Automation

PathFinder 350A

Brooks Automation’s PathFinder™ 350A is a compact benchtop robotic workstation engineered for the post-analytical management of sample tubes. Designed to streamline laboratory workflows, the 350A automates the capping, sorting, and archiving of both open-top and capped tubes into low-cost storage racks, enhancing safety, efficiency, and traceability.

Developed using the same sorter module as the PathFinder™ 450S, the 350A adds advanced capping functionality. It applies a laminated foil seal—generated in situ and heat-welded onto each tube—ensuring secure containment for transport or freezer storage down to -80°C. This eliminates leakage risks and reduces biohazard exposure.

The PathFinder™ 350A is ideal for laboratories seeking to reduce repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and manual handling errors. By automating tube unloading, capping, and archiving, it minimizes human intervention and optimizes sample storage. Each rack is uniquely barcoded, allowing rapid sample retrieval in under a minute.

PathFinder™ 350A Key Features

• Automated Capping & Archiving: Seamlessly caps and stores tubes in one step.
• Foil Seal Technology: Leak-proof sealing for secure storage and transport.
• Ergonomic & Safe: Reduces manual handling and RSI risks.
• Barcode-Enabled Storage: Ensures fast and accurate sample retrieval.
• Compact Design: Fits easily into benchtop lab environments.
• High-Capacity Option: PF128 rack maximizes storage of 5 ml tubes in minimal space.
• Custom Grippers: Designed for 12–13 mm diameter tubes with close spacing.

The PathFinder™ 350A is a powerful solution for laboratories aiming to enhance post-analytical sample management. With its robust automation and precision engineering, it delivers reliable performance and improved safety, making it a valuable addition to any clinical diagnostics workflow.

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PathFinder 450S

Brooks Automation’s PathFinder™ 450S is a compact benchtop robotic workstation. It automates the sorting, storing, and tracking of specimen tubes. As a result, laboratories can reduce manual handling and improve turnaround times.

This system reads each tube’s barcode and connects with the Laboratory Information System (LIS). Therefore, it ensures accurate patient identification and test routing. By automating these steps, it helps eliminate errors and prevents sample loss.

Moreover, the 450S supports both pre-analytical and post-analytical workflows. Its flexible layout allows labs to customize the workstation quickly. Tray modules can be swapped in minutes, making it easy to adapt to changing needs. The touchscreen interface offers real-time updates. Users can view rack fill levels, tube locations, and instrument status at a glance. This simplifies training and daily operation for lab staff.

PathFinder™ 450S Key Features

• Automated Sorting: Routes tubes based on priority and user-defined rules.
• Barcode Integration: Ensures accurate tracking and patient identification.
• Flexible Configuration: Adapts easily to different lab workflows.
• Touchscreen Interface: Displays rack status and tube tracking instantly.
• Error Reduction: Minimizes mistakes and prevents lost samples.
• Workflow Optimization: Frees staff for more valuable tasks.
• Quick Tray Swapping: Enables fast reconfiguration for new applications.

In summary, the PathFinder™ 450S is a reliable solution for modern laboratories. It improves sample management, reduces errors, and boosts efficiency. Whether used for sorting, auditing, or archiving, it delivers consistent and accurate performance.

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PathFinder 350D

Brooks Automation’s PathFinder™ 350D transforms pre-analytical sample processing with automated decapping and intelligent tube sorting. This compact benchtop workstation helps clinical laboratories handle incoming samples quickly, safely, and accurately.

Laboratories use the 350D to identify and register tubes immediately upon arrival. The system sends tube data to the Laboratory Information System (LIS), ensuring full traceability from the start. It then sorts tubes into analyser racks, PathFinder™ sample racks, or compatible third-party racks like Hettich centrifuge inserts.

The 350D removes screw and plug-type caps from major tube brands with precision. It aligns barcodes for analyser compatibility and prepares tubes for downstream testing. By automating these steps, labs reduce manual handling, lower biohazard risks, and eliminate repetitive strain injuries. Teams can boost throughput by adding a second sorter module. This upgrade increases rack capacity and supports higher sample volumes without expanding the workstation footprint.

PathFinder™ 350D Key Features

• Automated Decapping: Removes caps from various tube types with speed and accuracy.
• Barcode Alignment: Prepares tubes for analyser racks with precise label positioning.
• Flexible Sorting: Supports multiple rack formats, including third-party options.
• Compact Footprint: Fits easily into tight lab spaces while maintaining high performance.
• Scalable Design: Allows easy upgrades for increased capacity and speed.
• Enhanced Safety: Reduces exposure to biohazards and repetitive tasks.

PathFinder™ sample racks—PF20, PF50, PF128, and PFC50—support high-speed automation and freezer storage down to -80°C. Each rack offers durable construction and optimized layout for efficient archiving.

Laboratories that choose the PathFinder™ 350D gain a reliable, scalable, and safety-focused solution for pre-analytical workflows. It simplifies tube handling and sets a new standard for sample processing.

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PathFinder 350D Plus

Brooks Automation’s  PathFinder™ 350D Plus takes pre-analytical automation to the next level. Designed for laboratories with high sample volumes, this advanced benchtop robotic workstation combines dual sorter modules with a central decapper to deliver unmatched throughput, flexibility, and safety.

Unlike the standard 350D, the 350D Plus doubles the deck capacity and boosts processing speed to up to 600 tubes per hour. This expanded layout supports more input and destination racks, significantly increasing walk-away time and reducing operator intervention.

The system identifies, decaps, and sorts incoming primary tubes from all major manufacturers—handling both screw and plug-type caps with ease. It aligns barcodes precisely with analyser rack windows, ensuring seamless integration with downstream instruments.

PathFinder™ 350D Plus Key Features

• Dual Sorter Modules: Process more tubes simultaneously for higher throughput.
• Expanded Deck Capacity: Accommodates additional racks for extended walk-away time.
• High-Speed Processing: Handles up to 600 tubes per hour with consistent accuracy.
• Barcode Alignment: Positions labels for optimal analyser compatibility.
• Universal Tube Handling: Supports a wide range of tube sizes and cap types.
• Full LIS Integration: Registers and tracks every tube for complete traceability.
• Enhanced Safety: Reduces manual handling and eliminates RSI risks.

Laboratories that demand speed, precision, and reliability choose the PathFinder™ 350D Plus. It automates repetitive tasks, reduces biohazard exposure, and ensures every sample reaches the right destination—every time.

If your lab is ready to scale up without compromising accuracy or safety, the 350D Plus delivers the performance and confidence you need.

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PreciseFlex C3 / C3X

Brooks Automation’s PreciseFlex™ C3 / C3X robots redefine laboratory automation with a compact, safe, and highly adaptable design. Built on the trusted PreciseFlex 400 platform, these robots meet the evolving needs of drug discovery and development labs, offering precision handling in space-constrained environments.

The C3 model features a small footprint and an embedded controller, eliminating the need for bulky external hardware. This design saves valuable bench space while maintaining full automation capabilities. The robot safely operates around people and sensitive instruments, making it ideal for collaborative lab settings.

The C3X extends the horizontal reach of the C3, enabling it to handle larger items such as flasks and tube racks. With a payload capacity of 3 kg, it supports a broader range of applications without compromising speed or accuracy.

PreciseFlex™ C3 / C3X Key Features

• Safe Collaboration: Operates safely around lab personnel and delicate equipment.
• Compact Design: Saves space with an integrated controller and minimal footprint.
• Extended Reach (C3X): Handles larger labware with increased horizontal range.
• Advanced Integration: Compatible with IntelliGuide Vision and Servo Grippers for precise sample handling.
• Low Maintenance: Direct drive motors reduce maintenance by 70%, ensuring long-term reliability.
• Flexible Expansion: Supports collaborative linear rails for extended mobility.
• Boosted Productivity: Frees staff from repetitive tasks, allowing more time for innovation.

Whether you choose the C3 for compact efficiency or the C3X for extended capability, both models deliver reliable automation tailored to modern lab environments. These robots empower labs to increase throughput, reduce errors, and focus on what matters most—scientific discovery.

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PreciseFlex C5

Brooks Automation’s PreciseFlex C5 redefines collaborative robotics with unmatched workspace density, energy efficiency, and deployment speed. Designed for labs, manufacturing, and warehouse environments, the C5 offers a smarter, safer, and more compact way to automate complex workflows.

Unlike the C3 and C3X, the C5 features a tall Z-axis and cylindrical column design, allowing it to reach vertically into racks, shelves, and delicate instruments with ease. Its rotary base and embedded controls maximize floor space, making it ideal for environments where every inch counts.

The C5 integrates seamlessly with IntelliGuide Vision, Servo Grippers, and Collaborative Linear Rails, enabling fast deployment and precise sample handling. With factory-installed components, labs can reduce setup time and start automating immediately.

PreciseFlex C5 Key Features

• Maximum Workspace Density: Accesses vertical storage with a compact footprint.
• Safe Collaboration: Operates safely around people and sensitive equipment.
• Energy-Efficient Design: Reduces power consumption and supports sustainability goals.
• Fast Deployment: Comes pre-integrated with vision and gripping systems.
• Low Maintenance: Uses direct drive motors to cut maintenance by 70%.
• Flexible Reach: Extends horizontally with collaborative linear rail options.
• Smart Integration: Works with advanced peripherals for precision automation.

The PreciseFlex™ C5 empowers labs and industrial teams to boost throughput while freeing staff for high-impact tasks. Whether you’re handling samples, managing inventory, or streamlining production, the C5 delivers reliable performance with minimal disruption.

Experience the future of automation with a robot that combines precision, safety, and efficiency—all in one compact solution.

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PreciseFlex C10

Brooks Automation’s PreciseFlex C10 offers powerful automation in a compact design. It supports demanding lab and industrial tasks with precision and safety.

This 4-axis collaborative robot handles payloads up to 10 kg. It reaches 896 mm horizontally, making it ideal for larger items. Choose from three vertical reach options: 500 mm, 1000 mm, or 1420 mm. This flexibility suits various workflows and space constraints. Its cylindrical column design allows vertical access into shelves, racks, and machines. This maximizes workspace density and saves floor space. The embedded controller eliminates bulky cables. You can deploy the robot quickly without needing external hardware or complex setup.

Use the C10 for machine tending, small parts handling, or mobile collaborative robotics. It also excels in sample handling and specimen sorting.

PreciseFlex™ C10 Key Features

• 10 kg Payload: Handles heavy labware and industrial components with ease.
• Compact Footprint: Saves space with integrated controls and minimal hardware.
• Flexible Reach: Offers three vertical reach options for tailored deployment.
• Vertical Access: Reaches stacked items in shelves and racks efficiently.
• Lab and Industrial Ready: Supports both scientific and manufacturing applications.
• Optional Servo Grippers: Simplify setup and improve precision handling.

PreciseFlex robots help you automate safely and efficiently. They reduce manual tasks and free staff for higher-value work.

If you need a robot that combines strength, flexibility, and compact design, the PreciseFlex™ C10 delivers consistent performance.

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