Robotic Sample Storage and Retrieval System

What is the Robotic Sample Storage and Retrieval System?

A robotic sample storage system moves trays to retrieve requested tubes by barcode, keeping large libraries at controlled temperature. It shortens retrieval time, reduces manual searching with barcode-driven location tracking and improves traceability.

Overview

The system stores tubes or plates in trays on shelves inside a temperature-controlled cabinet or room, and a robot on a vertical and horizontal gantry moves to the requested position. Scanning tube barcodes maps every sample to a location, so retrieval is by identity rather than by memory. Temperature is held at ambient, 4 °C, −20 °C or −80 °C depending on the model, with monitored alarms. Capacity ranges from a few thousand to several hundred thousand tubes, and retrieval time is usually a few minutes. Cherry-picking of selected tubes, consolidation of partial racks and return of unused tubes are supported, and the software tracks chain of custody, freezer cycles and audit trails. The system suits biobanks, compound stores and clinical trial sample archives.

How does it work?

A laboratory robot produces precise, repeatable movement so that labware reaches the right place at the right time. A robot arm has joints driven by servomotors, with position feedback from encoders and a gripper that opens to the width of a plate, tube or rack. The controller executes a taught or programmed path with repeatability often better than ± 0.1 mm, and safety systems limit force or stop motion if a person enters the workspace. Mobile robots navigate on a map using laser or camera sensors and carry racks between benches. Storage robots move trays between shelves and a transfer station, retrieving a requested sample by barcode. Plate handlers move microplates between readers, washers and incubators. All are coordinated by scheduling software that knows labware positions, instrument states and the method, so a workflow runs without manual transfers.

What are the key features?

• Gantry robot over shelf trays
• Barcode mapping of every tube
• Temperature options ambient to −80 °C
• Cherry-picking and rack consolidation
• Chain of custody and freeze-thaw tracking
• Capacity from thousands to hundreds of thousands

What are the technical specifications?

A typical robotic sample storage and retrieval system configuration offers type of Robotic sample storage and retrieval, capacity of 10,000–500,000 tubes, temperature of Ambient, 4, −20 or −80 °C, robot of Gantry over tray shelves, identification of Tube and rack barcode and retrieval time of A few minutes per request. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Robotic Sample Storage and Retrieval System is used in biobank sample archiving, compound library storage, clinical trial sample tracking and research sample retrieval. Across the wider Laboratory Robotics class, laboratories also deploy it for linked analytical workflows, sample and compound storage and plate-based screening.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include IEC 61010-1 (safety requirements for electrical equipment), ISO 10218 (robots and robotic devices, safety requirements), ISO/TS 15066 (collaborative robots), ANSI/SLAS microplate standards, 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records and signatures) and USP <1058> (analytical instrument qualification). Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Assess risks before installation and apply guarding, light curtains, force limits or collaborative safety functions as required by ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066 where applicable. Verify repeatability, payload and gripper alignment on installation and after any collision or service, since small offsets cause missed picks and dropped plates. Keep fixtures, plates and racks within specification, because worn or warped labware defeats a precise gripper. Define and test error recovery so the robot can pause, report and resume rather than lose a run. Maintain a spare-parts and service plan, and train operators to clear jams safely and to know when to call service. Record all changes to taught positions and software, and revalidate after major modifications.

How do I select the right Robotic Sample Storage and Retrieval System?

Choose a storage robot for large libraries needing fast, traceable retrieval at controlled temperature. Confirm capacity, temperature and tube format. RFQ: tube count and format, temperature, retrieval time, throughput and LIMS integration. Provide tube counts, formats and temperature.

How does it compare with other Laboratory Robotics variants?

Choose the lowest level of robotics that solves the problem. A single arm workstation suits a defined set of steps at one bench, while dual-arm systems handle more complex manipulation, such as handling flexible items. A mobile robot is useful where samples must move between existing instruments that cannot be reconfigured, and a storage robot suits large sample or compound libraries needing fast retrieval. Plate handlers integrate microplate instruments cheaply but handle only plates. Confirm reach, payload, gripper designs and the labware you use, since gripping and positioning are the usual failure points. Check the safety approach, including force limits, guarding or light curtains, and confirm the scheduling software supports your workflows, error recovery and LIMS exchange. Consider service, spare parts and training, because a central robot failure stops everything it feeds.