Robotic plantlet handling system

摘要

There is provided apparatus including: a workstation having an operator work portion, a material source portion, a material delivery portion and a robot arm. A housing is located at the material source portion and contains plantlet holders, the housing being closable by a lid mechanically and sealingly engaging a peripheral lip of the housing. An empty housing is located at the material delivery portion to receive the plantlet holders. A tool assembly on the robot arm includes a plantlet holder manipulator for movement of a plantlet holder between the material source portion, the operator work portion, and the material delivery portion; and an integral closure manipulator operable to engage a lid for removal from and attachment to the housing.

主权项

1. Robotic plantlet handling apparatus including:
a workstation having an operator work portion, a material source portion, a material delivery portion and a robot arm; at least one housing located at the material source portion and containing a plurality of plantlet holders, the plantlet holders each comprising an open-topped container having apertures open to nutrient medium in use and having a handling lug, the housing being closable by a lid having a complementary engagement periphery adapted to mechanically and sealingly engage a corresponding peripheral lip of the housing; at least one said housing located at said material delivery portion and adapted to receive a plurality of said plantlet holders; a plantlet holder manipulator on said robot arm and adapted to engage said handling lug for movement of a plantlet holder between said material source portion, said operator work portion, and said material delivery portion; and a closure manipulator on said robot arm and selectively operable to engage a said lid for removal from and attachment to the housing.