Design of a robotic workstation for automated organic synthesis

A robotic workstation for automated organic synthesis was developed. The system consists of a computer, robot, and several devices (reaction device, separation device, dispense device, etc.). The reaction device has four temperature-regulation units, each of which can freely change its set reaction temperature. Since each of the four can handle four reaction containers, 16 reactions under different conditions can be done simultaneously. The range of reaction temperature is from −30°C to 160°C. Reactions beyond the boiling points of solvents are possible by using reflux condensers. The separation processing device automatically performs solution extraction operations based on the detected liquid levels and interface positions. The dispensing device automatically pumps various kinds and amounts of reagents and/or solvents at various speeds into the reaction containers by switching valves through the digital syringe pump. This system can automate all synthesis and analysis process and can perform at least 3000 experiments (3000 containers) per year. Since its completion in 1996, it has conducted over 1500 experiments of various kinds. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Lab Robotics and Automation 12:2–11, 2000