Automation Software Package: A-S Automate

As a result of years of experience with robotics software engineering we have developed A-S Automate. This automation software product is a simple to use, programmable tool which provides simultaneous hardware control and scheduling of multiple items of equipment. A-S Automate can be adapted to suit most scientific research and technological environments by customising the automation software user interface to suit the application being controlled. Please click here to read a review by Cambridge University.

There is demonstration software available for download from our web site. Please contact us for details of how to download and register the demo software. Sample methods are included.

Automation Software Product Description

The process flow can be designed using 'Method Maker', a program which provides a graphical way of building up the process by simply dragging and dropping components with the mouse. Once the flow is defined Method Maker generates a script which is then run by the automation software. All scripts are syntax checked so errors cannot affect the hardware control.

The script is similar to the 'Visual Basic' programming language, but control of other Windows packages or direct hardware control is provided using simpler statements. Drivers are already available to control common laboratory instruments and further software drivers can be created for new hardware as part of any custom software engineering project undertaken by Aitken Scientific.

The scripting language provides a range of simple programming constructs, such as variables, 'for' loops and mathematical functions, that make it easy for the user to make changes and add features to the system operation. Extensive software programming skills are not required. Using the Demonstration mode and the Debugging view makes testing the script easier and faster than using the actual instruments.

The final result is an automated system that is reliable, accessible and easy to customise to suit your exact requirements.

The standard interface to A-S Automate (left) shows the available methods, tabbed dialogues where the status of each item of equipment can be seen, and a set of buttons to allow the user to Run, Pause and Stop a method.

Please click here for a brochure about A-S Automate.

For further information contact us.