Whether you run a large research facility or a small lab, you’re likely under constant pressure to increase throughput, reduce process time and minimize manual labor. To meet these demands, an efficient and reliable liquid handling system is essential. The right automated solution not only streamlines your workflow but also offers the flexibility to scale as your needs evolve — all while keeping operational costs under control. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing an automated liquid handling system that aligns with your current goals and future growth.

Not All Automated Liquid Handling Systems Are the Same
These factors can mean the difference between a typical liquid handling system and one that transforms your laboratory and its workflow:

  • Wide range of liquid volume. An ideal system can handle liquid volume from a few microliters to hundreds of milliliters.
  • Efficiency. To boost throughput, the system must deliver fast, accurate liquid transfers with high-speed, precise motion — minimizing errors while maximizing output.
  • Workflow Optimization. For labs operating around the clock, systems capable of extended, unattended operation allow staff to focus on higher-value tasks, improving overall productivity.
  • Cost-Effectiveness. While these systems can be a significant investment, it’s important to find a solution that balances performance with affordability, especially for labs with limited budgets.
  • Scalability. A future-ready system should adapt as your lab grows — easily expanding to accommodate increased sample volumes and evolving workflow needs.
  • Environmental Impact. Consider the lab environment. Systems with minimal noise and vibration improve working conditions and reduce disruptions for personnel.

Direct Drive Technology: A Perfect Fit for Automatic Liquid Handling
When evaluating automated liquid handling systems, one often overlooked yet highly influential component is the type of motor driving the system. While conventional rotary stepper motor or servo motor systems are common, direct drive motors offer significant performance advantages that can directly impact your lab’s efficiency and precision. Direct drive motors deliver high speeds and rapid acceleration/deceleration, enabling faster cycle times. More importantly, they offer a high torque constant without backlash — ensuring exceptional precision and repeatability. These characteristics make them ideal for applications where accurate and consistent media dispensing is critical.

At the core of Akribis Systems’ ALH automated liquid handling system is advanced direct drive technology. Featuring linear motors for the X-Y axis and a closed-loop stepper motor, the ALH is engineered to meet the high standards of today’s modern laboratories. Key benefits include:

  • Reduced process time for liquid handling tasks.
  • Support for unattended, walkaway operation, ideal for high-throughput labs.
  • Flexible configuration, with linear motors allowing virtually unlimited stroke lengths.
  • Scalability, from compact stand-alone setups to full-scale integrated systems.
  • Low noise and vibration, enhancing comfort and usability in labs with multiple systems.

The ALH system is designed not just for today’s needs, but to scale with your lab as it grows — making it a future-proof investment in both performance and flexibility. Designed for future extension, the system is compatible with a wide range of third-party modules. This flexibility makes the ALH ideal for diverse workflows such as sample preparation, PCR setup and PCR detection. In addition, this modular compatibility ensures seamless integration into existing lab environments without compromising performance.

To further support budget-conscious laboratories, many components of the ALH system are manufactured in-house, allowing Akribis to control costs without sacrificing quality or efficiency. As a result, labs no longer need to settle for lower-performing systems due to budget limitations. If you’re interested in how the Akribis ALH direct drive automated liquid handling system can elevate your lab’s workflow, our sales representatives are available to provide tailored guidance and support — from initial planning through full system implementation.

For more information, please visit www.akribis-sys.com.