The advancement of technology and the advancement of science have always been intertwined. We live in a time of constant experimental creativity, spurred on by scientists’ achievements in the new era and their desire to better grasp the actual world. Bio-printing sophisticated procedures, gene editing, and predictive medicine are becoming closer to reality every day. These discoveries can alter many aspects of our life in a big way.
However, the current state of research does not utilize the potential of researchers. Several studies had to be retracted because of the resulting shift in process yield.
Research and development will become more efficient if the Internet of Things (IoT) is integrated into the lab environment, bringing us one step closer to an innovative lab.
Why the Current System Is Failing
There are several hurdles to scientific progress in the laboratory. A lack of communication between equipment and researchers can be the source of obstacles and failures on the part of humans. Experts now confront the daily task of manually recording data produced from the devices, a tedious process that is time-consuming and prone to human error since humans make mistakes.
Other issues, such as data loss, might arise when a scientist is overly cautious about what they record; in addition, specialists may be unable to decipher handwritten notes or data.
The inability of lab equipment and researchers to communicate with one another is a problem that affects every lab, and an IoT-enabled system is the best solution to this problem.
Using IoT to its fullest potential
With IoT, we want to create a more efficient means of performing tests and collecting data for the study.From scales to centrifuges, IoT-enabled devices may be used to link all laboratory components. The output of a machine may now be instantly transmitted into digital form thanks to this technology. Scientists will be able to save time and effort by eliminating the possibility of human mistakes.
As long as there is an internet connection and a device attached to the server or cloud, an IoT-enabled lab may be accessible anywhere. The scientist will be able to carry out their research more quickly and effectively as many sensors and gadgets are connected to a central hub.
The Internet of Things (IoT) may take many forms in BioTech laboratories, and automation is one of the most popular. A few providers have the most excellent strategy for automating all of the lab’s vessels under the material. Only successful industrial labs are likely to access this kind of technology.
Another way to incorporate IoT into a lab is to use a laboratory execution system. Again, this technology aids in connecting present machines to the internet and works to manage and monitor existing equipment, such as pipetting robots or co-bots and automated devices.
This IoT solution is based on the laboratory’s fundamental capabilities, but it adds internet connectivity to make it more dependable and cost-effective.
Adoption
IoT has seen substantial growth in the laboratory sector, particularly in research and development, despite a delayed start, due to the requirement of competing on a global market. With the advent of digital solutions and more data accessibility, this need has also increased.
By integrating IoT into the laboratory, experiments can be carried out more quickly, documentation can be more exact, and research can be made more accessible. It’s no surprise that Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled digital solutions are growing more popular in R&D. However, the IoT is just one part of a more significant effort to change laboratories. The intelligent lab, the future laboratory, will not be complete without it.
The ‘Smart Lab’ Idea
The concept of “intelligent cities” and “intelligent houses” has probably crossed your mind. Like these concepts, an intelligent lab links laboratory instruments and devices to the internet.
The new link will allow researchers to operate all laboratory equipment outside, allowing them to finish an experiment more quickly and with more accuracy.Incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) into experiment protocols is another benefit of the intelligent lab system, making data documentation easier. Consequently, a knowledgeable and productive lab environment is created, where machines could guess experimental results and produce new ideas independently.
By automating routine laboratory operations and eliminating the need for human oversight, scientists will have more time to focus on the high-priority benchwork. This capacity will make it easier for researchers to conduct experiments. Because the data is digitized and maintained on the cloud, no scientific study will be lost; together, these benefits are projected to support waves of fresh scientific progress.
Wrap
Incorporating an IoT solution is made easier in the laboratory because of the unique characteristics of the setting. Using IoT-enabled devices might lead to a significant increase in discovery yield with an emphasis on precision and efficiency, as well as compliance.
Increasingly, researchers seek ways to do this without investing in new laboratory instruments and apparatus, as science is controlled by strict procedures and rules to guarantee that research is compliant and accessible.
A central repository for research data is provided by other digital systems, such as the lab inventory management system or the electronic lab notebook. Scientists will have a clear solution thanks to creating “smart labs,” which will integrate software, hardware, and laboratory personnel. IoT will influence research and development in the years to come in these ways.