A number of new hardware and software options that enable biotech and other life science researchers to perform a much wider range of applications are now available to augment a line of advanced automated sample and liquid handling platforms.

Tecan (Männedorf, Switzerland) has introduced these options for its Fluent laboratory automation solution. The Fluent system is available in three sizes—offering deck capacities from 30 to 72 microplates—to suit the throughput requirements of almost any laboratory. The instrument boasts a built-in touchscreen interface that guides users through every task, making even the most sophisticated cell-based assays easy to run. Fluent’s three, task-specific robotic arms work in parallel for faster processing, and offer automated lid handling to maintain sterility and minimize evaporation.

The Fluent platform was designed for seamless integration with a variety of cell biology devices. This allows the user to control every step of the workflow, including storage, transfer, manipulation, and measurement of cellular samples on a single instrument.

Tecan has now launched a wave of hardware and software options for the Fluent platform that enable it to perform a much wider range of applications. With the addition of a new air displacement Flexible Channel Arm, Fluent now offers the choice between two pipetting technologies for high definition liquid handling, unmatched precision and greater accuracy.

The workstation’s FluentControl software has been further enhanced with the addition of an Application Toolkit providing standard commands for common tasks, such as quantification and normalization workflows. It also provides a collection of commands allowing programmers to create "wizard-like" interfaces, with special commands for embedding rich user prompts, further simplifying everyday operation of the workstation.

A revolutionary Active Stop and Resume function allows operators to access and, uniquely, interact with the work deck during a run, simply by opening the door. To restart, the user just closes the door and re-initiates the program, which will pick up where it left off.

“We are particularly proud of how the Fluent platform has been received by early users, with some customers already coming back to order additional systems,” said Dr. Stefan Traeger, executive vice-president and head of life sciences business at Tecan. “This new wave of innovation takes our central concepts of user-friendliness and ease of use to the next level for laboratory automation.”

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