• M-ATS transport robots move freely around the room and autonomously load washer-disinfectors and sterilizers

• Automation of transport process takes workload off qualified staff

To simplify workflow in the reprocessing of medical devices, Steelco is to offer an automatic transfer system (M-ATS) to complement its washer-disinfectors and sterilizer loading systems. The heart and soul of this system are transport robots which move freely on the infeed and outfeed sides respectively and autonomously load and unload machines. With a load capacity of up to 150 kg, they take heavy work off the hands of trained employees and simplify transport processes in CSSD.

When a CSSD is equipped with the new system, the robot is trained on the paths taken by a technician. These are committed to memory and can, if necessary, be modified automatically if a deviation from the saved route is needed later. M-ATS recognizes obstacles, steers around humans and can turn on the spot. Even the standard speed of 1 m per second is adjustable.

The transport robot is able to carry an entire load carrier designed for a maximum of 18 mesh trays to a washer-disinfector. Once there, the load carrier docks with utmost precision and transfers its load to the machine or multi-machine loading systems. The matching programme then launches automatically – no matter whether the instruments on board are for minimal invasive surgery or the unit is carrying anaesthetic material. To achieve this, load carriers are fitted with RFID tags which ensure unequivocal assignment at both the robot and the machine. Tags can be retrofitted on existing load carriers from Steelco and can therefore remain in use after the introduction of a robotic transfer system.

Hence, M-ATS offers the ideal prerequisites for increasing efficiency within a CSSD setup. The system's software controls all processes, enabling in-hospital logistics to be optimized likewise.

Depending on the capacity required, one or several robots each could be used on the infeed and outfeed sides. This increases performance and ensures that transfer capacity is available at all times.