Automation in media production

Traditional methods of media production have been both labour intensive and time consuming. Equipment is now available that can replace manual procedures at many different stages in media production. An automated pressure cooker system will dissolve dehydrated media, heat sterilize them whilst stirring, and cool the media to the desired pouring temperature. Peristaltic pumps will deliver measured volumes to either plate or bottle, and can be linked with machines that allow automated plate filling. Finally the poured plates can be automatically stacked. One system locally produced sterilizes media in 5 litre volumes over a 2 hr cycle, and pours;stacks 240 15 ml plates in 20 min. The cost-benefit of such equipment makes centralised media production a more than viable proposition.