Life Sciences

Automating Life Science applications has several distinct benefits.

1. Automation reduces the risk of errors and variability in results that can occur with manual processing, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic tests.

2. Automation can improve the consistency and standardization of testing, reducing the need for human intervention and increasing the reproducibility of results.

3. Automation can free up laboratory staff to focus on more complex tasks, improving the overall quality of laboratory services.

Overall, the use of automation in life sciences can lead to more efficient, accurate, and reliable testing, with the potential to improve outcomes.

Labs Face Growing Challenges

In the current business landscape, labs are facing challenges due to increased demand for faster results and higher test quality. A shortage of qualified labor is affecting productivity, leading to errors, decreased quality, and high employee turnover. To address these issues, labs are turning to cobots to automate specimen and sample handling tasks while freeing employees to do more meaningful, higher-value work.

PreciseFlex Cobots boost flexibility and agility, build operational resilience, and augment the workforce to address labor shortages. Brooks Automation is the leading provider of robots and automation components for a variety of lab automation segments. We are the trusted partner to life science companies across the globe.

Whether in Drug Discovery, Genomics, Agriculture, Veterinary, or Bio Banking, Brooks has automation products to meet the application. PreciseFlex cobots are the robot of choice for sample handling.

PreciseFlex 400

Discover the Brooks Difference

PreciseFlex cobots offer superior performance, safety, reliability, energy efficiency, and compact design. Widely used for handling SBS plates, vials, tubes, racks, and virtually any other type of labware used in drug discovery. Learn more...

Highest Throughput

PreciseFlex Cobots

• The primary axis moves horizontally without the need for high-ratio reducers to support gravity loaded axes
• Extremely low gear ratios of 1:1 or 5:1, which allow teaching with near zero fricton
• Extremely low reflected inertia results in low collision forces
• Can move taster and accelerate at higher rates without compromising safety

Traditional Cobots

• Move axes vertically - against gravity - using harmonic drives a wear item and failure point) to lift the arm
• Mave hign gear ratios of 150:1 or more with high friction results in difficult hand-guiding for teaching
• Higher reflected inertia (2,000x more than PreciseFlex cobots) results in higher collision forces
• Must move slower and accelerate at lower rates to be collaborative

Most Reliable

PreciseFlex Cobots

• Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of 125k hours^*
• Design life of 40,000 hours for PreciseFlex 400 and 3400
• Design life of 100,000 hours for PreciseFlex DD 4-axis, which uses direct drive motors. (the highest among standard cobots)

^*Based on over 4.000 robots deployed for over 12 years. MTBF as stated here applies to robot only, and does not include the complete automation system. Robot reliability depends on the application and environment.

Traditional Cobots

• MTBF not published
• Design life not published. Harmonic drives typically last 20.000 hours
• Substandard reliability results in ongoing retrofits and recall notices

Highest Workspace Density

PreciseFlex Cobots

• Vertical column envelope maximizes workspace
• Ideal for moving vertically and reaching into shelves, machines, and instruments
• Extend robot reach with Collaborative Linear Rail (easy to program with coordinated motion)
• Ideal for mobile applications

Traditional Cobots

• Spherical envelope limits vertical reach
• Bulky wrist restricts access in narrow spaced
• External controllers and cables require extra floor space
• Larger footprint requires more floor space
• Third-party linear rails are expensive, clunky, and time-consuming to design and install
• Unsuited for mobile applications due to high power consumption, bulky external controller, and offset spherical wok envelope

Most Energy Efficient

PreciseFlex Cobots

• 70 ~ 150W for moving payload at speed, using 1/3 the power of traditional cobots
• Up to 12 PreciseFlex 400 and 3400 cobots run on a single 120VAC/20A circuit
• Up to 15% additional power savings with DO Power Option
• Ideal for mobile applications

Traditional Cobots

• Consume more power due to vertical axis design and high-friction harmonic drives
• Wasted power dissipated as heat creates more inefficiency, requiring air conditioning in climate-controlled facilities
• Require up to 3X more power to do the same work
• Inneficient in mobile applications