Applied Scientific Technologies (AST) are global specialists for SiLA-2 integration into laboratory automation networks and the latest addition to our growing library of laboratory instrument connectivity includes a custom SiLA driver for a product we have developed in house, the Deft Mobile Temperature Probe.

SiLA (Standardisation in Lab Automation) enables Lab-of-the-Future technology through free and open communication protocols and data standards (www.sila-standard.com). AST have implemented the SiLA 2 communications protocol into a wide range of standard laboratory bench equipment linking them to Deft automatically allowing many experimental protocols and applications to be integrated including balances, stirrer/shakers, pH / conductivity meters, Rheology and particle counters found in most formulation and R&D labs. The adoption of industry leading SiLA standards helps to future proof lab equipment by enabling end-to-end integration with LIMS or local area networks via a control App for Android or iOS devices and to share data seamlessly.

The mobile temperature probe was initially developed as a production application for a client within the food and beverage industry for on-site testing at point-of-need (mobile) for monitoring temperature sensitive steps and ingredient additions during the production of foodstuffs. The wireless temperature probe digitally records the temperature of the experiment/process and automatically uploads this data into LIMS without the need for any cables directly to Applied Scientific’s Deft box. Digitally monitoring formulation and temperature sensitive processes or ingredients, the mobile temperature probe gives real-time visual data to the operator whilst recording all data digitally, eliminating the risk of transcription errors and is easy to use by production staff. The mobile temperature probe appears to Deft as a Gateway permanently attached to a temperature gathering device.

Features of the Deft Mobile Temperature Probe

· Handheld case with an immersible thermocouple probe

o Inbuilt environmental sensor, measuring air temperature

· On/Off button

· Rechargeable with sufficient capacity to power the unit for 8 hours

· E-ink display with a 10 second refresh rate, showing: -

o Device ID, in human and machine-readable formats

o Current probe temperature

o Current ambient temperature, pressure, and RH

o Battery charge level

o Connection status to the Deft Site Data Manager (SDM)

· SiLA-2 servers, Gateway and Device

Implementing SiLA 2 drivers for this technology provides many benefits such as digitalisation information capture and standard Deft benefits (https://www.appliedst.co.uk/deft) which include specific user experimental design and workflow integration via an Android Tablet or mobile phone App. The Tablet App GUI is intuitive and requires no formal training. The App allows many functions that are not possible when using the device alone such as capturing all communication and data digitally, allowing the device to be controlled wirelessly and automatically run multiple experiments in sequence under user control. Deft is cloud-ready to allow Asset Management, remote access and Over-The-Air updates seamlessly integrating into any digital laboratory or Lab-of-the-Future environment.

Applied Scientific Technologies (AST) is an emerging, innovative spin-out company founded in 2017 based in Stokesley, North Yorkshire. Founded by two directors from Applied Integration UK Ltd, a company celebrating its 15th working anniversary. AST are innovative specialists in laboratory robotics, digital Lab-of-the-Future connectivity and hardware integration for the chemical, pharmaceutical, physical and life science industries supporting your laboratory digitalisation journey.

Adopting SiLA drivers into a Lab-of-the-Future digital network – Deft Mobile Temperature Probe