ASI’s Wellplate-Transfer Robot System is an automated platform designed to handle multiwell microplates. At the center of the system is the breadboard-mountable WPTR-01 three-axis robot, which automatically transfers standard wellplates from eleven-slot hotels to one of ASI's automated XY stages.
The ASI stage provides high resolution and high repeatability, and can either be mounted onto any common research-grade inverted microscope, as a stand-alone scanning system, or in OEM implementations. ASI stages utilize crossed-roller slides, high-precision lead screws, and zero-backlash miniature geared DC servomotors with high-resolution rotary encoders for smooth and accurate motion, and long life in demanding applications.
The focus can also be automated with one of ASI’s proven DC servomotor Z-drives that can be retrofitted to the fine-focus shaft of most microscopes, or with one of ASI’s patented piezo-Z top plate stages for nanometer-scale focusing. In stand-alone implementations, ASI’s linear stages can translate either optics or a stage to perform focus operations.
The robot can be controlled with its Teaching Pendant, or through RS-232 serial communication. ASI’s stage and Z-drive control units provides for RS-232 and USB communication with a host computer.
Wellplate-Transfer Robot System in Action
(There's supposed to be a video player inserted here...)
Taken at the LabAutomation 2009 show, this movie clip (6.15 MB FLV) shows the Robotic System loading and unloading 96-well microplates from two wellplate hotels to an ASI stage mounted on an inverted microscope including Z-drive and Auto-focus.
Features
- 3-axis robot with electric gripper to handle standard 128 x 86 mm wellplates
- Up to four 11-slot hotels in fixed configuration; more in carousel configuration
- Closed-loop DC servo control on stages and Z-drives for precise positioning
- "Zero" and "Home" buttons, and joystick control, for stand-alone operations
- Teaching Pendant for stand-alone robot operations, with emergency stop
- Microprocessor control with RS-232 serial and USB communications
- Proven operation with many popular software packages
- Suitable for stand-alone, OEM, and specialty applications
Robot Specifications in Standard Configuration
| Wellplate Size (SBS Standard) |
127.7 x 85.6 mm (5.03" x 3.37") |
| Robot Type |
Cylindrical Coordinates, plus Gripper |
Maximum
Operational
Range |
Radius, R |
270 mm (10.63") |
| Theta, T |
300 degrees |
| Zeta, Z |
300 mm (11.81") |
Maximum
Operational
Speed |
Radius, R |
300 mm/sec (11.81 in/sec) |
| Theta, T |
180 degrees/sec |
| Zeta, Z |
300 mm/sec (11.81 in/sec) |
| Repeatability |
Radius, R & Zeta, Z |
± 0.1 mm (0.004") |
| Theta, T |
± 0.05 degrees |
| End-Effecter |
Electric Gripper |
| Payload |
0.2 kg (7 oz) |
| Weight |
Approx. 15 kg (33 lbs) |
Stage Specifications in Std Configuration (with 6.35 mm pitch Lead Screws)
| XY axis Range of Travel |
114 mm x 90 mm (4.49" x 3.54") |
| XY axis Resolution (rotary encoder step) |
22 nm |
| XY axis RMS Repeatability |
< 700 nm (typical) |
| XY axis Maximum Velocity |
7 mm/sec (0.28 in/sec) |
Stage Options
- X, Y, & Z axis Linear Encoders for high-accuracy positioning and focus control
- Larger stage top-plate for attachment of micromanipulators, etc.
- Stage Wings for even more room for attachments
- Auto Focus for stages with ASI Z-axis drives (requires composite video signal)
- Other lead screw pitches are available, as shown below
Lead Screw Options
| Lead Screw Pitch Options |
Rotary Encoder Resolution |
Maximum Speed |
| 25.40 (Ultra-coarse) |
88 nm |
25 mm/sec (0.98 in/sec) |
| 12.70 mm (Super-coarse) |
44 nm |
14 mm/sec (0.55 in/sec) |
| 6.35 mm (Standard) |
22 nm |
7 mm/sec (0.28 in/sec) |
| 1.59 mm (Fine) |
5.5 nm |
1.75 mm/sec (0.07 in/sec) |
- Standard Lead Screw Accuracy is 0.25 µm per mm.
Linear Encoder Options
| Axis |
Scale Resolution |
Scale Accuracy |
| XY |
10 nm |
± 3 µm per length of scale |
| Z (12 mm and 25 mm stroke) |
50 nm |
0.03 µm per mm |
