Views: 0 Author: Christine Troutman – Director of Scientific Operations Publish Time: 2025-07-17 Origin: Site
As cleanroom standards grow more rigorous and manufacturers face increased pressure to reduce contamination risk and improve data integrity, the demand for intelligent automation is clear. MicronView's APC/BAS Dual Mode Robot is a fully autonomous solution designed to modernize viable and non-viable air sampling while reducing human intervention in critical environments.
Meeting the Demands of Modern Contamination Control
Traditional environmental monitoring methods rely heavily on manual sampling and technician involvement, which introduces variability, increases labor requirements, and raises the risk of contamination. With evolving regulatory guidance placing greater emphasis on contamination control, consistent sampling practices, and real-time data traceability, automation is becoming a strategic necessity.
The APC/BAS Dual Mode Robot addresses these needs by combining active viable air sampling and airborne particle counting into a single, mobile platform. It performs scheduled monitoring routines across cleanroom environments without the need for manual setup or handling.
System Overview and Core Capabilities
At the heart of the system is a high-precision 6-axis robotic arm capable of placing and retrieving 90 mm agar plates with exceptional accuracy. The robot navigates facilities using a combination of LiDAR, onboard IMU sensors, and wheel odometry, enabling it to autonomously locate sampling sites and return to its docking station for recharging.
All scheduling, monitoring, and data management is handled through MicronView’s EMC software. The system can also be integrated with existing LIMS infrastructure for seamless data storage and secondary analysis.
Key Advantages
| Feature | Manual Sampling | APC/BAS Dual Mode Robot |
| Personnel Involvement | High — technicians must enter cleanroom and handle plates | None during operation — fully autonomous |
| Contamination Risk | Elevated due to human presence | Greatly reduced by minimizing personnel in critical areas |
| Sampling Consistency | Variable — depends on operator technique | Highly repeatable — robotic arm accurate to ±0.02 mm |
| Scheduling | Manual coordination required | Programmed schedules via software |
| Data Traceability | Often dependent on manual logs | Automatically recorded, timestamped, and encrypted |
| Sample Handling | Manual plate placement/removal | Robotic placement and retrieval of 90 mm agar plates |
| Monitoring Types | Usually separate for viable and non-viable | Dual-mode: viable and non-viable in one system |
| Operational Hours | Limited to staffed shifts | Up to 8 hours continuous autonomous operation |
| Compliance Support | Operator-dependent | ISO-compliant arm, GMP-aligned data management |
| Cleanroom Suitability | Risk of human error and variable disinfection practices | 316L stainless steel body, VHP- and alcohol-resistant |
Integrated Dual-Mode Functionality
The robot combines viable air sampling and non-viable monitoring in a single unit, streamlining operations and eliminating the need for separate equipment or technician presence.
Precision and Repeatability
With sample placement accuracy down to ±0.02 mm, the robot ensures consistent, reproducible results across all sampling events.
Real-Time, Secure Data Handling
Collected data is stored on an onboard industrial PC and can be transmitted securely in standard formats (CSV, XLS, PDF) via encrypted communication protocols. The system supports remote backup, scheduled uploads, and direct LIMS integration.
Designed for Cleanroom Environments
The unit features a 316L stainless steel shell, polyurethane wheels, and sealed chassis construction. It is resistant to common disinfectants, including isopropanol, VHP, and sporicidal agents. The robotic arm is compliant with ISO 15066 and ISO 13849 safety standards.
Autonomous, Continuous Operation
With intelligent battery management and automatic docking, the robot can operate up to 8 hours per charge with automated charging, supporting continuous or overnight sampling routines with no manual intervention.
Application Example: Grade B Aseptic Filling Operations
In Grade B cleanroom environments, traditional air sampling often requires technician entry and manual plate handling, introducing contamination risks and procedural variability. By automating both viable and non-viable sampling, the APC/BAS Dual Mode Robot enables consistent execution of monitoring routines while reducing human presence in critical areas. Data is immediately traceable and audit-ready, and personnel can focus on higher-value tasks.
