{"id":3361,"date":"2026-02-26T17:21:55","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T22:21:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hemi.jhu.edu\/caimee\/?page_id=3361"},"modified":"2026-03-11T12:10:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T16:10:01","slug":"sample-handling","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hemi.jhu.edu\/caimee\/center-facilities\/aimd-l\/sample-handling\/","title":{"rendered":"Sample Handling"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][vc_btn title=”AIMD-L Overview” shape=”square” align=”center” css=”” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fhemi.jhu.edu%2Fcaimee%2Fcenter-facilities%2Faimd-l%2F|title:AIMD-L%20Test%20Page”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][vc_btn title=”MAXIMA” shape=”square” align=”center” css=”” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fhemi.jhu.edu%2Fcaimee%2Fcenter-facilities%2Faimd-l%2Fmaxima%2F|title:MAXIMA%3A%20Multimodal%20Automated%20X-ray%20Investigation%20of%20Materials”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][vc_btn title=”HELIX” shape=”square” align=”center” css=”” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fhemi.jhu.edu%2Fcaimee%2Fcenter-facilities%2Faimd-l%2Fhelix%2F|title:HELIX%3A%20High-throughput%20Extreme%20Laser%20Impact%20eXperiments”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][vc_btn title=”SPHINX” shape=”square” align=”center” css=”” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fhemi.jhu.edu%2Fcaimee%2Fcenter-facilities%2Faimd-l%2Fsphinx%2F|title:SPHINX%3A%20Scanning%20Probe%20for%20High-resolution%20INdentation%20eXperiments”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][vc_btn title=”Sample Handling” shape=”square” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-star” css=”” button_block=”true” add_icon=”true” link=”url:%23|title:current%20page%20(Sample%20Handling)”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][vc_btn title=”Data Handling” shape=”square” align=”center” css=”” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fhemi.jhu.edu%2Fcaimee%2Fcenter-facilities%2Faimd-l%2Fdata-handling%2F|title:Data%20Handling”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section title=”Sample Handling Overview” tab_id=”1772132395951-6e648c81-b5b5″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Sample Handling Overview<\/h2>\n

High-throughput materials research depends on the ability to move samples reliably between experimental stations without manual intervention. As experimental workflows become more complex, manual sample handling quickly becomes a bottleneck, limiting throughput and introducing variability. To address this challenge, AIMD-L uses an integrated robotic sample handling and conveyance system that enables continuous, unattended operation across the laboratory.<\/p>\n

At the core of the system is a U-shaped conveyance loop that transports samples between stations. The conveyance can manage up to 225 samples simultaneously and routes them according to the active experimental workflow. Inner and outer tracks move in opposite directions, allowing samples to travel either clockwise or counterclockwise as needed. A complete circulation of the loop takes approximately 18.5 minutes, providing predictable timing and coordinated handoff between stations. Samples are carried on standardized holders that preserve orientation and identity throughout their movement.<\/p>\n

Sample transfers between the conveyance system and individual stations are performed by six collaborative robotic manipulators (UR10e) distributed across the laboratory. Equipped with vacuum grippers and barcode readers, these robots autonomously retrieve samples from the conveyance, confirm their identity, and place them into the precise locations required for processing, testing, or characterization. After each operation, samples are returned to the conveyance or staged in buffer trays for subsequent steps.<\/p>\n

To improve placement accuracy and long-term reliability, the conveyance system is augmented with an industrial machine vision system that tracks the position of individual pucks in real time. Vision-based feedback compensates for small positional variations and ensures consistent alignment during robotic pickup and placement, which is particularly important for high-precision loading and extended, unattended operation.<\/p>\n

Buffer trays located at each substation serve as intermediate staging areas for samples. Experiments typically begin and end at these buffers, allowing samples to be queued, paused, or redirected without disrupting the overall workflow. This decoupling of station timing from sample transport supports multi-step and branching experimental sequences.<\/p>\n

The robotic sample handling framework is closely integrated with AIMD-L\u2019s experimental stations. At the MAXIMA substation, an external UR10e robot transfers samples between the buffer tray and the instrument through an automatic lead-shielded safety door, while an internal UR3 robot positions the sample and returns it to the holder after measurements are complete. At the HELIX impact testing station, two UR10e robots interface directly with the central conveyance loop: the first retrieves the incoming sample holder from the conveyor and places it on a local buffer tray, and the second transfers the holder to the launch-package assembly table, assembles the required test configuration by combining the sample holder with the flyer stack and recovery grid, and moves the assembled launch package to the test location. After the experiment, the robots disassemble the launch package and return the sample holder to the buffer and conveyance system.<\/p>\n

Together, the conveyance system, robotic manipulators, buffer stations, and vision system form a unified, centrally coordinated sample handling platform. By providing reliable timing, accurate placement, traceability, and continuous operation at scale, this system makes it possible to run large, coordinated experiments across AIMD-L and supports data-driven materials discovery.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Media Gallery” tab_id=”1772144187218-055ab9da-9ea9″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Media Gallery<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid css=”” grid_id=”vc_gid:1773245060757-f8a0697c-9e19-6″ include=”2723,2475,2348,3424″][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Research Team” tab_id=”1772132478619-91e0fcbb-6180″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Research Team<\/h2>\n

Principal Investigator: Axel Krieger<\/p>\n

Additional Researchers: Pranav Addepalli (Assistant Research Engineer), Anuruddha Bhattacharjee (Postdoctoral Researcher)[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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