Sias - Robotic XYZ Liquid Handling Systems for Bench, Integration and OEM Applications

Sias is a leading supplier of laboratory automation, developing and supplying modular multi-tipped robotic XYZ liquid handling systems and robot-friendly functional modules for life science and generic laboratory liquid handling applications. Sias specializes in OEM supply and customized integration.

XANTUS - ROBOTIC LIQUID HANDLING

Xantus is a modular robotic pipetting system for flexible automated liquid handling with optional robotic manipulation of microplates and other devices.

With all functionality, including the pumps, housed in the arm, Xantus design simplifies both system integration and stand-alone robotic automation. Integrating modules such as shakers, heaters, vacuum modules and the Ixion robot friendly microplate centrifuge can expand Xantus functionality.

The features of the Xantus robotic liquid handling platform include:

• Open geometry facilitates integration with off-deck modules, conveyors etc.
• Unique compact low maintenance pump system resides in the robotic arm, leaving the deck free for application samples and modules, and simplifies integration projects
• Pipetting volume 1ul to 1ml using the same pump, with excellent precision
• Individual Y and Z tip movement (FlexiSpan)
• Customization according to footprint, arm configuration, functional modules and software
• Easy to use GUI drag-and-drop application software and/or DLL/COM-object software
• Available as workstation for bench applications, or OEM module for system integration
• Advanced control of all sample processing steps

OEM ROBOTIC MODULES

The core component of the Xantus is the pipetting arm, which houses all functionality, including the pumps.

Up to eight pipetting channels can be installed in each arm. For each channel, Xantus employs a dedicated micro annular gear pump. Capable of precision pipetting across a very wide sample range, the pumps are located at the back of the robotic arm.

Precision manufactured using highly resistant ultra hard materials; the pumps have a long service life, require virtually no maintenance and use no consumables, resulting in a reduced cost of ownership. In addition, they can be used for constant and bidirectional pipetting, and can be used for all types of liquid, even those with high viscosity.

A robotic gripping device for moving microplates, tubes, slides etc is available on the same or a separate arm (depending on the application).

These entire arm modules can be simply integrated into an OEM development, with or without the deck, allowing you greater freedom with your system design.

MODULAR UPGRADEABLE PIPETTING WORKSTATION

The modular design of Xantus allows the hardware to be configured and upgraded to suit a very wide range of sample processing applications and different throughput demands. Xantus can have several arm modules, and each arm can carry up to eight pipetting tips or a robotic handler.

Multi-level application software facilitates programming and optimization of even the most demanding applications.

Xantus is available in a range of deck sizes, with variable X-range.

SOFTWARE AND APPLICATION INTEGRATION

Plug and play modules simplify the composition of an application system based on the Xantus. The open geometry of the Xantus design facilitates integration of the whole platform, or merely the robotic arms. RS232, multiple I/O ports and a CAN bus facilitate systems integration.

The PC driven X-AP software - an easy to learn tool with drag and drop user interface - enables implementation of liquid handling tasks. Sias also offers a Developer Kit (SDK), which includes the DLL and COM-object together with supporting documentation, enabling OEM customers to write a specific software interface for the Xantus in Microsoft C++, Borland C-builder and Visual Basic.

XANTUS APPLICATIONS

The flexible nature of the Xantus lends itself to laboratory applications throughout drug discovery, screening, clinical diagnostics, genomics, forensics, cell science and protein sciences. Sias offers full support to OEM and integrators to maximize the benefits of this unique technology within your project.

IXION ROBOT-FRIENDLY MICROPLATE CENTRIFUGE

The Ixion robot-friendly microplate centrifuge can achieve a relative centrifugal force (rcf) of up to 2,000g. Integration of Ixion facilitates the total robotic automation of microplate-based applications where centrifugation is an essential step. With a total height of only 24cm, this compact module can be integrated into the worktable of a bench-top robotic system, such as the Sias Xantus platform, with no need for dedicated bench design.

Ixion accommodates two microplates, deep well plates or microtube racks. A loading shutter opens and closes under software control, and an automatic homing position facilitates robotic access. Advanced safety features ensure that the unit stops if the rotor is unbalanced.