Since automated systems come in all shapes and sizes, we have tried to define a guideline to separate out the various configurations available to the market.  These definitions are based on the level of product customization and software functionality with an analysis of the integration of peripherals and the complexity of a system as a whole.

LEVEL 1 - Simple Pipetting Workstation

These systems are more pipetting workstations that use standard parts and software and may be delivered pre-configured for a particular application or assembled and programmed at the customer site.  Examples of these simple liquid handling applications are sample transfer, dilutions, PCR prep, DNA purification (magnetic bead or solid phase extraction (SPE)), mother daughter plate replication or 96 to 384 plate condensing.  These simple applications usually require positions for tips, wash stations, plates, tubes, reagent reservoirs, vacuum box manifolds (for SPE) or magnetic plate positions.

LEVEL 2 - Simple Integrated Solution

These systems use a standard liquid handling platform and one or two other periphery devices to carry out a more complete process.  These are systems that might require a single microplate reader, washer, thermocycler, sealer or microplate storage device to add one more addition step to the liquid handling.   Since these periphery items usually require some type of gripping tool to move the microplate to and from the device, they require a bit more planning and thought to make sure all the components are working together.  Most of these devices would have a previous integration history and have low risk associated with integration.

LEVEL 3 - Custom Integration System

These are the larger fully automated systems usually requiring several different items from different manufacturers to complete a required task.