to the result. In one embodiment, the work areas of the laboratory fume cupboards can be equipped with cameras which monitor the ongoing laboratory process in visual form and transmit it to the central control unit.

A workflow (also known as a workflow) can be several laboratory processes that are functionally, spatially and temporally related.

The term laboratory process can be understood as a procedural step that is carried out in connection with the synthesis or analysis and / or handling of substances including the implementation of measurement and control processes on such substances. The dimensions of laboratory processes are limited to quantities that can be carried out in a small space. The laboratory equipment in the context of this invention can have the dimensions of table structures. Furthermore, these laboratory structures can also be set up in laboratory fume cupboards which have standardized dimensions without any technical effort.

The laboratory process support device can be characterized by great flexibility. The laboratory process support device can thus be used in very different laboratory areas. Furthermore, the laboratory process support device can be designed adaptively and the laboratory processes that can be carried out can be stored in the central control unit or in a database. In addition, laboratory processes that have already been carried out can be taken into account when carrying out future work processes and orders so that they can be carried out again more efficiently. For example, the laboratory process support device can be trained on metering algorithms, which in turn can be material-specific.

The laboratory process support device can be capable of learning and the central control unit can store information about the individual laboratory facilities and the laboratory processes in a database. The laboratory process support device is thus able to generate a knowledge database which can be of use to the user of laboratory processes, since the collected information can be exchanged, optimized and expanded.

It should be noted that the central control unit can plan the laboratory process with various laboratory equipment and can flexibly combine them into laboratory processes or sub-processes. The individual laboratory equipment can be connected to one another and to the central control unit with a corresponding BUS system. Furthermore, the laboratory equipment can use quick-release couplings for media connections, e.g. Provide water, electricity, or gases so that they can be quickly installed within a laboratory system.

According to one embodiment, the handling system is a handling robot with one arm. Furthermore, the arm can have a manipulator at its end for operating laboratory equipment or for handling starting materials, intermediate products, products and / or reactors. This manipulator can be a gripper, a pipette, a spatula, a suction cup, a spoon, an artificial hand, a screwdriver or a wrench.

According to a further embodiment, the central control unit is set up to control the handling system in accordance with the planned laboratory process, to operate a sequence of several laboratory devices and / or to handle starting materials, intermediates, products and / or reactors for a chemical process of the laboratory process. Thus, even more complex laboratory processes can be carried out partially or fully automatically by the laboratory process support device.

According to one embodiment, the handling system has a sensor which is set up to collect measurement data about the handling system and / or about the laboratory process and to transmit them to the central control unit. Furthermore, the handling system can have a transmitter box for data which are collected by the handling system.

With the sensor directly on the handling system, additional data and information about the laboratory process carried out can be obtained, which in turn can be evaluated in the central control unit in order to improve and optimize the laboratory process and / or the control of the handling system. For example, the Sensor can be a pressure sensor, a scale, a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, a camera or a gyroscope.

According to one embodiment, the laboratory device is from the group consisting of a dosing unit, a laboratory balance, a stirring device, a heating device, a cooling device, a temperature measuring sensor, a pressure sensor, a level measuring sensor, a suction device, a filtration vessel, a reaction vessel, a separation unit, an analytical unit, a barcode scanner, a labeling machine, a sampling unit and / or a fluid distributor.

Thus, a variety of different laboratory equipment can be used in the laboratory process. Furthermore, these laboratory facilities can be arranged and / or operated by the handling system. It should be noted that the central control unit can have stored configuration data and parameters for each available laboratory facility in order to plan a laboratory process and to control the handling system accordingly.

According to one embodiment, the handling system is set up to be taught in by a person in that the person guides the handling system to carry out a desired sequence of movements. The central control unit is set up to store this movement sequence in order to subsequently control the handling system in accordance with the stored movement sequence. Typical movement sequences can be, for example, the time-controlled operation of valves, starting agitator drives or operating pumps.

The programming of the handling system can constitute a significant part of the cost, so it is advantageous if the programming can be carried out quickly and easily by untrained users. Furthermore, the programming can take a long time, so that the flexibility and adaptability of the handling system is not guaranteed. In order to remedy this situation, the present handling system can be taught-in directly by the user. Here the user, for example the laboratory assistant, can put the handling system into a "teaching" mode and carry out the desired sequence of movements of the handling system with it. In other words, the user can take the handling system by hand and show the handling system the desired sequence of movements so that the handling system can carry out the laboratory process. This movement sequence shown can be stored in the central control unit or the corresponding database so that the central control unit can control the handling system at a later point in time in accordance with this movement sequence. In a further embodiment, camera-based systems can record the movement sequence of a user and the central control unit can control the handling system based on this to imitate this movement sequence, for example by means of “motion capturing”. According to a further embodiment, the central control unit is set up to receive an order for a laboratory process and the central control unit is set up to check whether the order can be carried out with the available laboratory equipment and the handling system. The central control unit is also set up to transmit the result of the check to the client.

Thus, the central control unit can first check an incoming order for a laboratory process for its feasibility with the available laboratory equipment. If the central control unit determines that the entire laboratory process cannot be carried out, the central control unit can inform the client of this so that the client can decide whether he wants a partial execution of the laboratory process or whether he wants to cancel the order.

According to a further embodiment, the laboratory process support device has a display unit. This display unit is set up to display information and / or instructions about the laboratory process to be carried out to a person.

The display unit can be, for example, a tablet, smart glasses or a projector. The central control unit can thus display information relating to the laboratory process to be carried out to the user and thus instruct the user to arrange and / or operate certain laboratory facilities in a certain way. Furthermore, it can be indicated to the user whether the handling system is ready for operation and which steps it can carry out. "Augmented Reality" and "Virtual Reality" in particular can be used here. Furthermore, the cooperation between the laboratory process support device and the user can thus be improved.

According to one embodiment, the handling system is set up to independently carry out a laboratory process within a laboratory fume cupboard.

A laboratory process planned by the central control unit can thus be carried out in a completely automated manner by the laboratory process support device. Intervention by a user is not necessary here.

A fume cupboard is to be understood as a work cell or a protective cell with an extraction system. For example, the fume cupboard contains one or more protective panes which are movable and which can be opened or closed. For example, the opening and closing is automatically registered by the central control unit, for example the opening and closing is carried out automatically by the central control unit. Characteristic for the dimensions of a laboratory fume cupboard are the dimensions of the work area or the area of use, which are given by the dimensions width, depth and height. For example, the laboratory system has a laboratory fume cupboard in which the dimensions for the area of use, ie the dimensions width, depth and height, are in the range of 900-3000 mm, 700-1500 mm and 800-1800 mm. For example, the dimensions are width and depth and height, in the range 1000 - 2200 mm, 800 - 1200 mm and 900 - 1500 mm. The suction capacity of the suction system is, for example, in a range of 600 - 2200 m3 / h. The suction power is also divided into minimum and maximum suction power, with the minimum suction power, for example, in the range of 600 - 1800 m3 / h and the maximum suction power in the range of 1500 - 2000 m3 / h.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous that the function of the extraction of the fume cupboard and the closure of the fume cupboard are also controlled by the central control unit. The control of the function of the suction can be of great importance in order to control the accuracy of individual measuring devices. For example, the presence of air currents inside the fume hood can affect the accuracy of the weight determination. It would be conceivable that the weighing is carried out automatically with the fume cupboard closed and the suction is switched off briefly for the time of the weighing in order to avoid interference. In a further embodiment, the balance is provided with a housing which can be closed while the weighing is being carried out, as a result of which the interference caused by the suction can be minimized.

According to one embodiment, the starting material, the intermediate product and / or the product is in a container. The handling system is set up to specifically remove the starting material, the intermediate product and / or the product from the container.

Educts, products or intermediates can be in liquid, solid, gaseous or powder form. They can also be stored in containers. The handling system can be set up to also remove the starting materials, intermediate products or products stored within a container and feed them to the laboratory process. For this purpose, the handling system can have means for removal from a container, for example a pipette, a spoon, a suction lifter or a spatula.

According to a further embodiment, the central control unit is set up to plan the laboratory process and accordingly to select those for the laboratory process from a large number of laboratory devices. The central control unit is also set up to control the handling system, to assemble the selected laboratory equipment for the laboratory process and to carry out the laboratory process.

A laboratory process planned by the central control unit can thus be carried out in a fully automated manner by the handling system. Thus, a user is no longer required who arranges and / or operates the laboratory equipment. Laboratory processes can also be carried out at night or on weekends. It should be noted that the laboratory facilities available to the central control unit can be changed so that new laboratory processes are made possible. Thus, the laboratory process support device can be adapted flexibly, easily and quickly to the current conditions of the laboratory. Another aspect of the invention relates to a laboratory system. The laboratory system has at least two laboratory devices and a laboratory process support device described above and below. The at least two laboratory facilities are connected to one another by a laboratory process. The laboratory process support device is set up to operate the at least two laboratory devices in accordance with the laboratory process and / or to handle the educt, the intermediate product, the product and / or the reactor for a process, in particular a chemical process, of the laboratory process in order to carry out the laboratory process.

The laboratory system can comprise a supply of different laboratory equipment, which can be arranged in different configurations to form a group of laboratory equipment. The way in which they are arranged in groups of laboratory facilities and the way they are controlled means that laboratory processes can be combined and configured in different ways, so that different work processes can then be implemented with them. The laboratory system is therefore characterized by a high degree of flexibility and low conversion costs.

A laboratory process can be planned on the basis of an order through the central control unit. This planning can include the required laboratory facilities and their arrangement. Furthermore, the central control unit can instruct the handling system to arrange the laboratory equipment in accordance with the laboratory process and to operate it accordingly, so that the laboratory process can be carried out by the handling system. For the implementation, the handling system can also handle or transport starting materials, products, intermediates and / or reactors. Alternatively or additionally, the central control unit can instruct the user to arrange the laboratory equipment and / or to operate it according to the planned laboratory process by means of a display unit. It should be noted that the handling system can also interact with the user, so that the handling system of the laboratory system carries out certain work steps or sub-laboratory processes and the user carries out the remaining work steps. The laboratory system can have a laboratory hood which has the individual laboratory devices, the handling system and the central control unit. Furthermore, starting materials, products, intermediate products and / or reactors can also be stored within the laboratory system. The laboratory system can also provide an extraction system so that gases produced in the laboratory process can be filtered and / or disposed of.

In a further embodiment, the handling system can be arranged outside the laboratory fume cupboard and transport starting materials to the laboratory fume cupboard or transport products away from the laboratory fume cupboard. Furthermore, a handling system can be arranged inside the laboratory fume cupboard and a handling system outside the laboratory fume cupboard. The fume cupboard can also have a protective pane which can be closed while the laboratory process is being carried out. The central control unit can monitor the status of the protective pane, open or closed, or the central control unit can specifically control, open and close the protective pane. In one embodiment, the laboratory process support device has a program control unit which is connected to the central control unit. For example, process modules are stored in the program control unit which offer the user a library with a selection of different recipes and / or to which the user can add recipes. The process modules can be software modules. Technical modules can be stored in a process control of the program control unit. The laboratory process support device can be designed to autonomously or partially autonomously carry out orders transferred to it by a user. The laboratory process support can be set up to independently plan and / or carry out the necessary sub-steps or hand movements for each step of a sequence or a recipe or order transferred to it. For this purpose, the laboratory process support device can, for example, be specified to carry out a specific chemical reaction. The laboratory process support device can be set up to independently provide the starting materials, containers and laboratory equipment or facilities required for the reaction on the basis of the predetermined reaction and, for example, information stored in a database. Furthermore, the laboratory process support device can independently measure the starting materials in the correct amount and mix them with one another, for example with shaking or stirring, wherein the handling system of the laboratory process support device can operate the starting materials, containers and / or laboratory devices or facilities.

In one embodiment, the handling system can have a sensor system which is set up to record measurement data from an environment of the handling system. These measurement data can have at least one optical recording. For example, the sensor system can have a camera. For example, it can also be a camera with data recording and image analysis. For example, the sensor system comprised optical detection and a force control unit, for example with a force limit sensor. The force limiting sensor can make it possible for the handling system to allow safe interaction with people, so that direct cooperation of the handling system of the laboratory process support device with a person is possible without exposing the person to an increased risk potential. The laboratory process support device can be set up to have a shutdown function, so that when the sensor system detects contact between the handling system and a person, the central control unit stops a movement of the handling system or at least limits a force exerted on the person. The handling system can be set up to operate devices of a laboratory, in particular also to operate pushbuttons and / or switches. For example, the laboratory process support device is set up to learn process steps independently. The laboratory process support device can enable a high level of reproducibility in process steps, since these can be carried out in a controlled manner. All process parameters and deviations can be recorded by the program control unit and / or the central control unit. In an exemplary embodiment, has the handling system has humanoid properties. The handling system can be set up to operate or handle laboratory equipment, educts, products, devices, switches, measuring devices or vessels in a way that a human would do. In this way, commercially available devices or devices that are already available in the laboratory can be integrated into the process as with the associated process steps, without additional costly and time-consuming integration work. The associated process steps or process modules can then be stored so that the program control unit can access them for process planning. The otherwise necessary programming of device drivers for the connection to the program control and also for the export of measurement data is no longer necessary. The latter is made possible by optical recognition of measurement data on the device display with a camera, for example on the handling system.

In a further embodiment, the laboratory process support device or the handling system comprises an artificial intelligence (Kl). This KI can be represented by an artificial intelligence module that is connected to the central control unit and / or the program control unit. Properties of the K1 can be that the K1 is set up to recognize and store behavioral patterns, for example of a user, and thus, for example, to imitate human movements in a further implementation of a laboratory process. These movements can, for example, be a shaking movement when carrying out a filling process with the aid of a spatula. In one embodiment of the invention, the laboratory process support device can be set up to fill the product of the laboratory process into suitable containers for further testing or to apply it to substrates. In one embodiment of the invention, the handling system can be a handling robot with an arm that is set up to handle and / or operate a laboratory device, the laboratory device not being set up to be handled and / or operated by an automated or partially automated system. Thus, the laboratory process support device according to the invention can be used, for example, in laboratories which are usually operated by human workers. The laboratory facilities advantageously do not need any interfaces with which they are designed for automated operation, but can be operated and handled by the laboratory process support device according to the invention as a human worker would do. The laboratory process support device can also work alongside a human worker in a laboratory and, for example, relieve him of routine activities.

Two examples are described below which can be carried out by means of the laboratory process support device according to the invention.

The first example describes preparatory work for the testing of materials, for example catalysts in tubular reactors for process engineering. This sequence is just one example out of a series of syntheses. Other syntheses such as spray impregnation or precipitation reactions for producing the catalyst are also conceivable. Sequence as it is created by the test manager with a program for recipe sequence control for catalyst synthesis as a logical sequence of instructions (order I in Fig. 6):

1 . Make a 2% cobalt nitrate solution.

2. Place 8 g of steatite with a grain size of 1-2 mm.

3. Soak 10 ml of a 2% cobalt solution onto the 8 g of steatite while shaking.

4. Dry on the shaker for 4 hours.

5. Take 8 g of the finished product and pour it into a 51 cm x 10 mm ID tube made of 1.5841 stainless steel.

Sequence as it is carried out by the handling system after transferring the logical sequence into a temporal sequence and a spatial arrangement:

1 . Take scales

2. Take shakers

3. Take a dynamic pressure gauge

4. Take the beaker

5. Take a magnetic stirrer

6. Use stir fry

7. Take a ceramic bowl

8. Take the pipe out of the input rack.

9. Take measuring equipment

10. Take water

1 1. Take basic chemicals

12. Take steatite

13. Place the beaker on the scale

14. Taring scales

15. Fill with water

16. Fill in the solution

17. Place beaker on stirrer

18. Add stir fry

19. Switch on stirrer (define level)

20. Stir x min

21. Turn off stirrers

22. Turn on the scale

23. Place ceramic bowl on the scale

24. Weigh steatite in ceramic bowl

25. Take the ceramic bowl and place it on the shaker

26. Draw the required amount of soaking solution into the syringe 27. Turn on vibrators

28. Impregnate steatite

29. Wait until time around

30. Stop shaker

31. Take the empty bowl and put it on the scales and tare.

32. Weigh x g finished product.

33. Fill product into tube.

34. Place the pipe in the dynamic pressure measuring device and start measurement.

35. Place the pipe in the output rack.

36. Repeat steps 1 through 35 for n tubes.

37. Turn off the scale

38. Put everything away again

The second example describes preparatory work for testing coated flat substrates that are used to test materials for membrane separation processes, battery production, electrolysis or fuel cells or other electrocatalytic processes. The possibility of surface inspection using structure-recognizing optical methods for quality assurance (sensor) should also be particularly emphasized. This particularly applies to substrates that have already been tested. Here, changes on the active surface in the so-called post-mortem analysis are often helpful in order to understand performance deficits during the test and then to incorporate these results into the automatic optimization of the process parameters (keyword feedback loop).

Sequence as created by the test manager with a program for recipe sequence control for catalyst synthesis as a logical sequence of instructions (order I in Figure 6):

1 . Make a 2% iron nitrate solution.

2. Place 40 g of steatite with a grain size of 0.2 ... 0.5 mm.

3. Soak 50 ml of a 2% iron solution onto the 40 g of steatite while shaking.

4. Take 40 g of the finished suspension and spread it on an aluminum substrate with an area of 10 x 10 cm.

5. Dry the substrate before calendering to prevent sticking to the rollers.

6. Calender the coated substrate to consolidate the surface.

7. Dry the substrate under an infrared heater.

8. Check the completeness of the coating.

1 . Take scales 2. Take shakers

3. Take the beaker

4. Take magnetic stirrers

5. Use stir fry

6. Take a ceramic bowl

7. Take the pipe

8. Take measuring equipment

9. Take water

10. Take basic chemicals

1 1. Take the substrate out of the input rack.

12. Take the squeegee station

13. Take the camera

14. Place the beaker on the scale

15. Taring scales

16. Fill with water

17. Fill in the solution

18. Place beaker on stirrer

19. Add stir fry

20. Switch on stirrer (define level)

21. Stir x min

22. Turn off stirrers

23. Turn on the scale

24. Place ceramic bowl on the scale

25. Weigh steatite in ceramic bowl

26. Take the ceramic bowl and place it on the shaker

27. Draw the required amount of coating solution into the syringe

28. Use a syringe to distribute the coating solution to one or more points on the

Substrate.

29. Pull the squeegee across the substrate and scrape off any excess coating solution.

30. Dry the coated substrate for 10 min.

31. Transfer the pre-dried substrate to the calendering station.

32. Dry the coated substrate for an additional 60 minutes.

33. Take your camera and take a picture of the substrate.

34. Transfer the substrate to the delivery rack.

35. Repeat steps 1 to 33 for n substrates.

36. Turn off the scale

37. Put everything away again In the field of materials research for polymers, test specimens are often required for mechanical stress tests. Their geometry must be precisely defined. The production of these specimens from fine granules or from powder can be carried out using a similar process as the substrate coating. For example, the drying step above is replaced by hot shaping and the powder is then applied in multiple layers in a mold. The handling system could also insert polymer strands into a 3D printer, which then prints the specimens.

According to one embodiment, the laboratory devices are each connected to the central control unit, so that data are exchanged between the laboratory devices and the central control unit. The central control unit is connected to a central database, for example a cloud server.

It should be noted that the laboratory process support device can also be accessed by means of remote access or cloud access. A user, user (customer) or client can transmit an order to the central control unit via such a cloud access. Furthermore, the data transmitted there can only be used for billing and data compression in this laboratory process and therefore the data does not leave the proprietary environment of the user. Access via the cloud to the sequence control of the laboratory process can then also allow the user to remotely control the laboratory process (remote control) within defined safety limits for the laboratory process support device or the laboratory system on the basis of this proprietary information. This gives the user more direct process control and improves their data protection from competitors.

Cloud access can also be used to offer additional services (cloud services) that cannot be provided by the user himself, namely in the form of the following work packages: "Machine learning" based on existing historical user data and from this developing specifications for new test variants that Calculation of reaction kinetics based on conversion measurements, computer simulations of the temperature distribution in the reactors based on the calculated reaction kinetics and material flows (hot-spot simulation), statistically cleverly selected parameter ranges as specifications for new test plans (design of experiments).

The cloud access can be a control unit, a database or an interface to the central control unit. This cloud access can be available for a large number of laboratory processes, but each user can only view, evaluate and adjust the laboratory processes released for him. Furthermore, the cloud access can have several control units or databases that are distributed over different locations (worldwide). The cloud access can, for example, be a server that can be reached via the Internet or another network and, in addition to the database capabilities, also provides high computing power that is otherwise inaccessible to the user, for example for complex ones Fluidic processes such as dynamic mass and heat transport processes in stirred reactors.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for performing a laboratory process with the aid of a laboratory process support device described above and below. The procedure consists of the following steps:

- Receiving, by a central control unit, an order to carry out a

Laboratory process;

- Planning, through the central control unit, the laboratory process;

- Selecting the laboratory equipment required for this;

- Arranging the required laboratory equipment according to the laboratory process;

- Performing the laboratory process with the help of a handling system;

Collecting and storing the data generated during the implementation of the laboratory process in a database of the central control unit.

The method for carrying out the laboratory process can include the configuration of laboratory equipment, wherein laboratory equipment is selected and compiled in order to map a laboratory process. The laboratory equipment can be configured via the central control unit.

It should be noted that the steps of the method can also be carried out in a different order or simultaneously. Furthermore, there can be a longer period of time between individual steps.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a program element which, when executed on a central control unit of a laboratory process support device, instructs the laboratory process support device to carry out the steps of the method described above and below.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer-readable medium on which a program element is stored which, when it is executed on a central control unit of a laboratory process support device, which

Laboratory process support device instructs you to perform the procedure described above and below.

Further features, advantages and possible applications of the invention emerge from the following description of the exemplary embodiments and the figures.

The figures are schematic and not true to scale. If the same reference numerals are given in the following description of the figures, these designate the same or similar elements. Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1a shows a schematic representation of a laboratory system in basic form according to a

Embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 b shows a schematic representation of a laboratory system for a first

Laboratory process according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1c shows a schematic representation of a laboratory system for a second

Laboratory process according to an embodiment of the invention.

2a shows a schematic representation of a laboratory system with an external one

Handling system according to an embodiment of the invention.

2b shows a schematic illustration of a laboratory system with an internal and an external handling system according to an embodiment of the invention.

2c shows a schematic representation of a laboratory system with an external one

Handling system and a closed protective pane according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a laboratory system with a closed

Protective disk and a wireless connection according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4a-e shows a schematic representation of a laboratory system in different

Configurations according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart for a method for performing laboratory processes according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic sequence of the method for performing

Laboratory processes according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic sequence of the method when carrying out a

Sub-process according to an embodiment of the invention.

8 shows a further schematic sequence of the method for carrying out laboratory processes according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of embodiments FIG. 1 a shows the schematic representation of a laboratory process support device 2. This laboratory process support device 2 has a handling system 3 and a central control unit 5. Furthermore, this laboratory process support device 2 can be part of a laboratory system 1, which further comprises a laboratory fume cupboard 6 and a suction device for the laboratory fume cupboard 7. Furthermore, one or more laboratory equipment (s) 4 can be present within the laboratory fume cupboard 6. These laboratory devices 4 can be arranged in a certain way in order to carry out a laboratory process, which is discussed in more detail in the following figures. The handling system 3 is set up to operate a laboratory device 4 within the laboratory fume cupboard 6 if this is necessary for the laboratory process to be carried out. The laboratory process can be planned by the central control unit 5, which in turn is set up to instruct the handling system 3 to operate the corresponding laboratory equipment 4 and / or to handle an educt, a product, an intermediate product and / or a reactor and deliver it within the laboratory fume cupboard 6 transport.

The laboratory facilities 4 can be selected from a large number of possible devices, sensors and tools, for example the laboratory facility 4 can be a dosing unit, a laboratory scale, a stirring device, a heating device, a cooling device, a temperature measuring sensor, a pressure sensor, a level measuring sensor, a suction device Filtration vessel, a reaction vessel, a separation unit, an analysis unit, a barcode scanner, a labeling machine, a sampling unit and / or a fluid distributor. It should also be noted that the handling system in FIG. 1 a is designed as a handling robot with one arm. This arm can, for example, have a gripper or tongs at its end in order to operate the laboratory equipment 4 and / or to handle the educt, the product, the intermediate product and / or the reactor and to transport it within the laboratory hood 6. It should also be noted that the handling system 3 can independently carry out the laboratory process planned by the central control unit 5 or can also collaborate with a user (laboratory assistant). For example, laboratory processes which can be dangerous for a person can be carried out independently and in the absence of the user by the handling system 3. However, it should be noted that the handling system can also carry out partial laboratory processes or can cooperatively support the user in some laboratory processes, e.g. in that the handling system 3 presents the user with certain laboratory equipment, starting materials, products, intermediate products and / or reactors. Furthermore, the handling system 3 itself can have sensors which collect measurement data about the handling system 3 or the laboratory process carried out and transmit or transmit these to the central control unit 5.

In the laboratory system 1, for example, test specimens can be produced using an instruction-controlled, automated synthesis route through a recipe-controlled handling system 3, which supports, imitates and / or executes the manual processes of the laboratory process. The handling system 3 can be trained, so that the handling system 3 frequently performs repetitive motion sequences can. The user can teach in directly. For this purpose, a series of activities is carried out in a movement sequence with the manually guided handling system 3 (laboratory process). These activities include, for example, picking up and removing objects, operating laboratory equipment 4 or metering media into vessels. The beginning and end as well as the position at which this activity is to take place are transmitted to the central control unit 5 and stored there as a sequence of movements for a future automatic sequence. In addition to manual training by the user, camera-supported AR (Augmented Reality) projectors are also particularly suitable for supporting or carrying out the training. In addition to the optical projection of process instructions for the user onto, for example, the work surface of a fume cupboard 6, this combination also allows manual processes to be recorded using software for detecting motion processes (motion capturing) and transmitting this manual process to the handling system 3, which processes them then automatically executes.

The implementation of the method is explained by way of example using the representations shown in FIGS. 1 b and 1 c, which relate to the production of solid products.

FIG. 1 b essentially shows the laboratory system 1 according to FIG. 1 a, but in FIG. 1 b several laboratory devices 4 have been put together or grouped to form a laboratory process. Furthermore, no suction device for the laboratory fume cupboard is shown in FIG. 1 b, which illustrates that the suction device is optional for the laboratory fume cupboard 6. The specific arrangement of laboratory devices 4 to form a laboratory process 8 can either have been effected by the handling system 3, or the laboratory devices 4 were arranged by a user so that a laboratory process can be carried out. Furthermore, FIG. 1 b shows that educts 12 and products 13 which are required for the laboratory process to be carried out or which are produced by the laboratory process can also be stored within the laboratory fume cupboard 6. Furthermore, the starting materials 12 and products 13 can also be stored in containers and the handling system 3 can open and close the containers and remove the substances from them. For example, the handling system 3 can also have a pipette or a spatula in order to remove the starting materials 12 or the products 13 from the containers. The laboratory process can be carried out independently by the handling system 3, or the handling system 3 partially carries out the laboratory process. The central control unit 5 can instruct or control the handling system 3 to carry out the laboratory process, e.g. the central control unit 5 can instruct the handling system to operate a sequence of several laboratory devices and / or to handle several educts 12, products 13, intermediates or reactors. A user can advantageously teach-in the handling system 3 by showing the desired sequence of movements to the handling system 3, for example by placing the handling system 3 in a "teach-in mode" and then executing the sequence of movements with the handling system (taking it by hand) . The central control unit 5 can store this movement sequence and at a later point in time the central control unit 5 can control the handling system 3 in accordance with the taught-in movement sequence. FIG. 1 b shows a group 8 (arrangement of laboratory equipment 4) of laboratory equipment 4, which comprises four laboratory equipment 4, for example a precipitation station, a centrifuge unit, a drying unit and a pelletizing unit. In the first process stage, the liquid starting materials are precipitated and solids are generated from these, which are in the precipitation solution. In the next process stage, the solids are separated from the solution. For this purpose, the precipitation solution is transferred to centrifuge beakers, these centrifuge beakers are then inserted into the holder of the centrifuge and this is then subjected to centrifuge operation. By treating the liquid in the centrifuge, the solids are deposited on the bottom of the beakers. The liquid above the sediment is separated off and the solid is separated off. The dried powder can then be pelletized.

The dimensioning of the scale of the laboratory process is determined by the laboratory facilities 4 used, which are available to the laboratory system 1 and which are arranged under the laboratory hood 6. In the present case, the centrifuge unit is designed in such a way that it can be equipped with a total of four centrifuge buckets, each with a capacity of 100 mL. Thus, the treatment of the solution obtained during the precipitation for the separation of solids is limited to a total of 400 mL per centrifuge run. The corresponding parameters for the individual laboratory facilities 4 can be stored in the central control unit 5. These parameters are taken into account by the central control unit 5 when planning the laboratory process. The central control unit 5 is thus able to match the throughput when carrying out the method to the individual laboratory facilities 4. It can thus be prevented that too large an amount of solid is precipitated in the event that more solid solution can be produced per unit of time by means of the precipitation unit than can be processed by means of the centrifuge unit. In the drying unit, there is a possibility that a plurality of samples can be subjected to drying treatment at the same time, so that drying can be carried out in an efficient manner. With the drying treatment, the duration of the drying and the temperature level can be selected and determine the total duration of the drying process. All individual processes, ie the precipitation process, the centrifugation process, the drying process and the pelletizing process can be stored in the database of the central control unit 5. Furthermore, the central control unit 5 can inform the user about the duration of the laboratory process and the necessary starting materials (starting materials), this taking into account the operating parameters that can be selected by the user and that can be changed or adapted by the user. When the method is carried out, the central control unit 5 collects and stores the measurement and control parameters that are characteristic of the individual laboratory processes. The central control unit 5 thus keeps a log which is stored in the database and can be called up by the user. The information contained in the protocol is important in order to rework process steps at a later point in time, to identify errors or influencing variables which are important for the parameter space under consideration. An example of this is the duration and temperature when the solid is stored in the To name precipitation solution before the separation. The storage conditions can trigger aging effects, which can influence the catalytic properties of the solid.

FIG. 1 c shows a specific arrangement of laboratory equipment 4 for a further laboratory process 9, which differs from the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 b. The laboratory facilities 4 present in the laboratory fume cupboard 6 can thus be put together in a wide variety of ways, depending on which laboratory process is to be carried out or how the central control unit 5 plans the laboratory process.

In FIG. 1 c, a group 9 (arrangement of laboratory equipment 4) of three laboratory structures is shown, which comprises, for example, a precipitation unit, a filtration unit and a calcination unit. When carrying out the process, a solid is precipitated in the first laboratory process. In a second process, the solid is separated from the liquid from which the solid was precipitated by filtration. In the present case, no information about the duration of the filtration process was initially stored in the database of the central control unit 5. Influencing variables that influence the duration of the filtration process are the type of precipitate that is generated during the precipitation process and the process parameters during the filtration step. An advantageous aspect here is that the central control unit 5 also stores the data on newly carried out experiments in the database in a retrievable manner and is also able to take this added information into account in the planning for further experiments. Furthermore, the central control unit 5 can make the corresponding information available to the user. It is conceivable that the use of special filters with a certain pore size is important to ensure that solids are retained and blockages are avoided.

Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, a process step, e.g. in a calcination unit, outside the fume cupboard. In this case, the calcination unit is also stored as a laboratory device in the database of the central control unit 5. In addition, the user of the laboratory system is informed of the point in time at which the samples and / or the products are ready for calcination. The central control unit 5 can monitor at least the duration of the calcination and the calcination unit can record the data during the calcination and store it in the database or transmit the data to it.

Figure 2a shows a further embodiment of the invention. Here, the handling system 3 'is arranged outside the fume cupboard 6, which is referred to here as an external handling system 3'. The external handling system 3 ′ can thus transport starting materials to the laboratory hood 6 or products away from the laboratory hood 6. As an alternative or in addition, a handling system can also be arranged inside the fume cupboard and a handling system 3 ′ outside the fume cupboard 6. This is also shown in Figure 2b. The central control unit 5 can here both, the handling system 3 and the external Control handling system 3 '. A movable protective pane 11 for the selective closure of the laboratory fume cupboard 6 is also shown in FIG. 2b. The fume cupboard 6 can thus be locked from the environment so that no substances can escape uncontrolled from the fume cupboard 6. Figure 2c shows the embodiment according to Figure 2b with a closed protective pane 1 1.

In one embodiment it is provided that the handling system 3, 3‘ is arranged on wheels and can be moved. For example, the handling system 3 positioned in the laboratory fume cupboard cannot be moved, but rather is arranged in a fixed position within the laboratory fume cupboard 6.

It should be noted that the laboratory system and method according to the invention can also be combined with laboratory processes which are carried out outside a laboratory fume cupboard 6.

FIG. 3 shows a laboratory fume cupboard 6 described above and below, the laboratory fume cupboard or the laboratory equipment 4 present in this laboratory fume cupboard 6 and / or the handling system having a wireless connection 10 to the central control unit and / or to a central database. This wireless connection 10 can take place via WLAN or Bluetooth, for example, so that secure, fast and standardized data transmission can take place.

Figures 4a to 4e show various designs of laboratory fume cupboards 6. The symbols shown in the laboratory fume cupboards 6 represent different laboratory facilities 4a-4g. Figure 4a shows a first embodiment in which the laboratory fume cupboard 6 has a dosing unit 4a, for example a laboratory scale, a process unit 4e and associated valve 4b, pump 4c, temperature control 4f and measuring technology 4d, for example analysis technology. Furthermore, the fume cupboard 6 can have a barcode scanner 4g. These laboratory devices 4a-4g can be controlled by the central control unit 5 and, if necessary, exchange data or information with it. Furthermore, the fume cupboard 6 according to FIG. 4a can have a display unit 14 for further information. For example, additional information, such as the process steps to be carried out for the laboratory process, can be displayed to the user of the fume cupboard 6 or the laboratory technician via a tablet, smart glasses or a projector. The operation can already be (partially) automated in that the process sequence and the process parameters are automatically transmitted to the user. The reaction space itself can be formed by the laboratory facilities 4a-4g. Typical process units 4e can be tubular reactors, stirred tanks, apparatus for separating or combining substances and converting energy. It should be noted that non-automated laboratory setups are usually set up by the user himself and are also operated manually, but the display unit 14 can facilitate and improve the laboratory process. These laboratory set-ups 4a-4g themselves are usually equipped with only a little automation, since they are usually used for a short time operated laboratory processes, the costly and time-consuming engineering required for automation should be avoided.

FIG. 4b shows an embodiment of the invention in which a handling system 3 has been added to the laboratory fume cupboard 6. The laboratory process can thus be further automated. The handling system 3 can in this case directly imitate the manual operation in order to carry out the laboratory process or parts thereof. For example, the handling system 3 can operate valves, weigh in solids (with a conventional laboratory balance 4a) or perform an optical check of the fill level in a process unit 4e (with an optional sensor on an arm of the handling system 3). In this way, the central control unit 5 can map a sequential sequence of activities (laboratory process) and control the handling system 3 accordingly to carry out these activities. Conventional recipe flow control software can also be used here, since the laboratory process is based on manual execution by a user.

FIG. 4c shows a laboratory fume cupboard 6 according to FIG. 4b with a suction device 7, which can suck off gases produced in the laboratory process and safely dispose of or filter them. The laboratory fume cupboard 6 can also be realized by flexible frame racks based on a modular assembly kit with screwable metal profiles. It should be noted that the processes can often involve syntheses of a large number of different materials (test specimens), which are then evaluated within the framework of an overarching workflow using methods of high-throughput technology.

FIG. 4d also shows a fume cupboard 6, which also has a wireless connection 10 to the central control unit and / or to a central database 15. The central database 15 can be configured as a cloud which can be reached via the Internet. Furthermore, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4d can have a transmitter box which collects the data collected within the fume cupboard 6, such as measured values and analysis results, and can transmit these as a whole to the central control unit and / or the central database 15. Furthermore, the dimensions of the fume cupboard 6 can correspond to standardized dimensions for fume cupboards. This is shown by the two dimensions a and b, so that a retrofit of existing laboratories is also possible by exchanging the manual fume cupboards for the laboratory systems mentioned here, which are offered in the same geometric grid dimension. Such a grid dimension can easily be found, since prints are usually offered with fixed depth and height dimensions a but flexible width dimensions b. The proposed construction takes this flexibility into account in one dimension. Furthermore, suitable software interfaces can be defined so that data can be exchanged with the central database 15. This is done, for example, by means of a wireless connection 10, for example via a router built into the fume cupboard or the transmitter box, in order to avoid laying network cables and to facilitate direct communication with the handling system 3. The central database 15 can be implemented as a cloud solution with storage and computing capacity for evaluating large Amount of data. This central database can also evaluate the data received and recognize patterns in this. Neural networks and artificial intelligence can also be used here.

FIG. 4e shows an embodiment in which the fume hood 6 has a switch cabinet 16 which ensures the power supply within the fume cupboard 6 and which can have the transmitter box for the wireless transmission of the data to the central control unit 5.

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart for a method for carrying out laboratory processes with the aid of a laboratory process support device described above and below. In a first step S1, a central control unit receives an order to carry out a laboratory process. In step S2, the central control unit plans the laboratory process to be carried out on the basis of the order. For this purpose, the central control unit 5 selects the laboratory equipment required for this laboratory process from a large number of laboratory equipment in step S3. The individual laboratory equipment is then arranged in step S4 in accordance with the laboratory process. This arrangement can be carried out manually by a user under the guidance of the central control unit, for example via a display unit, or independently by means of a handling system. The laboratory process is then carried out with the aid of the handling system in step S5. Here, the handling system can carry out parts of the laboratory process or else carry out the entire laboratory process automatically. Finally, the data generated when the laboratory process is carried out is stored in a database of the central control unit.

Figure 6 shows the schematic sequence of the method for carrying out laboratory processes, in which an order I is forwarded to the central control unit, which checks the feasibility II of the order and, depending on the feasibility, either returns information III to the client or the execution IV of the Order prepared. While the order is being carried out, the work area is transferred to an operating state, with selected laboratory equipment from the storage area V being arranged in a special arrangement VI for a selected group of laboratory equipment. It is possible that the components can be arranged in a large number of groups of laboratory facilities. The four groups VI.1 to VI.4 are shown for illustration. The laboratory equipment required for the laboratory process can be arranged in the respective arrangement required for the laboratory process. The Arabic numerals in the laboratory equipment of the respective process steps VI-1 to VI-4 symbolize the laboratory equipment used. Different laboratory facilities or the same laboratory facilities can occur several times in a laboratory process. The sub-process or the process step, which is represented by the thick, curved arrows, can then be carried out successively for each laboratory facility. After all process steps have been carried out, the result of the laboratory process is output; this is symbolized by the black arrow pointing to the right. Subsequently or at the same time, the arrangement of laboratory equipment can be reset to the initial state and the individual Laboratory facilities can be dismantled. This is symbolized by the black arrow pointing downwards. The white double arrow represents the regeneration, cleaning or replacement of the individual laboratory equipment; this may be necessary in order to start a new laboratory process.

FIG. 7 shows the schematic sequence of the method for carrying out laboratory processes, the method including a dialogue l.b with the client, which relates to the implementation IV.b of parts of the order. If the central control unit comes to the conclusion during the planning (feasibility II) of the laboratory process that it is not possible to carry out the laboratory process completely with the available laboratory equipment, the central control unit can check whether a partial implementation of the laboratory process is possible If this is the case, the client will be notified accordingly. The latter can then decide whether he wants a partial implementation or whether he can withdraw the order.

FIG. 8 shows a further schematic sequence of the method for carrying out laboratory processes, which corresponds to the scheme shown in FIG. The implementation is designated IV. N. The method according to FIG. 8 has several laboratory devices in the storage area Vn. With the increased selection of laboratory equipment, it is possible to accommodate a larger number of different groups VI. n to be assembled with laboratory set-ups. At the same time, the information is also stored in the central control unit that the laboratory system enables a larger number of laboratory processes due to the larger number of laboratory facilities. This means that the fume cupboards can be flexibly adapted to the respective tasks and expanded if necessary.

List of reference symbols

1 laboratory system

2 Laboratory process support device

3 handling system

3 ‘external handling system

4 (a-g) - Laboratory equipment (s)

5 central control unit

6 fume cupboard

7 Extraction device of the laboratory fume cupboard

8 specific arrangement of laboratory equipment for a laboratory process

9 certain arrangement of laboratory equipment for a further laboratory process

10 Wireless connection to the central control unit and / or to the central database 1 1 movable protective screen and access to the fume cupboard

12 - educt (s)

13 - product (s)

14 - Display unit for further information

15 - central database (cloud)

16 - control cabinet

l-V - process steps

Claims

Expectations

1 . Laboratory process support device (2) comprising:

- a handling system (3); and

- a central control unit (5),

wherein the handling system (3) is set up to operate a laboratory device (4, 4a-4g),

wherein the handling system (3) is further set up to handle an educt (12), an intermediate product, a product (13) and / or a reactor for a chemical process of a laboratory process, and

wherein the central control unit (5) is set up to plan the laboratory process and to control the handling system (3) accordingly.

2. Laboratory process support device (2) according to claim 1,

further comprising a program control unit, the program control unit having a memory in which a plurality of process modules are stored, each process module having at least one process step for operating the laboratory facility (4, 4a-4g), the program control unit being implemented on the basis of one of a user enterable recipe for a product or intermediate product to identify the process steps necessary for the production of the product or intermediate product and to select the corresponding process modules for a laboratory process and to bring them into a sequence of actions that the handling system (3) is able to handle the product or Manufacture intermediate product independently.

3. Laboratory process support device (2) according to claim 2,

furthermore with a recognition unit, which is designed to recognize the available laboratory facilities (4, 4a-4g) and to restrict the selectable process modules to those process modules which contain process steps necessary for operating the available laboratory facilities (4, 4a-4g) serve.

4. Laboratory process support device (2) according to claim 3,

the recognition unit is designed to recognize laboratory facilities (4, 4a-4g) which are designed for humanoid operation and the process steps necessary for operating these laboratory facilities (4, 4a-4g) are modeled on humanoid handling, which are similar to those for humanoid Operation-designed laboratory equipment is compatible.

5. Laboratory process support device (2) according to one of claims 2 to 4,

wherein a plurality of recipes are stored in the memory of the program control unit with respectively assigned process modules which are required for the production of the product or intermediate product corresponding to the respective recipe.

6. Laboratory process support device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handling system (3) has a handling robot with an arm which is set up to handle and / or operate a laboratory facility that is not set up to be handled and / or operated by an automated or partially automated system.

7. Laboratory process support device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central control unit (5) is set up to control the handling system (3) according to the planned laboratory process, to operate a sequence of several laboratory devices (4, 4a-4g) and / or to handle starting materials (12), intermediate products, products (13) and / or reactors for a chemical process of the laboratory process.

8. Laboratory process support device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handling system (3) has a sensor which is set up to

To collect measurement data via the handling system (3) and / or via the laboratory process and to transmit them to the central control unit (5) for monitoring and regulating the laboratory process.

9. Laboratory process support device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the laboratory process support device (2) is set up by a

To be taught to people by the person leading the handling system (3) to carry out a desired sequence of movements,

wherein the central control unit (5) is set up to store this movement sequence as a method sequence or a method step in order to subsequently control the handling system (3) in accordance with the stored movement sequence.

10. Laboratory process support device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central control unit (5) is set up to an order for a

Receive laboratory process and the central control unit (5) is set up to check whether the order can be carried out with the available laboratory equipment (4, 4a-4g) and the handling system (3), and the result of the check is sent to the client to submit.

1 1. Laboratory process support device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display unit (14) which is set up to represent a person

Display information and / or instructions about the laboratory process to be performed.

12. Laboratory process support device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handling system (3) is set up to independently carry out a laboratory process within a laboratory fume cupboard (6).

13. Laboratory process support device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handling system (3) is set up to include a in a container

Starting material (12), intermediate product and / or product (13) can be specifically removed from the container.

14. Laboratory process support device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central control unit (5) is set up to plan the laboratory process and accordingly to select the laboratory equipment necessary for the laboratory process from a plurality of laboratory equipment (4, 4a-4g),

wherein the central control unit (5) is further set up to control the handling system (3), to assemble the selected laboratory devices (4, 4a-4g) for the laboratory process and to carry out the laboratory process.

15. Laboratory system (1), comprising:

- At least two laboratory devices (4, 4a-4g); and

- a laboratory process support device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the at least two laboratory devices (4, 4a-4g) are connected to one another by a laboratory process, and

wherein the laboratory process support device (2) is set up to operate the at least two laboratory devices (4, 4a-4g) according to the laboratory process and / or the starting material (12), the intermediate product, the product (13) and / or the reactor for one to handle the chemical process of the laboratory process in order to carry out the laboratory process.

16. Laboratory system (1) according to claim 15,

wherein the laboratory device (4, 4a-4g) is selected from the group consisting of a dosing unit, a laboratory balance, a stirring device, a heating device, a cooling device, a temperature measuring sensor, a pressure sensor, a level measuring sensor, a suction device, a filtration vessel, a reaction vessel , a separation unit, an analysis unit, a barcode scanner, a labeling machine, a sampling unit, a fluid distributor and storage containers for starting materials, reactants and intermediates.

17. Laboratory system (1) according to one of claims 15 or 16,

wherein the laboratory devices (4, 4a-4g) are each connected to the central control unit (5), so that data are exchanged between the laboratory devices (4, 4a-4g) and the central control unit (5),

wherein the central control unit (5) is connected to a central database (15), for example a cloud server.

18. A method for carrying out a laboratory process with the aid of a laboratory process support device according to one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following steps:

- Receiving (S1) an order for the implementation of a laboratory process by a central control unit;

- Planning (S2) the laboratory process by the central control unit;

- Selecting (S3) the laboratory equipment required for this;

- Arranging (S4) the required laboratory equipment according to the laboratory process; - Carrying out (S5) the laboratory process with the aid of a handling system;

- Collecting and storing (S6) the data generated during the implementation of the laboratory process in a database of the central control unit.

19. A method for performing a laboratory process according to claim 18;

wherein planning (S2) the laboratory process comprises:

Identification of the process steps necessary to manufacture the product or intermediate product on the basis of a recipe for a product or intermediate product that can be entered by a user,

Selecting and arranging appropriate process modules for a laboratory process in such a way that the handling system (3) is able to independently manufacture the product or intermediate product.

20. Program element which, if it is executed on a central control unit of a laboratory process support device, the

Laboratory process support device instructs to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 18 and 19.

21. Computer-readable medium on which the program element according to claim 20 is stored.