Reliable Tube Handling – One Tube at a Time

Automated transport and positioning of laboratory tubes throughout the workflow.

Automated Pick and Place of Laboratory Tubes and Vials

Automated pick and place operations form the foundation of flexible laboratory automation. LABOTIQ Lab-Bot systems are based on a modular deck concept consisting of carriers, racks and vessels, allowing laboratory layouts to be adapted precisely to specific workflow requirements. Standard laboratory racks, such as HPLC racks, are supported, while customer-specific and mixed configurations can be implemented to balance throughput and capacity.

All tube positions and movement paths on the deck are calculated automatically. Calibration and teaching procedures are performed by the system, ensuring precise and repeatable positioning without manual intervention. New deck layouts and consumables can be integrated by adapting corresponding geometry files, with a wide range of predefined files for common carriers and racks already available.

A centrally guided four-jaw gripper enables reliable handling of laboratory vessels ranging from small HPLC vials to 50 ml centrifuge tubes without mechanical adjustments. The gripper design ensures secure gripping of both tubes and caps without deformation, while integrated sensors verify successful gripping during each handling step.

How Pick and Place Works

Coordinated Multi-Axis Tube Handling

During a pick operation, the Lab-Bot moves the transport bridge along the longitudinal axis (X) across the deck to the selected tube position. At the same time, the gripper inside the transport bridge is positioned along the transverse axis (Y) to align precisely with the target vessel. In parallel, the gripper jaws open to the predefined gripping width for the respective tube or vial.

Once the gripper is positioned above the target location, it moves downward along the vertical axis (Z) and closes its jaws until the integrated sensor confirms that the vessel has been securely gripped. The gripper then retracts along the Z-axis, lifting the vessel completely into the transport bridge. This completes the pick operation.

For placement, the transport bridge moves to the defined destination position using coordinated motion along the X and Y axes. After reaching the target location, the gripper moves downward along the Z-axis and opens its jaws to release the vessel. The tube is placed precisely at the defined position, completing the place operation.

Deck Configuration and Geometry Files

The flexible deck layout of LABOTIQ Lab-Bot systems is defined by configuration files that describe the geometry and properties of all deck components. This file-based approach allows deck layouts to be adapted, extended or reused without mechanical changes to the system.

Carrier (Rack Holders)

Carriers are inserted into the deck’s locating rails and can be positioned freely along the deck. Different carrier heights and widths allow optimal adaptation to various rack types and vessel sizes. Depending on their dimensions, each carrier can accommodate one or multiple specific racks at predefined positions, ensuring repeatable and precise placement.

Racks

Racks used on the Lab-Bot can either be custom-designed for automation or based on commercially available standard racks. In all cases, racks must be suitable for automated handling. This includes sufficient stiffness and mechanical stability, precisely defined vessel positions and adequate weight to prevent the rack from being lifted unintentionally during handling operations.

Vessels

Vessel definition files describe the geometric properties of the tubes or vials as well as process-relevant parameters. In addition to vessel dimensions, these files define parameters required for opening and closing screw caps, enabling reliable decapping and capping operations as part of automated workflows.

Key Benefits

Flexible Deck Configuration

A modular deck concept with carriers, racks and vessels allows flexible and application-specific laboratory layouts.

Automated Path and Position Calculation

All tube positions and movement paths are calculated automatically, ensuring precise and repeatable handling across the deck.

Data-Driven Deck Definition

Deck layouts are defined by geometry files, enabling new racks, carriers and vessels to be integrated without mechanical modifications.

Wide Vessel Compatibility

A universal gripper handles laboratory vessels ranging from small HPLC vials to 50 ml centrifuge tubes without mechanical adjustment.

Secure and Verified Gripping

A centrally guided four-jaw gripper ensures reliable gripping without deforming tubes or caps, while integrated sensors verify successful gripping.