Automated Pipetting Systems

Most platforms handle standard SBS footprint plates, but deck teaching and labware definitions must match what you run. Ask the seller which plate and tube formats the deck is set up for and whether custom labware files are included. Tip type also matters, since a head is often tied to a specific tip family. Confirming these before purchase saves a lengthy reconfiguration.

The software is what makes the robot usable, so it matters as much as the hardware. Check whether the seller supplies the installed version, protocol files and any dongle or licence the platform needs to run. Some packages tie to a specific computer, which you may need to keep with the unit. Clarify this early because a handler without working software is difficult to bring back online.

A well maintained system holds the accuracy it was built for, but performance depends on the head and tip condition. Ask whether the seller has run a recent gravimetric check across the working volume range. Worn seals or damaged tip cones show up as poor accuracy at low volumes. A calibration report gives you a baseline to verify on installation.

Footprint varies from a large benchtop box to a full enclosure with an extended deck. Confirm the exact dimensions and whether the unit needs clearance for the arm and any side loading positions. Factor in the control computer and a stable surface free of vibration. The seller can supply the working footprint so you can plan the bench before delivery.

You contact the seller through the listing and arrange a demonstration or a video walkthrough of the platform running. Because there is no middleman, that conversation is direct and you can ask for a protocol to be run during the demo. Sellers on the marketplace are verified, which adds a layer of confidence to the exchange. Agree on inspection terms before you commit.