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PlateCrane™ SciClops™ Robotic Arm

Precise, reliable plate handling across your entire workflow

SciClops is the next-generation PlateCrane robotic arm, engineered for modern automated workflows.

Continuous, hands-free plate transfers for true walkaway operation
Precise, consistent timing that improves assay reproducibility
Flexible layouts and modular capacity for a wide range of workflows
Full workflow coordination with SoftLinx scheduling software
Compact footprint to fit hoods, biosafety cabinets, or benchtops

Description

Built on the legacy of PlateCrane™ and with a significantly larger reach for more layout flexibility, the SciClops™ robotic arm automates precise and reliable plate handling. SciClops scales with your automation needs, from hands-free loading of a single device to coordinated multi-instrument workcells supporting high-throughput processing.

Designed for any microplate-based workflow, SciClops supports everything from single-instrument loading to fully integrated workcells. Layouts can combine stackers, carousels, nests, tracks, and other modules to match your throughput and scheduling needs.

SciClops is orchestrated by SoftLinx™ scheduling software, which controls every plate movement, device interaction, and workflow step from start to finish. SoftLinx supports hundreds of instruments from major manufacturers, with new integrations added regularly, allowing SciClops to seamlessly connect incubators, readers, washers, cyclers, storage modules, and more into one continuous, automated sequence.

Book a consultation to explore the right layout and configuration for your workflow.

Powered by SoftLinx™, the automation engine that connects SciClops to hundreds of instruments

SoftLinx orchestrates your entire workflow, coordinating plate movements, instrument commands, timing, incubations, and conditional logic.

Drag-and-drop method scheduling and one click execution for simple workflows
Support for complex parallel steps and advanced logic when required
Full run logging suitable for 21 CFR Part 11 environments Automated error handling for reliable walkaway operation

SoftLinx integrates with hundreds of microplate-compatible instruments and allows your team to build scalable, traceable, fully automated workflows.

SciClops can be configured to scale capacity and access plates in a variety of ways to fit your specific workflow. From a single stack to multi-stack arrays and carousels.

Top-down stacks
First-in-first-out (FIFO) or first-in-last-out (FILO) for compact, sequential workflows.

Random-access stacks
Shelf-based system enabling cherry picking, kinetic assays, branching steps, or mid-run decisions.

Large-scale configurations
• Multi-stack arrays
• Carousels and plate tracks
• Workcells spanning several instruments
• Custom layouts based on throughput targets and instrument types

SciClops keeps your workflow moving continuously

Drag-and-drop scheduling | Advanced logic support when required

SciClops Automates

What this means for your lab:

Higher throughput
Consistent timing and reproducible data
Traceable, coordinated runs
True walkaway time
Fewer instrument idle periods
More experiments per day/week

Trusted by Researchers

“Now, with the PlateCrane/Octet combination installed, we can quantify every well of every microplate if we need to.”

Mario Cepeda, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research

Applications

Built for Any Microplate Workflow

SciClops automates microplate movement across an extensive range of life science applications — improving throughput, precision, and data integrity.

PCR / qPCR

Automates plate transfers between thermocyclers, readers, and liquid handlers for consistent, traceable PCR/qPCR workflows.

Flow Cytometry

Automates continuous plate loading to keep cytometers running and maintain high-throughput screening throughput.

ELISA & Label-Free Assays

Delivers reliable, unattended plate handling for washers, readers, and kinetics platforms.

Synthetic Biology & Microbiology

Automates sample prep steps such as DNA purification, extractions, and transformations in scalable multi-step workflows.

Sample Preparation & Purification

Executes SPE, dilution, and filtration steps with consistent timing and hands-free operation.
Cellular & Imaging Assays Automates plate loading for HCS and microscopy platforms with precise, repeatable positioning.
Flexible integration Doing something different? Contact us to tailor a configuration for your workflow. (link to form at bottom of page)

Flexible Integration

Doing something different? Contact us to tailor a configuration for your workflow.

Specifications

SciClops™ builds on the proven mechanical foundation of the PlateCrane™ family, trusted for more than two decades of reliable microplate movement.

Microplate compatibility

Supports all ANSI/SLAS-standard plates, including 96-, 384-, and 1536-well formats
Compatible with deep-well blocks (lidded or unlidded); tip racks/boxes supported in static positions (no lid removal)
Rotary gripper supports either landscape or portrait orientation (configured per application)

Reach & motion

Vertical reach suitable for most readers, imagers, washers, and PCR/flow cytometry decks
Horizontal reach enables flexible placement of instruments in compact or extended layouts
Smooth rotational motion for reliable access into deep instrument nests

Footprint & installation

Fits standard benchtops, biosafety cabinets, and many laboratory hoods
~45 lb system weight without stacks
Durable painted steel and cast-aluminum housing

Connectivity & software

SciClops can be controlled through SoftLinx™ or integrated with other scheduling systems, giving you full flexibility to match your existing lab environment.
RS-232 and TCP/IP (Ethernet) depending on model l
Ready for integration with hundreds of compatible instruments including liquid handlers, readers, incubators, sealers, colony pickers, and more

Documents and Videos

PRODUCT SHEET

APPLICATION NOTE

VIDEO

Accessories

Teaching Pendant (PlateCrane only)
Allows user to manually direct the arm to positions that can then be saved in memory.

Teaching Plate
Specially machined PVC plate that simulates the footprint of an SBS microplate, with a standard 12.5mm height. When used for teaching robot positions, the Teaching Plate serves as a standard gauge to allow the SciClops to auto-adjust to the exact height of actual plates when operating under SoftLinx control.

Universal Microplate Stack
Enables the loading of up to 30 standard-height microplates, or 9 deep-well plates per stack. Up to 15 stacks can be accessed by one SciClops.

Random-Access Microplate Stack
Enables the loading of up to 15 standard-height microplates, or 7 deep-well plates, while allowing the SciClops to retrieve/store individual plates in any order desired by the user. Ideal for kinetic assays, cherry-picking or varying room-temperature incubations.

Stack Base
A platform that locks into the base of the SciClops and allows the user to mount up to 5 Universal Microplate Stacks, or 5 Random-Access Plate Stacks on each Stack Base.

Lid Nest
A specially-machined, robot accessible nest to hold an SBS-compatible microplate lid while the microplate is being processed in an instrument.

Worktables
Custom-built to meet the needs of any SciClops-based workcell. Frees up lab bench space. Comes with optional power management, computer stand, utility entrance, safety enclosure and communication cable routing.

Control Computer
Supplied fully loaded with SoftLinx and all the plug-ins needed in the user’s workcell.

Barcode Scanner
Includes physical stand and communication cabling. Operates seamlessly within a SoftLinx-controlled robot system, enabling users to track and store plate data, including transmitting each plate’s barcode to any plate reader or other instrument that may require an ID for the plate.

Software

PlateCrane™ SciClops™ Robotic Arm

Precise, reliable plate handling across your entire workflow

Description

Powered by SoftLinx™, the automation engine that connects SciClops to hundreds of instruments

SciClops keeps your workflow moving continuously

Drag-and-drop scheduling | Advanced logic support when required

SciClops Automates

What this means for your lab:

Trusted by Researchers

Applications

Built for Any Microplate Workflow

Specifications

Microplate compatibility

Reach & motion

Footprint & installation

Connectivity & software

Documents and Videos

PRODUCT SHEET

PRODUCT SHEET

APPLICATION NOTE

VIDEO

Accessories

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