Creating powerful automated solutions for genomics
In order to meet today’s growing demand, automation is critical for empowering genomics labs to scale, yet most labs have yet to tap into its true potential. While genomics labs tend to use automated benchtop instruments, highly-trained lab technicians are still spending hours on manual tasks such as pipetting and moving consumables between instruments. With benchtop automation, genomics labs are limited in their ability to scale, and risk errors and contamination.
At Automata, we believe that in order to usher in the coming genomics revolution, labs need to think about automation differently. They need to embrace open, integrated automation. This approach allows lab workers to enjoy full walkaway time by robotically and digitally connecting steps for next-level genomic workflow automation.
The benefits of automated solutions for genomics
Reduction in manual errors and contamination
Increased repeatability and standardisation
Improved scale and staff utilisation
Case study: From 1388 manual touchpoints to 7 for 200 samples a day
We worked with one genomics lab to implement open, integrated automation into their quality control (QC) process.
They wanted to scale up to 200 samples a day from 200 a week. In their original workflow, the number of manual touchpoints was 1388 and the time needed for manual setup was 6 hours and 10 minutes. With our genomic workflow automation solution, they took their manual touchpoints to just 7, and setup down to 15 minutes.
Better QUALITY CONTROL with automation
See how LINQ can improve reliability and efficiency in your QC workflow.
AUTOMATING NUCLEIC ACID EXTRACTION
Automate independent NAE or combined NAE and QC workflows with LINQ.
Automata partners with The Francis Crick Institute on integrated automation for genomics
Integrated automation will support the Crick’s cutting-edge advanced genomics laboratory with greater walkaway time, R&D flexibility and data quality than ever before. By providing an integrated automated library preparation solution, together we are accelerating the pace of discoveries.
Some of our clients
Further reading
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Read more Increasing genomic testing capacityIs Automata right for my genomics lab?
Here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions
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.
