Vision of the 80s–Reality of the 90s!

Why this title? Beginning in the early 1980s, Zymark's founders and pioneering customers shared a vision: they believed that computers and robotics could stimulate a revolution in laboratory operations, leading to dramatic improvements in the quality and timeliness of laboratory results and in staff productivity. Since Zymark was founded, leading organizations throughout the world have installed over 1700 Zymate laboratory Robotics Systems. for their automation needs and concluded that the technology was not yet ready for them. They wanted: (1) Proven precision and accuracy equal to or better than manual techniques. (2) Proven reliability in real laboratory operation. (3) Successful references describing similar applications. (4) Demonstrated ease of use and rapid start-up. (5) Assurance of cost-effective results. (6) Assured access to improved technology and new product developments. Laboratory robotics is truly an extension of the computer and information management revolution, and, like computer systems, has undergone rapid, evolutionary development. This affinity to the computer industry provides a framework to measure progress and predict trends. The substantial advancements in laboratory robotics technology during the past decade is making the VISION become REALITY. Are we ready for the 90s? More than ever before, the 1990s will be the decade of increasing challenges, demanded by: (1) Global competition. This requires: (a) rapid new product development; (b) unsurpassed product quality; and (c) world-class productivity and profitability. (2) Government regulation. This requires: (a) more analyses; (b) greater sensitivity for trace levels; (c) improved precision; and (d) documented quality assurance.