Intelligent bidirectional multifunctional carrier and integrated automation system for material distribution and transportation

A carrier for transporting fluid containers in an in vitro diagnostics environment comprising:

• a processor configured to navigate the carrier between a plurality of points in a track;
• and
• a communications system configured to receive a first set of routing instructions, including at least one destination testing station,
• wherein the processor is further configured to direct the carrier to the at least one destination testing station autonomously upon receipt of the first set of routing instructions.

An automation system for use in in vitro diagnostics comprising:

• a plurality of stations, including at least one testing station;
• a track configured to provide one or more paths between the plurality of stations;
• and
• a plurality of carriers, each configured to carry one or more fluid containers and traverse the track between the plurality of stations,
• wherein the plurality of carriers move independently in accordance with a predefined motion profile.