Software overview

About this topic

This topic describes the software components you use to operate the BenchBot Robot:

•	BenchBot Robot Diagnostics software

•	VWorks software

BenchBot Robot Diagnostics software

The BenchBot Robot Diagnostics software allows you to:

•	Configure the robot. You create a robot profile to set up communication between the robot and the controlling computer. You create the profile when you set up the robot. For setup information, see Setting up the BenchBot Robot.

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Set and edit teachpoints. Teachpoints are locations that the BenchBot Robot will go to and from during a protocol run. You set teachpoints when you set up the BenchBot Robot. You can also edit the teachpoints to correct or fine-tune the original teachpoints. For teachpoint setup and editing information, see Setting teachpoints.

•	Diagnose problems. Moving and adjusting individual hardware components allow you to diagnose and troubleshoot problems. For information on diagnosing and troubleshooting problems, see Using BenchBot Diagnostics.

 

You can access BenchBot Robot Diagnostics from within the VWorks software only. For more information, see VWorks software.

VWorks software

You use the VWorks software to operate the BenchBot Robot and run protocols. The VWorks software allows you to:

•	Set up the BenchBot Robot. During setup, you need to create a device file for the BenchBot Robot and integrated devices. For setup information, see Setting up the BenchBot Robot.

•	Set up user accounts and privileges. You can set up different user accounts to enforce access policies. For instructions, see the VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide.

•	Define labware. Labware definitions describe the labware you will use during protocol runs. For instructions, see the VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide.

•	Create protocols. Protocols determine the sequence of tasks you want to automate in a run. For example, you can use a protocol to apply barcode labels to 100 microplates. For protocol-writing instructions, see the VWorks Automation Control User Guide.

•	Run, pause, monitor, and stop protocols. You can start, pause, monitor, and stop a protocol run from the controlling computer.

For a full description and instructions on how to use the VWorks software, see the VWorks Automation Control User Guide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related information

 

For information about...	See...
VWorks software instructions	VWorks Automation Control User Guide
BenchBot Robot description	About the BenchBot Robot
Robot specifications	BenchBot Robot Safety and Installation Guide
Hardware components	Hardware components