Tecan Fluent 1080 Automated Liquid Handler with Span-8 FCA, Multichannel MCA Head, and RGA Gripper

The Tecan Fluent 1080 Liquid Handler is a highly automated liquid handling workstation designed for complex and scalable laboratory workflows, widely used in biotechnological research and molecular diagnostics. It integrates multiple precision pipetting arms and automated labware handling to streamline liquid transfers across diverse assay types, critical in bioprocessing, gene editing, and synthetic biology applications.

Key technical features include:

• Span-8 Flexible Channel Arm (FCA): Capable of individual well access and handling volume transfers up to 1000 µL per channel with high precision—essential for custom volume dispensing and sample preparation.
• Multichannel Arm (MCA) with 96-channel adapter: Enables simultaneous processing of whole 96-well plates, accelerating workflows such as PCR setup, next-gen sequencing library prep, and ELISA protocols. A 384-channel dispensing adapter is optionally available for ultra-high-throughput applications.
• Robotic Gripper Arm (RGA): Facilitates automated labware movement across the deck, including integration with barcode reader functionality to enhance sample tracking and workflow integration.
• Deck Capacity and Modularity: The instrument accommodates up to 72 plate positions with configurable deck segments supporting DiTi nests, troughs with waste, thermal cycling modules, and magnetic/vacuum positions to support biomanufacturing process automation and cell-based assay development.
• Disposable Tip System: Optimizes contamination control, critical for reliable molecular biology workflows such as qPCR and biopharmaceutical production pipelines.

The FluentControl software provides an intuitive interface for method development, instrument programming, and integration with external devices. Preventive maintenance and calibration workflows enhance reproducibility and ensure system reliability. The system supports liquid transfers between plates, reservoirs, and tubes, making it versatile for sample normalization, serial dilutions, and drug discovery assays.

This liquid handler is widely adopted in synthetic biology research and clinical diagnostics laboratories for its ability to reduce manual pipetting errors while increasing throughput and assay consistency. Optional extensions include on-site setup, training, Artel volume verification, and method development consulting, making it suitable for biotechnology workflows requiring precision automation.

Applications:

• High-throughput screening (HTS)
• Next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation
• PCR and qPCR assay setup
• Cell-based assays and immunoassays (e.g., ELISA)
• Sample normalization, dilution, and plate replication
• Serial dilutions and compound management in drug discovery

Keywords incorporated include: automated liquid handler, flexible channel arm, multichannel pipetting, robotic gripper, high-throughput liquid handling, molecular diagnostics automation, bioprocessing instrumentation, gene editing workflows, synthetic biology automation, and biopharmaceutical production automation.