Suitable for any workflow

The Automata LINQ is suitable for any workflow that currently demands a lot of hands-on time or is required to increase throughput in the coming months and years. Learn more about the type of applications that we can work with in your lab.

Automation is critical for empowering labs to scale, improve efficiencies and better utilise staff. Yet most labs have yet to tap into its true potential.

While labs tend to use automated instruments to eliminate manual tasks, such as pipetting, highly-trained lab technicians are still spending hours each day tending to these machines.

At Automata, we believe that labs need to think about automation differently and embrace open, integrated automation. This approach allows labworkers to enjoy full walkaway time by robotically and digitally connecting steps in workflows.

GENOMICS

Our solution allows for full walkaway time by robotically and digitally connecting steps in genomics workflows. The connection across instruments ensures data flow, and can be integrated into existing IT ecosystems and lab environments.

CELL CULTURE

Today, the majority of cell culture operations are carried out manually, which can limit throughput. Find out how automation will enable cell culture labs to overcome these challenges over the coming years.

FAQs

Genomics

The solutions that we have showcased on our website for sample extraction, quality control, and library preparation are what we’ve built for specific customers with their needs in mind.

The beauty of the Automata platform is that we are not locked down and are vendor agnostic. We can integrate third party devices, and propose a solution for your lab based on your needs and the problems you are trying to solve.

We create solutions for genomics workflows that can start with integrating laboratory equipment-specific workflow steps (like workcells for library preparation, or quality control) to reduce manual steps, and save time.

Alternatively, we can also integrate multiple workcells together to combine entire workflows depending on the needs of your lab. The journey to automation can take time, so we can start where you would like to start and grow as your labs grow. We understand that labs also change the instruments they use, so we can always adapt the layouts of our platform as your needs change.

This depends on your SOPs, and your regulatory and quality considerations. If you want a true walkaway lab, we can work with you to combine your pre- and post-PCR workflows.

If you are currently doing this manually, we would work with you and our instrument partners to ensure the right benchtop instruments for the job and work with you on integrating the process.

Our system has been designed to be compatible with all SBS microplates format.

Automata LINQ can be placed in your lab for specific steps within genomics workflows – for example, you can start with a QC workcell or an extraction workcell to gain benefits from our system. Compared to current manual solutions, there are still huge gains made from starting with a single workcell.

The Automata system doesn’t necessarily work faster than a person could handle tasks, but through parallelisation and complete hands-off time, the system can run independently of human interaction, thereby increasing ability to scale.

Our use cases, in-silico and physical builds are capability showcases for our platform to give you an idea of what the LINQ could do in your lab. We will work with your lab to ensure integration with your specific SOPs.

Cell culture

Human or animal-derived adherent and suspension cells (although we also work with systems for bacteria and yeast culture).

Capacity is typically defined by the size of the incubators, and the systems can be expanded in a modular way to add greater capacity. The smallest unit is designed to accommodate 42 96-well plates or 34 6-well plates. The top-end capacity is mostly limited by space and system bottlenecks and will be established as part of the development process.

Yes. In the simplest form, settled suspension cells growing in 96-well plates can be handled with the addition of a centrifuge. At larger scales, shaking incubators can be integrated to facilitate the use of shaken cultures.

It is possible to build your own specific analytical capabilities around the central cell maintenance functions by adding required devices in a modular way. This can be expanded as required.

Media can be loaded in bottles or bags into a refrigerator. This means that the system can be specified to handle larger volumes of media, if required. Media is pumped to the deck of the system and warmed just in time for use.

All labware must be SBS footprint. Typical labware for this application are 96-, 48-, 24-, 6- and 1-well plates. It is also possible to run Greiner Autoflasks.

At the core of all Automata cell culture platforms is the capabilities for media exchange – the most consistent set of processes in maintaining cell lines. This can be a simple configuration for just this activity, both in and out of working hours, giving immediate support for keeping cell cultures happy.

The platform can then easily be expanded with additional capabilities as and when required to extend out the possible workflows.