Relocating and reestablishing a robotics laboratory

Over the past several years, there have been many presentations at various International Symposium on Laboratory Automation and Robotics Meetings (ISLAR) devoted to the trials and tribulations of establishing a robotics facility in an existing laboratory environment. Recently, we in the Analytical R&D Department at Hoffmann-La Roche have had the good fortune (or painful task) of moving out of an existing laboratory into a newly constructed building. The new laboratory was specifically designed to accommodate robotic systems and was not `converted' from a laboratory already in use. This allowed the greatest efficiency in the use of space and in design of services needed for the systems. It was also a learning experience with regard to areas such as building, electrical utility, and municipal codes. The room was even outfitted with its own high-pressure water system to supply the cleaning stations on the robots. Once the laboratory was completed and a certificate of occupancy was obtained, we faced the task of moving the robotic systems. This monumental task of disassembling, packing, moving, and then reassembling three Py systems as well as the various workstations along with their supporting instrumentation (HPLC pumps and detectors) took several months to completely accomplish. After reinstallation, the systems were revalidated. As of now, the Roche robotics laboratory is fully operational. We offer here various tips and information to anyone faced with or contemplating moving their robotic systems to a new location.