Vitens Laboratorium in Leeuwarden, Holland required a ‘lights out’ laboratory that analysed water samples taken in the field that day. The system runs unattended overnight with results ready first thing in the morning. Samples are collected during the day by sample takers, the details of which are transmitted remotely by GPRS telecommunications to the LIMS database so the system knows what samples will be arriving. The sample takers dump the bottles onto a conveyor throughout the night and leave. From hereon in the bottles are handled, tracked analysed and disposed of automatically.

“This was an amazing project to work on. There is nothing else available that automates a water laboratory to this extent.” (Paul Chilton, Labman Senior Project Engineer)