Robotics ｜ Liquid dispensing
The intended volume, dispensed automatically into the intended well
A robot arm holding a pipette × dispensing specified on a plate map × automatic logging of the dispensing conditions. The robot aspirates from a vessel and dispenses into the specified wells in order. Because what goes where, and how much, is specified in software, miscounting by hand and gaps in the record disappear.
Demo video
The sequence runs from aspirating, moving directly above the well, dispensing, through to moving on to the next well.
* Recording of the actual hardware, played at 3× speed. No audio.
The problem
In experiments that sweep conditions, the number of dispensing steps quickly reaches tens or hundreds. By hand this takes time, and concentration drops toward the end, leading to mixed-up or missed wells.
Records of hand dispensing usually live only in a notebook, so when you look back at the results you cannot trace exactly what went into which well, and how much.
What we built
Specifying, executing and logging the dispensing are automated end to end.
01 Specify
On the plate map, you specify what goes into which well and how much.
02 Aspirate
The specified volume is drawn from the vessel.
03 Move
The pipette is carried directly above the target well, keeping its orientation.
04 Dispense
The liquid is dispensed into the specified well.
05 Repeat
The robot moves to the next well and continues until the specified set is complete.
The order and volumes dispensed remain on the control side. The experimental conditions become the record, so you will not confuse conditions when you review the results later.
Where it applies
Manufacturing & quality control
Preparing test and standard solutions, and building dilution series. Work such as serial dilution — many repetitions where one mistake means starting over — can run unattended. Compositions and order are logged for every run, so lot-to-lot variation can be traced.
R&D
Multi-condition screening across compositions and concentrations. Preparation can run overnight, and the dispensing conditions connect directly to machine learning and Bayesian optimisation, extending into autonomous experiments: prepare → measure → decide the next condition.
Swappable components
Vessel (well plate → vials, test tubes) / dispenser (pipette → syringe, pump) / specification (plate map → importing a condition table). A prepared plate can be passed straight to Supernatant extraction or automated measurement.
Summary
Handing liquid dispensing to a robot takes people out of repetitive, monotonous work and leaves a record of what went into which well, and how much. It can keep working through the night without a break.
* This system is a proof-of-concept demonstration. Specific configurations, specifications and implementation details are discussed individually on enquiry.
Tell us about the experiment you want automated
We will ask about the target operation, the instruments you have and your sample throughput, then propose where to start.
- Unattended weighing, dispensing and sample exchange
- Control systems built around your existing instruments
- PoCs that connect automatically acquired data to analysis and experimental design