Liquid handling machines that take up little benchtop space, such as an automated pipette machine, transfer liquids between containers without needing users to monitor the operation.
The machine’s pipetting head, control interface, liquid handling core, deck, and pipette tips increase workflow. Other automated instruments such as microplate stackers, reagent dispensers, a pressure filtration station, heating/cooling nests, and third-party lab instruments can be integrated into a workstation or microplate handling system.
An automated pipette machine can process lower or higher numbers of samples per hour, reduce labor costs, and prevent exposure to hazardous liquids. In addition, they increase a lab’s flexibility and adaptability to complete research, whether using one liquid handling robot or several, to perform individual and complex protocols.
When used with programmable software, technicians can perform protocols quicker, and access task lists on-demand to complete research activity and avoid swapping samples and mixing up results.
Why Do Workers Like Using an Automated Pipette Machine?
Using a manual pipettor to perform routine measurements causes repetitive motion injuries (wear and tear) on a technician’s arms, wrists, and neck. An automated pipette machine eliminates repetitive motions, reducing strain and potential debilitating injuries.
Workers can walk away from the machine and complete other jobs. The lab runs more smoothly, and automation reduces stress as the workflow improves. These machines are easy to operate and offer workers access to an integrated touchscreen to write customized protocols to execute tasks.
The instrument’s versatility enables novel or veteran lab workers to handle liquids with little training. Combined with more productive staff and consistent automated measurements, research quality greatly improves.
How to Choose the Right Automated Pipette Machine
The applications you intend to automate determine which machine to purchase. These questions should help you narrow down your choices.
- What liquid volume ranges, including reagent volumes, do you frequently pipette?
- Is the dispensing technology of the machine suitable for the complexity of your research projects?
- Can the machine accommodate variable channel pipettes to adapt to diverse experimental setups?
- Does the machine seamlessly integrate with higher-level lab automation software?
- Does the projected return on investment justify the purchase of a specific machine?
- Will the machine accommodate future lab needs and technological advancements?
- How many samples does the machine need to process daily or weekly to meet your laboratory’s demands?
- Are there available options and upgrades that can enhance the machine’s functionality in the future?
- Will the machine fit into your existing lab space without causing disruptions?
- Does the machine offer all the features necessary to fulfill your current requirements?
Benefits of Laboratory Automation
When adding an instrument such as an automated pipette machine to a workstation, laboratories reap short and long-term advantages.
- Efficiency and Time Savings:
- Improve lab’s efficiency
- Save time
- Increase fast data throughput
- Complete research quicker
- Cost Reduction and Resource Optimization:
- Reduce operating costs
- Reduce reagent usage
- Quality and Accuracy Enhancement:
- Improve accuracy, data quality, and variability among scientists
- Reduce human error
- Worker Well-being and Productivity:
- Boost working conditions of lab workers
- Lessen repetitive body strains
- Reduce boredom associated with manual tasks
- Flexibility and Customization:
- Add third-party lab instruments and software
- Customize the machine for specific applications
- Link to email functionality to track tasks and errors
- Competitive Advantage:
- Stay competitive within the research community
Other relevant FAQs on Automated Pipette Machines:
How can laboratories effectively assess the return on investment (ROI) when considering the purchase of an automated pipette machine, considering factors such as initial costs, labor savings, and increased productivity?
Assessing the return on investment (ROI) for an automated pipette machine involves considering various factors beyond initial purchase costs. Laboratories should calculate potential labor savings resulting from reduced repetitive tasks, decreased human error, and increased productivity. Additionally, evaluating the machine’s capacity to process samples per hour or per week compared to manual pipetting methods can provide insight into long-term cost-effectiveness. By weighing these factors against initial investment costs, laboratories can make informed decisions about whether the ROI justifies the purchase of a specific automated pipette machine.
What key factors should laboratories consider when evaluating the integration capabilities of automated pipette machines with higher-level lab automation software, ensuring seamless workflow orchestration and data management?
When evaluating the integration capabilities of automated pipette machines with higher-level lab automation software, laboratories should prioritize seamless workflow orchestration and data management. Key considerations include the machine’s compatibility with industry-standard communication protocols and its ability to interface with laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Additionally, assessing the software’s flexibility in programming custom protocols and its capacity to track tasks and errors via email functionality can enhance workflow efficiency and data traceability. By ensuring robust integration capabilities, laboratories can optimize automation processes and streamline data analysis workflows.
In what ways can laboratories ensure long-term scalability and adaptability when selecting an automated pipette machine, considering future research needs, available options for upgrades, and compatibility with third-party instruments and software?
To ensure long-term scalability and adaptability, laboratories should consider several factors when selecting an automated pipette machine. Assessing the machine’s compatibility with future research needs, available options for upgrades, and integration with third-party instruments and software is essential. Additionally, evaluating the machine’s flexibility in accommodating variable channel pipettes and its suitability for diverse applications can inform long-term investment decisions. By choosing a machine that offers scalability, adaptability, and compatibility with evolving research requirements, laboratories can future-proof their automation infrastructure and maximize the lifespan of their investment
Hudson Robotics is a leader in laboratory automation solutions for life-science research. Speak to a representative today!