Centrally controlled modular motorized testing

An apparatus usable for scientific testing, the apparatus comprising a base unit comprising:

• a plurality of attachment bays;
• a user interface;
• and
• a controller communicatively connected to the user interface, wherein each of the plurality of attachment bays:
• (a) is adapted to have a corresponding detachable module attach to, and detach from, the attachment bay;
• and
• (b) comprises a first connection port adapted to:
• (i) connect to a corresponding connection port of the corresponding detachable module;
• (ii) support communication between the corresponding detachable module and the controller when the corresponding detachable module is attached to the attachment bay;
• (iii) transmit a first output from a sensor in the corresponding detachable module to the controller;
• and
• (iv) support control by the controller of an agitator apparatus in the corresponding detachable module, wherein the agitator apparatus is adapted to agitate a medium.

A method for scientific testing using an apparatus, wherein:

• the apparatus comprises a first detachable module and a base unit;
• the first detachable module comprises:
• (a) a sensor;
• (b) an agitator apparatus adapted to agitate a medium;
• and
• (c) a first connection port;
• the base unit comprises:
• (a) a plurality of attachment bays;
• (b) a user interface;
• and
• (c) a controller communicatively connected to the user interface, wherein each of the plurality of attachment bays:
• (i) is adapted to have a corresponding detachable module attach to or detach from the attachment bay;
• and
• (ii) comprises a corresponding connection port;
• the first detachable module is attached to a first attachment bay of the plurality of attachment bays;
• and
• the first connection port of the first detachable module is connected to the corresponding connection port of the first attachment bay, wherein the method comprises:
• (a) communicating, by the controller, with the first detachable module via the first connection port;
• (b) receiving, by the controller, a first output from the sensor in the first detachable module;
• and
• (c) controlling, by the controller, of the agitator apparatus in the first detachable module.

An apparatus usable for scientific testing, the apparatus comprising:

• a user interface;
• a controller communicatively connected to the user interface;
• and
• a plurality of testing modules, each of the plurality of testing modules comprising:
• a first sensor adapted to provide a first output to the controller;
• and
• an agitator apparatus adapted to:
• agitate a medium;
• and
• be controlled by the controller, wherein the controller is adapted to simultaneously:
• provide a first set of control instructions to a first set of one or more of the plurality of testing modules;
• and
• provide a second set of control instructions, different from the first set of control instructions, to a second set of one or more of the plurality of testing modules, different from the first set of one or more of the plurality of testing modules.