Design considerations for laboratory robotics systems handling toxic substances

This paper discusses design issues pertinent to development of reliable robotic systems for handling toxic substances, using examples from Midwest Research Institute's experience with the full range of materials selected by the federal government for toxicology testing. This includes laboratory work with substances known to have adverse toxicological effects (e.g., known carcinogens) as well as chemicals selected for evaluation of their toxic potential. Chemicals under evaluation include pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, solvents, pesticides, and a variety of other chemicals, solvents, pesticides, and a variety of other chemicals to which the populace is exposed in the workplace or in their daily lives