Laboratory sample distribution system and corresponding method of operation

A laboratory sample distribution system, the laboratory sample distribution system comprising:

• a number of sample container carriers, said sample container carriers each comprising at least one magnetically active device and carrying a sample container;
• a transport plane supporting said sample container carriers;
• a number of electro-magnetic actuators being stationarily arranged below said transport plane, said electro-magnetic actuators moving a corresponding sample container carrier located on top of said transport plane by applying a magnetic force to said sample container carrier;
• a touch panel arranged below the transport plane generating position signals (PS) depending on positions of the sample container carriers located on top of the transport plane;
• a position determination unit, wherein the position determination unit determines the positions of the sample container carriers located on top of the transport plane in response to the position signals (PS);
• and
• a control unit controlling the operation of the laboratory sample distribution system in response to the determined positions of the sample container carriers.