Advanced lab automation robots for microplate handling and workflow integration

When your lab needs to move faster, robotic movers make the difference. Thermo Fisher Scientific’s portfolio is built to help you automate plate handling, reduce manual steps, and keep experiments moving—without delays or errors.

 

Whether you're scaling throughput, improving consistency, or freeing up scientists for higher-value work, our robotic movers deliver the speed, precision, and flexibility modern labs demand. They integrate easily with your instruments and software, helping you scale operations and drive results—day after day.


Orbitor RS2 Microplate Mover

The Thermo Scientific Orbitor RS2 Microplate Mover is a compact, radial-arm microplate mover designed for high-throughput labs that need speed and flexibility without sacrificing space. With 360° instrument access and support for up to 360 standard microplates, it enables continuous, unattended operation across multiple devices.

  • 360° radial-arm access: Enables efficient instrument reach in tight, crowded configurations, so labs can make the most of existing bench space.
  • Fast transfers in <6 seconds: Accelerates workflows while maintaining accuracy, ensuring more samples processed per shift.
  • Unattended continuous operation: Supports up to 360 plates, reducing manual intervention and freeing staff for higher-value tasks.
  • Intelligent workflow orchestration: Integrates seamlessly with Momentum software for optimized scheduling, smart error handling, and fewer workflow interruptions.

Spinnaker 3 Microplate Robot

The Thermo Scientific Spinnaker 3 Microplate Robot is a collaborative SCARA-type robot optimized for labs that need fast, flexible plate movement with minimal setup. Its vision-guided teaching and auto-leveling grippers reduce manual calibration and ensure consistent handling across a wide range of labware.

  • Vision-guided teaching: Enables touchless calibration for faster setup and reduced downtime, keeping operations moving smoothly.
  • Adaptive grippers: Auto-levelling corrects for instrument or bench surface not being perfectly level ensuring reliable error free container transfer for walk-away confidence.
  • Complex workflow support: Integrates with Momentum software, or third-party software, giving labs the flexibility to expand and adapt without reconfiguring.
  • Streamlined automation: Reduces manual handling and calibration, boosting reproducibility and throughput.

F7 Robot

The Thermo Scientific F7 Robot combines industrial-grade performance with lab-specific design, making it ideal for high-throughput, precision-critical workflows. With six-axis motion, ±0.02 mm repeatability, it delivers smooth, vibration-free movement—even at full speed. Its compact footprint and flexible mounting options make it easy to integrate into tight or complex lab environments.

  • Six-axis motion: Smooth, vibration-free movement ensures consistent sample integrity and reproducibility at scale.
  • High-precision repeatability (±0.02 mm): Confidence in every transfer, critical for assays that can’t tolerate variability.
  • Flexible mounting options: Track-ready design integrates seamlessly into any layout, even tight or complex environments.
  • Software-driven efficiency: Integrated with MoverFramework and lab scheduling software for intuitive teaching and rapid reconfiguration.
  • Cleanroom ready: IP67/IP69-rated arms maintain reliability in sterile or harsh conditions, ensuring compliance and uptime.

Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)

The Thermo Scientific AMR brings mobility to lab automation, enabling autonomous transport of labware between workstations, rooms, or even floors. It’s ideal for distributed workflows where manual handoffs slow down throughput or introduce variability.

  • Autonomous navigation: Moves labware safely between benches, rooms, or floors, eliminating bottlenecks in distributed workflows.
  • Workflow synchronization: Coordinates seamlessly with Momentum software to ensure precise timing and task execution across the lab.
  • Versatile payload handling: Transports microplates, tip racks, and consumables, extending automation beyond fixed stations.
  • Hands-free transport: Frees staff from routine carrying tasks, improving productivity and reducing variability in handoffs.

Compare robotic movers at a glance

Feature/Model Thermo Scientific Orbitor RS2 Microplate Mover Thermo Scientific Spinnaker 3 Robot Thermo Scientific F7 Robot Thermo Scientific Autonomous Mobile Robot
Robot reach ±410 mm ±597 mm 717 mm 350 mm
Robot type Radial arm 4-axis SCARA 6-axis articulated arm Mobile platform
Primary use case High-throughput plate handling Flexible benchtop automation Precision, high-payload workflows Autonomous labware transport
Degrees of freedom 3 (Z, Radius, Rotation) 4 6 4
Payload capacity 250g 250g, 320g max Up to 1 kg 250g, 320g max
Repeatability High positional accuracy Vision-guided, auto-leveling. ±0.25 mm positioning ±0.02 mm Vision-guided, auto-leveling .±0.25 mm positioning
Footprint Benchtop Benchtop Modular, track-ready Mobile, multi-room capable
Software integration Momentum software Momentum software, third-party Momentum software, MoverFramework Momentum software
Barcode reading Integrated Integrated Optional Optional
Mounting options Benchtop; optional track axis Benchtop Upright, angled, wall, inverted N/A
Ideal for Screening, assay automation Screening, compound management, cell maintenance, small molecule, large molecule, biologics, synthetic biology, flexible workflows High-throughput, precision workflows Distributed lab automation

Not sure which laboratory robotic system fits your workflow?


Robotic accessories and microplate handling extensions

Extend the power of your automation system with modular accessories designed to streamline workflows and scale with your lab. From sample loaders to microplate shuttle systems, accessories like the Vanquish UHPLC Loader, the FastTrak Connector, and the BenchTrak Solution help you build flexible, end-to-end solutions with minimal manual intervention.

Vanquish UHPLC Loader

Automate your analytical workflows with the Thermo Scientific Vanquish UHPLC Loader, designed to seamlessly integrate with Thermo Scientific Vanquish UHPLC Systems and robotic movers. It enables end-to-end automation from sample preparation to LC-MS analysis, improving throughput, reproducibility, and data integrity.

  • Works seamlessly with your existing Vanquish systems (Core, Flex, Horizon, Duo, and Neo), protecting your current investment and simplifying integration.
  • Connects directly with Momentum software and Thermo Scientific Chromeleon CDS software, enabling streamlined control, simplified data management, and reduced manual intervention.
  • Drives true walk-away automation from sample prep through to result, increasing throughput while minimizing hands-on time and human error.
  • Optimized for demanding applications like peptide mapping, biopharma QC, and complex analytical workflows—helping you maintain accuracy, compliance, and productivity.

FastTrak Connector

Connect islands of automation with the Thermo Scientific FastTrak Connector—a robust container mover built for fast, efficient transfers between workcells or within larger automated systems. Its flexible architecture supports scalable layouts and “bus stop” access along the track to enable expanded, end-to-end enterprise workflows.

  • Accelerate sample flow between and within workcells with fast, efficient transfer of SBS-format labware—reducing bottlenecks and keeping workflows moving quickly.
  • Enable flexible workflow access by stopping at any point along the track, allowing seamless integration with multiple stations and simplifying layout design.
  • Scale throughput with confidence using configurable layouts (single, side-by-side, stacked, vertical, or horizontal) that increase capacity and add operational redundancy.
  • Fit automation to your lab—not the other way around with customizable track lengths and user-defined stop positions to match your exact workflow needs.
  • Enhance safety while lowering operating costs with a collaborative, pinch-point-free design and low power consumption, supporting energy efficiency without compromising performance.

BenchTrak Solution

Extend the Orbitor RS2 mover or the Spinnaker 3 robot on the bench with the Thermo Scientific BenchTrak Solution —a bench-top robot and track system that increases usable workspace. For the Orbitor RS2 mover it also enables multi-position loading across instrument decks. Designed for easy deployment and reconfiguration, the BenchTrak solution supports modular “click-in” accessories and a straightforward upgrade path for existing Orbitor RS2 mover and Spinnaker 3 robot users.

  • Maximize valuable bench space with the only bench-top robot featuring an integrated track, providing access from both sides and the ends to optimize workspace efficiency.
  • Ensure fast, precise performance with high repeatability (±0.1 mm) and rapid track speeds (up to 750mm/sec)—supporting consistent results while accelerating throughput.
  • Scale to fit your workflow needs with modular length options that expand in 400 mm increments (up to 3600mm), giving you flexibility as capacity demands grow.
  • Integrate seamlessly into your existing lab environment with On-Bench and In-Bench configurations designed to work with standard benches or recessed automation tables.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.