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Automated cell culture workflows use integrated software and robotic systems to coordinate, execute, and monitor multi-step cell culture processes such as feeding, passaging, and expansion. These workflows improve reproducibility, scalability, and workflow visibility and traceability in biologics development.
Many laboratories still rely on manual handling, disconnected instruments, and fragmented process steps, making it difficult to scale and maintain consistency across workflows.
In this solution, Thermo Scientific Momentum Workflow Scheduling Software provides orchestration across the system and cell culture processes, while the Celltrio® RoboCell® platform enables automated cell culture execution within a controlled, modular environment. Together, the combined approach helps laboratories coordinate and scale complex automated cell culture workflows with greater operational visibility, workflow consistency, and automation support across multi-day processes.
Benefits of automated cell culture workflows
Laboratories looking to scale cell culture often need better coordination across instruments, process steps, data, and timelines. This matters even more when workflows run over multiple days and involve repeated feeding, passaging, expansion, monitoring, and documentation.
Automated cell culture workflows address these challenges by combining workflow orchestration software, such as Thermo Scientific Momentum Workflow Scheduling Software, with integrated automation platforms like the Celltrio RoboCell system to deliver:
Improved reproducibility
Standardized, automated execution reduces manual variability and supports more consistent cell culture outcomes. RoboCell platform enables controlled, repeatable handling of cell culture processes, while Momentum software helps ensure consistent workflow execution across multi-step processes.
Increased scalability
Automated systems enable laboratories to scale workflows from small batches to higher-throughput operations without proportional increases in manual effort. Momentum software supports coordination across instruments and workflows, while the RoboCell platform provides modular automated execution to help scale operations.
Continuous operation
Workflows can run across multi-day processes with minimal intervention, supporting 24/7 operation and improved laboratory efficiency. RoboCell platform enables continuous execution, while Momentum software manages workflow scheduling and progression.
Enhanced process control and traceability
Integrated workflow orchestration and automation platforms support real-time monitoring, data capture, and full workflow visibility. Momentum software supports audit trails, data integration, and operational visibility across connected workflows, while RoboCell platform captures execution-level process data.
Better coordination across systems
Workflow orchestration software connects instruments, data systems, and process steps, helping ensure smooth execution across complex workflows. Momentum software acts as the workflow orchestration layer, while RoboCell platform integrates automated cell culture operations within the workflow.
Compared to manual or semi-automated approaches, automated cell culture workflows improve reproducibility, reduce variability, and support continuous multi-day workflow execution with greater process control, visibility, and traceability.
How cell culture workflows are orchestrated
Momentum software provides workflow definition, scheduling, decision logic, connectivity, and workflow execution monitoring. The RoboCell platform is a controlled, modular automation platform for cell culture workflows spanning T-flasks, microtitre plates/wellplates, conical tubes, cryovials, imaging, cell counting, and optional cryogenic workflows depending on configuration. In the combined offer, workflow orchestration and automated cell culture execution are brought together to support connected, traceable, and operationally visible workflows across multi-step processes. The combined approach supports coordination across multi-day workflows, where processes such as feeding, imaging, and passaging can be managed as part of a connected workflow rather than isolated steps.
Applications of automated cell culture workflows
The strongest fit applications are cell line development and scale-up, clone expansion and maintenance, high-throughput screening workflows, biobanking-related workflows where configured, and selected advanced therapy development workflows where controlled multi-step cell culture, traceability, and repeatability matter. The internal brief positions the best fit as discovery and preclinical through early clinical enablement, with later clinical use handled selectively and with configuration-specific care.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Cell culture automation refers to the use of software and robotic systems to perform and coordinate cell culture processes such as feeding, passaging, and expansion. It helps laboratories improve consistency, scalability, and efficiency in biologics and cell therapy development.
Momentum Workflow Scheduling Software is used to define, automate, and monitor laboratory workflows across connected instruments and systems. It enables event-driven scheduling, real-time data integration, and workflow orchestration, helping laboratories coordinate complex automation processes with greater visibility and control.
The Celltrio RoboCell platform is a modular cell culture automation system designed to support processes such as cell maintenance, culture, passaging, expansion, and screening. It integrates automated handling, incubation, imaging, and optional cryogenic capabilities within a controlled environment for scalable cell culture workflows.
Momentum software and the RoboCell platform work together to enable automated cell culture workflows by combining workflow orchestration with physical automation. Momentum software coordinates workflow execution, scheduling, and data integration, while RoboCell platform performs automated cell culture operations within a modular system, enabling scalable and connected workflows.
Yes, the combined solution is designed to be used in regulated laboratory environments. Momentum software includes features such as user access controls, audit trails and support CFR 21 Part 11 compliance. The RoboCell platform captures and manages process data to help meet traceability and documentation requirements.
Automated cell culture workflows can include cell maintenance, feeding, passaging, expansion, plating, imaging, cell counting, and cryopreservation steps, depending on the system configuration. These workflows can be integrated into broader biologics and cell line development processes using automation platforms and workflow scheduling software.
Automated cell culture workflows are used by biopharma and life sciences organizations, including cell line development teams, biologics R&D groups, and advanced therapy developers. Typical users include lab technicians, automation leads, and scientists looking to improve scalability, reproducibility, and efficiency in cell culture processes.
Explore how Momentum software can support your cell culture workflows.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.