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As the term sounds, laboratory automation is using automated technologies in the lab to improve processes and applications. There are many benefits to lab automation, particularly for high-throughput laboratories. Over time, it became apparent that performing processes manually was difficult for technicians and needed to be more efficient and cost-effective.
Today, transforming laboratory automation involves more than just benefits for high-throughput labs. Laboratory automation has provided safety, accuracy, faster translation, traceability, efficiency, data accuracy, and reproducibility. Some of the most repetitive and monotonous tasks in a lab can be automated, such as colony picking, aliquoting, sorting, centrifugation, plate feeding of readers and imagers, and more.
The new LabLinx™™ system from Hudson Robotics is a microplate delivery system that, “can turn an ordinary liquid handler into a complete automated workcell.” Read on to learn more about LabLinx™ Track-based systems, what applications can benefit from the system, and how it is transforming laboratory automation.
Transforming Laboratory Automation: What is the LabLinx™ Track-based System?
The LabLinx™ track-based system is designed to work along with Hudson’s PlateCrane EX™, a robotic microplate handler designed to transform laboratory automation—and it has. The PlateCrane EX™ offers optimization for handling labware in the SBS/SLAS footprint and loading/unloading automated devices that require plates be placed into a nest or tray. This includes plate readers, sealers, imagers and any semi-automated device that can perform a limited process on a sample. reservoirs, microplates, and disposable tip racks. Combining these devices into a workcell, with multiple workcells connected by the LabLinx™ track-based system it allows configuration of fast efficient integrated systems for drug discovery, assays, genomicis and synthetic biology.
Essentially, this revolutionizes and transforms laboratory automation by turning any simple liquid handler into a complete and automated workwell. LabLinx™ works by storing plates in stacks while being moved along instruments on linkable track segments. Along these track segments are “smart” stopping mechanisms at each instrument’s plate nesting positions. After the instrument has finished with the plate, the LabLinx™ track-based system moves on to the next instrument, and so on. It can operate with many plates simultaneously, which is part of why it’s transforming laboratory automation—by making it even faster.
The LabLix is also very versatile, and it can handle a single instrument or multiple plates moving along various track segments, which is why it’s transforming laboratory automation and is a perfect fit for any laboratory.
Transforming Laboratory Automation: What Applications Are LabLinx™ Used For?
The LabLinx™ track-based system can transform laboratory automation via many different applications. LabLinx™ would be a great fit for any lab that requires a high-throughput, multi-tasking assay system. Some of the applications LabLinx™ can be used for include
- High-throughput cherry picking: The system allows technicians to obtain assay plates containing actual bits detected in a primary screen using the same compound source plates that provided the screen.
- Beckman NX/FX integration: The LabLinx™ microplate stacker can transform your laboratory by offering the ability to change your current NX/FX handler so that it has high-throughput efficiency.
- qPCR: You can move plates into and out of Roche’s LightCycler, BioRad’sCFX, or ABI’s7900 instruments (with PlateCrane EX™).
- Flow cytometers: Use the track-based system and PlateCrane EX™ to automate and expand the process of moving plates to the Guava & IntelliCyt instruments.
These are but just a few examples; overall, building automation by turning your lab into a high-throughput lab will increase your efficiency,l positively impacting your ROI.
To learn more about how the LabLinx™ system is transforming laboratory automation, or to request a quote, contact us at Hudson Robotics today and we’ll get in touch.
Sources
https://hudsonrobotics.com/microplate-handling-2/LabLinx™-microplate-stacker/
https://www.laboratory-equipment.com/media/asset-library/p/l/platecrane_exex360_hudson_robotics.pdf