January 14, 2013 – Thermo Fisher Scientific announced VALet, a benchtop robot enabling simple, configurable laboratory automation. Adaptable to user demands, VALet has been designed to allow multiple hotel positioning for customizable, high density microplate movement and storage, which can increase productivity in a limited work space. With four-axis plus servo-gripper, and the capacity to access both single and multiple arrayed nests, VALet is designed to be the ideal robot for instrument loading functions. Built for the dynamic laboratory environment, the Thermo Scientific VALet caters to a broad range of applications, from simple instrument loading to more complex, integrated workflows.
With its flexible design and on-board re-grip station, the high capacity microplate storage can be placed on the left, right or at the front to optimize its fit in the laboratory. User-defined choices also include random or sequential storage access, giving a capacity of up to 45 or 120 microplates, respectively. VALet has been designed to enable the quick addition of connecting carousels, which can be mixed and matched to provide enhanced storage and workflow capacity tailored to specific requirements. This ability to accept multiple storage expansion options makes VALet an adaptable robot in the microplate mover sector, with considerable upgrade capability.
VALet users will also benefit from the integration of Thermotor technology that allows the VALet to be controlled directly from a computer without the need for additional controllers. This feature is designed to save valuable laboratory space, to permit a quieter working environment and to negate the need for dedicated automation engineers. In combination with Momentum scheduling software, the VALet bench-top robot is well positioned to provide users with a platform for creating, operating and fulfilling automated workflow needs, accurately and efficiently.