Sci-Linx: Science Laboratory Integrated Navigation X-Press

Laboratory preparations have traditionally relied on manual processes. While this system maintains order, it is often inefficient. At St. Paul University Philippines, laboratory technicians continue to manually prepare, distribute, and retrieve tools. To address these challenges, this study developed Sci-LINX: Science Laboratory Integrated Navigation X-Press, a robotic laboratory assistant designed to retrieve, store, and deliver laboratory tools to student workstations. The study employed a descriptive-developmental research design guided by the five stages of the Design Thinking Model. The robot was evaluated using ISO 18646-2:2019 – Performance Criteria and Related Test Methods for Service Robots, focusing on mobility, energy consumption, payload capacity, accuracy, safety, interface, and durability and reliability. Results yielded an overall weighted mean of 3.63, indicating that the robot met the standards to a great extent. Identified areas for improvement include developing a unified power source, enhancing safety mechanisms through sensors and warning indicators, and using more durable wheels to improve mobility. Overall, Sci-LINX demonstrates strong potential as a reliable laboratory assistant. By automating routine tasks, it reduces technicians’ workload and minimizes preparation delays, enabling instructors and students to concentrate on hands-on experimentation. Future studies may enhance the prototype by integrating real-time monitoring and advanced safety automation.