Beckman Coulter Biomek Robotic Transport Arm

Beckman Coulter Biomek Robotic Transport Arm (A23467)

The Beckman Coulter A23467 Robotic Transport Arm is a high-precision, automated component designed to expand the throughput and versatility of Biomek NX, NXp, and FX platforms. This independent gripper module facilitates the seamless movement of microplates, tip boxes, and labware between deck positions, integrated storage, and peripheral devices. It is a critical hardware upgrade for laboratories seeking to transition from semi-automated liquid handling to fully autonomous, 24/7 "lights-out" bioprocessing and screening workflows.

Technical Performance & Design

• Precision Gripper Geometry: Features a high-torque rotational motor and specialized fingers designed to securely grasp SLAS/ANSI-standard microplates, deep-well blocks, and lid-covered labware.
• Dual-Axis Mobility: Engineered with vertical (Z) and rotational (Theta) movement capabilities, allowing the arm to reach off-deck peripherals such as plate readers, incubators, and washers.
• Sensor-Driven Feedback: Integrated force-sensing technology detects the presence or absence of labware, preventing collisions and ensuring secure placement even in high-density deck configurations.
• Seamless Software Integration: Fully compatible with Biomek Software, allowing users to drag and drop transport steps into complex methods without the need for low-level robotics programming.

Product Specifications

• Part Number: A23467 (also known as the "RoMa" or Gripper Arm)
• Compatibility: Biomek NX, NXp, and FX / FXp Liquid Handling Workstations
• Labware Support: Standard Microplates (96, 384, 1536), Deep-Well Plates, and Tip Boxes
• Rotation Range: Up to 360° continuous or specified indexed movement
• Payload Capacity: Optimized for standard labware weights up to 500g
• Communication Interface: Proprietary Biomek CAN-bus integration

Key Benefits & Applications

• True Walkaway Automation: Enables the system to fetch and dispose of tip racks and plates, significantly reducing manual intervention in high-throughput genomics or proteomics.
• Peripheral Connectivity: Acts as the "bridge" to external devices, turning a standalone liquid handler into a fully integrated robotic workstation for ELISA or hit-picking assays.
• Increased Deck Density: By moving plates to storage carousels or off-deck nests, the transport arm frees up valuable deck space for additional reagents or active pipetting.
• Process Scalability: Essential for high-throughput screening (HTS) and synthetic biology labs where the speed of labware movement is the primary bottleneck in the workflow.

Beckman Coulter®, Biomek®, and the Beckman Coulter logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Beckman Coulter, Inc. in the United States and other countries.