CHRONECT® Bionic

Significance of the topic

Laboratory automation is transforming analytical workflows by increasing throughput, reducing human error, and improving reproducibility. Despite advances in autosamplers, manual steps such as powder dosing and vial handling remain bottlenecks. Integrating a versatile robotic module to handle these tasks is essential for realizing a truly digital laboratory and meeting the demands of high-precision sample preparation.

Objectives and overview of the article

This article presents the CHRONECT® Bionic system, a six-axis robotic solution designed to automate formerly manual sample preparation steps. It complements existing autosampler-based workflows by extending the accessible workspace and consolidating powder dosing and liquid handling into a single, flexible platform. Applications range from automated powder dosing to fully integrated multi-step protocols.

Methodology

The CHRONECT Bionic robot operates under the CHRONOS control software and can function either as a standalone unit or integrated with the CHRONECT® Robotic XYZ system. The robot’s six independently articulated joints enable precise three-dimensional positioning. In a typical powder dosing application, the Bionic arm retrieves a vial from the XYZ system, positions it beneath one of up to 32 interchangeable dosing heads, and automatically dispenses a user-defined mass of powder via the METTLER-TOLEDO Quantos dosing system. Once the target weight is achieved, the vial returns to the XYZ platform for subsequent liquid handling or further processing.

Used Instrumentation

• CHRONECT® Bionic six-axis robotic arm
• Quantos Powder Dosing System by METTLER-TOLEDO (Quantos Dosing Module and precision scale)
• CHRONECT® Robotic XYZ platform (PAL autosampler by CTC Analytics)
• Control and scheduling software CHRONOS
• Optional cooperative or industrial robot configurations

Key results and discussion

Implementation of CHRONECT Bionic demonstrated the following outcomes:

• Expanded automated workspace beyond conventional autosampler limits
• Reproducible powder dosing with sub-milligram precision
• Flexible adaptation to different vial formats and dosing head types
• Seamless integration of powder and liquid handling workflows
• Reduced manual intervention, leading to lower variability and higher operator safety

The system’s modular design allows users to select between a cooperative robot for direct user interaction or a faster industrial variant for high-throughput environments. Figures illustrating the robot and powder dosing sequence confirm reliable operation and ergonomic setup.

Benefits and practical applications of the method

Key advantages include:

• Time savings by automating repetitive, labor-intensive tasks
• Minimized error sources through standardized, software-controlled operations
• Improved safety by reducing operator exposure to powders and chemicals
• Investment protection via scalable and upgradeable robotic modules
• Support for digital lab initiatives and future automation expansions

Practical applications span pharmaceutical formulation, chemical synthesis workflows, quality control laboratories, and any setting requiring precise sample preparation of solids and liquids.

Future trends and possibilities for use

Emerging directions include integration of machine learning for adaptive dosing protocols, expansion into nanoliter and microfluidic handling, and interfacing with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for end-to-end traceability. Collaborative robotics and vision-guided picking will further enhance flexibility and reduce setup time. The platform’s modularity positions it to support multi-modal assays and high-throughput screening in life sciences and materials research.

Conclusion

CHRONECT® Bionic fills a critical gap between manual sample preparation and full automation by extending the capabilities of existing robotic platforms. Its precise, flexible, and user-configurable design enhances lab productivity, consistency, and safety, driving the transition toward fully digital and connected laboratories.

Reference

No external literature references were provided in the original document.