WesTrac Next Generation Laboratory Project (NGLP)

WesTrac required a robust, scalable automation platform to streamline sample handling and pre-analytical workflows across high-throughput laboratory operations. AUTONOMA delivered a fully integrated, walkaway automated sample preparation and analysis line that takes samples from tray intake through to orderly output with minimal operator involvement.

How It Works

Ten coordinated laboratory modules are orchestrated by a central Cartesian Linear Robot. Operators prepare and register sample trays in the LIMS, load them onto a wheeled trolley, dock and lock the trolley to the automation cell, and press Start. The system handles everything from there.

The Linear Robot picks up each tray, scans the barcode, and verifies it against the LIMS before processing begins. Invalid trays are returned for operator intervention. Valid trays move through a defined sequence: ferrous debris and PQ analysis, end-over-end tumbling for homogenisation, decapping, precision pipetting with liquid height sensing to minimise cross-contamination, aliquoting into up to three tubes per sample for viscometry, FTIR, and ICP analysis, automated ICP dilution, tube sorting and rack population, and particle counting. Processed bottles are returned to an output trolley with matched lids. Repeat testing is supported without disrupting the main line.

If instruments are busy, trays are buffered automatically to maintain continuous flow without bottlenecks.

Key Modules

Two Lightning PQ modules, two tumbler mixers, two decapping and aliquoting modules capable of processing more than 1,500 sample bottles each per 24 hours, three PAMAS particle counters, and a trolley dock with barcode validation, all coordinated by the central Linear Robot and fully integrated with Labware LIMS.

Software and Integration

Full tray and bottle verification, chain of custody tracking, and status updates through Labware LIMS. Barcode-driven routing with automated exception handling. Instrument handshakes across PQ, PAMAS, and downstream analytics. Buffer and retry logic to maintain throughput. And a complete audit log covering trays, bottles, aliquots, and instrument events.

Contamination Control

Liquid height measurement before pipetting limits immersion depth and prevents wicking. Lids are inverted and stored in matched trays throughout the process. Post-mixing aliquots improve sample representativity. Defined dilution protocols standardise ICP preparation. Barcode checks at critical transitions reduce misrouting risk.

Outcomes

Higher throughput through parallel decapping and aliquoting lanes. Consistent sample quality through standardised mixing, pipetting, and dilution. Reduced manual handling across sorting, transfer, and rack population. Improved traceability through full LIMS integration. Less downtime through intelligent buffering and scheduling. And a modular architecture that can be expanded as requirements grow.

The NGLP platform is built to scale. Additional analytical modules, expanded buffering, and enhanced data pipelines can be added without rebuilding the line.

Watch the full project story: WesTrac NGLP on YouTube

Get in Touch

Contact AUTONOMA to discuss what a similar solution could look like for your laboratory operation.

Call: +61 8 6149 9801 or use our online enquiry form.