BRT Robotic Transport: A Simple Solution for Moving Plates from the Biomek Family of Liquid Handlers to Off-Deck Devices

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Margie Rogers, Beckman Coulter, Inc.

The Integrated Solutions team was faced with a challenge to develop a simple approach for moving plates from one device to another within the confines of an integrated automated solution (e.g., Assay Workstation). Specifically, devices outside the reach of the gripper on the Biomek Multichannel pod needed an alternative mode of plate transport to receive plates off the liquid handler deck or conveyor ALP (Automated Labware Positioner). Doing this would provide an added benefit: the ability to automate more parts of a biological process with longer walk-away time for the operator.

In response to this challenge, the Integrated Solutions team designed BRT, a robotic transport device, as a custom product for moving plates between devices and so enabling the integration of a wide range of off-deck devices with the Biomek family of liquid handlers. As shown in the picture below, BRT can pick plates up off a conveyor ALP that runs from the deck of the Biomek FX to the Cytomat* incubator and deliver them to either or both Microplate readers in the appropriate orientation to be read. After the plate is read, it can be returned to the incubator via BRT and conveyor ALP.

BRT provides:

• Space Savings-- the pick and place robot moves plates in tightly integrated solutions allowing the customer to conserve lab space
• Integration Flexibility-- integrates a variety of devices to meet your specific system needs
• Rotating Gripper-- so plates are oriented as needed
• Optimized Configuration-- An optimized configuration will be developed by Beckman Coulter Field Project Management and Integrated Solutions Engineers

BRT is in the process of receiving CE marking for worldwide Assay Workstation integrations.

Please contact your local Beckman Coulter representative for the availability of this custom product.

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For Research Use Only; not for use in diagnostic procedures.

For comments or questions about T³ Update, please contact David Daniels, Ph.D., editor.

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