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 range of liquid volumes do you pipet? Reagent volumes?
- Does the machine integrate with higher level lab automation software?
- How many samples will the machine process daily or weekly ?
- Does the return on investment justify purchasing a specific machine?
- Will the machine be suitable for future lab needs?
- Is dispensing technology of the machine adequate for most research projects?
- Are there available options and upgrades you can add later?
- Will the machine fit into your existing lab space?
- Does the machine provide all the features you currently need?
- Does the machine accept variable channel pipettes?
Benefits of Laboratory Automation
When adding an instrument such as an automated pipette machine to a workstation, laboratories reap short and long-term advantages.
- Reduce human error
- Improve lab’s efficiency
- Boost working conditions of lab workers
- Reduce boredom associated with manual tasks
- Complete research quicker
- Save time
- Reduce operating costs
- Improve accuracy, data quality, and variability among scientists
- Increase fast data throughput
- Decrease assays into formats unattainable manually
- Reduce reagent usage
- Lessen repetitive body strains
- Add third-party lab instruments and software
- Customize the machine for specific applications
- Link to email functionality to track tasks and errors
- Stay competitive within the research community
Hudson Robotics is a leader in laboratory automation solutions for life-science research. Speak to a representative today!