Lab-on-a-robot: integrated microchip CE, power supply, electrochemical detector, wireless unit, and mobile platform

In this paper, the fabrication of a wireless mobile unit containing an electrochemical detection module and a 3-channel high-voltage power supply (HVPS) designed for microchip CE is described. The presented device consists of wireless global positioning system controlled robotics, an electrochemical detector utilizing signal conditioning analog circuitry and a digital feedback range controller, a HVPS, an air pump, and a CE microchip. A graphical user interface (LabVIEW) was also designed to communicate wirelessly with the device, from a distant personal computer communication port. The entire device is integrated and controlled by digital hardware implemented on a field programmable gate array development board. This lab-on-a-robot is able to navigate to a global position location, acquire an air sample, perform the analysis (injection, separation, and detection), and send the data (electropherogram) to a remote station without exposing the analyst to the testing environment.