A vision and motion planning framework for robotic arms that moves test tubes (cuvettes) safely for chemical testing.

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What is it?

RoboLab Assistant is a student-built system that helps automate a common lab task: placing a cuvette into an analyser, closing the lid, and starting a run. It focuses on reliability, clear safety behaviour, and a workflow that is easy to understand and demo.

Highlights

• 👀 Knows where things are using a small wrist camera and simple markers
• 🤖 Handles gently with a UR3e arm and a tuned gripper
• 🧭 Chooses safe moves on a crowded bench, then executes step by step
• ✅ Stops when unsure if anything looks off, it pauses and asks for help

How it works

1. Look and confirm
   The camera finds the tray, cuvette and analyser markers, then checks the scene matches what is expected.

2. Plan the move
   The system picks a safe, efficient path for the next step, like open lid or place cuvette.

3. Do the action
   The arm carries out the step and confirms the result. If misaligned or a spill is detected, it stops.

Why it matters

• Frees people from repetitive handling
• Reduces small placement errors that waste samples
• Shows a clear path to broader lab tasks in the future

What you can see in this repo

• 📄 Overview docs and visuals that explain the workflow and design
• 🖼️ Diagrams and assets for posters and the project website
• 🧪 Demo sequences that outline the step order for a typical run

Looking for installation or developer detail? Those belong in separate docs to keep this page friendly.

Current status

• Core vision with markers identifies targets
• Step-by-step sequences run in simulation first
• Arm picks, places, and closes the lid in a controlled setup
• Extended testing and polish for exhibition scenarios

Acknowledgements

Built by a small team of mechatronics students. Thanks to our supervisors and lab staff for space, feedback and safety guidance.