Modeling, Analysis, Simulation and Control of Laboratory Automation Systems Using Petri Nets: Part 1. Modeling

A move from fixed, statically scheduled laboratory automation systems to more dynamic and adaptive behavior introduces complexities and challenges that have not been thoroughly explored in the field of laboratory automation. Powerful tools are required for the systematic modeling, analysis, simulation, and control of such systems. In this first part of a tutorial series, we introduce and explore Petri nets as a tool that can be used to model dynamically controlled laboratory automation systems. Subsequent contributions to this series will look at formal mathematical techniques for analyzing Petri net models, and methods for simulating and controlling laboratory automation systems using Petri nets.