Aspect Automation and Stäubli North America Partner on New Wako Laboratory Automation/Kalypsys Screening System for the National Institutes of Health
Stäubli Robotics Posted 02/07/2011
SAINT PAUL, MN — Aspect Automation, a leading manufacturer of automation equipment, and Stäubli North America, a leading manufacturer of robotics systems, are pleased to announce the completion of a new environmental toxin screening system built in partnership with Wako Laboratory Automation/Kalypsys for installation at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland.
Aspect Automation integrated all of the tooling and peripheral equipment for the screening system, which was designed to fully utilize the Stäubli RX160L, a 6-axis robot notable for its high degree of flexibility. The system will allow NIH to test millions of compounds extremely quickly, utilizing a wide variety of cell-based or biochemical assays. The Aspect/Stäubli system is flexible enough to run multiple screens simultaneously, operating continuously (24/7) within a laboratory environment.
Aspect Automation and Kalypsys worked together previously to develop high throughput screening systems for drug discovery, and were able to leverage that experience with the new toxin screening system. They chose Stäubli as a robotics partner based on the RX160L’s capabilities and ease of programming.
“In order to succeed on this project, we needed a robot manufacturer who was not only a supplier but a true partner,” said Juan Cardenas, Director of Sales & Marketing for Aspect Automation. “Stäubli delivered the robot on time and provided invaluable feedback. The integration and debugging of the robot was flawless for this complex and challenging system.”
In the toxin screening system, the Stäubli robot transfers 1,536 well assay plates to different peripheral devices as defined by the operator. Precise placement of the plates at each of the devices is critical for the continuous operation of the system. A highly configurable washer is used to plate a variety of cells and reagents. Also included on the system are compound transfer stations, compound and assay storage carousels, and multiple imaging devices. Utilizing all of these devices, the system is capable of running a variety of assay formats simultaneously. This unparalleled flexibility is achieved using custom scheduling software and robust and durable equipment.
About Aspect Automation
Aspect Automation designs and builds custom automated manufacturing equipment and provides innovative, collaborative solutions incorporating a wide array of leading-edge applied technologies, including discrete assembly, packaging and filling, and web processing, coating, and converting. Additional information is available at www.aspectautomation.com.
About Stäubli
Stäubli is a leading manufacturer of textile machinery, quick release couplings, and robotics systems. With a workforce of over 3,000 employees, Stäubli is present in 25 countries and supported by a comprehensive distribution network in 50 countries worldwide. Additional information is available at www.staubli.us.
About Wako Laboratory Automation/Kalypsys
Wako Laboratory Automation designs, develops and markets proprietary automated systems and workstations for the life science market. In 2010, Wako purchased Kalypsys Systems from Kalypsys Inc. and is proud to offer Kalypsys Systems products, known for their unmatched reliability, under the KL product line. Additional information is available at www.wakousa.com/automation.
Contact:
Juan Cardenas
Aspect Automation - Director of Sales & Marketing
(651) 643-3770
Contact:
MACALISTER, Megan
Stäubli Corporation - Marketing Manager
(864) 486-5430
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