Thermo Electron ARM Automation Platform

Superior dexterity and proven roboticscome together on one platform toautomate the most challenging drugdiscovery applications.

Only Thermo's ARM automation platform

combines proven industrial robotics with

extreme freedom of motion to automate the

most sensitive and demanding research

projects. The system is ideal for laboratories

requiring flexibility, efficient use of space,

and seamless integration of lab peripherals.

The Trusted Choice to Automate All YourApplication Needs

Thermo’s proven ARM automation platform helps youaccelerate drug discovery by automating a variety of assays,including those requiring specialized equipment. Designedwith a greater degree of freedom and wider range of motion,the system’s articulated arm achieves even your mostdifficult automation tasks with ease. It integrates readilywith a wide range of devices — from simple to hard-to-reach and non-robot-friendly instruments. The ARMautomation platform is ideal for applications requiringcomplex movements and efficient use of three-dimensionalspace. With Thermo’s 20-year heritage of trusted life sciencerobotic technology, you have the confidence of low-riskinstallation, fast startup, future expansion capability, andhighly reliable, continuous operation.

Flexible Automation for Multiple Applications The flexible and highly dexterous system enables

researchers to automate any assay, method, or protocol, andit will handle multiple applications simultaneously. Thermo’sintegration experts provide turnkey ARM solutions thatseamlessly integrate existing instruments, best-in-classtechnologies, and custom peripherals to handle your mostcritical and sensitive applications — including but notlimited to:• Genomics

DNA PurificationGene ExpressionSequencing Reaction Setup

• ProteomicsProtein PurificationProtein CrystallographyProtein Digestion/MALDI Sample Prep

• High-Content/Cell-Based Screening• Primary and Secondary High-Throughput Screening• ADME/Tox• ELISA• Sample Preparation/Solid Phase Extraction• Barcode Print and Apply

(Left) All of Thermo’s articulated arms can bemounted on a high-speed linear track for countlessexpansion configurations. (Above) The ARM systemautomates sensitive assays, such as proteincrystallography and HCS. (Right) The F3 can handlea stack of microtiter plates.

Proven Robotic TechnologiesThermo ARM automation

technology is designed to providehighly precise movement withoutsacrificing speed or throughput. Withsmooth, human-like movement and sixaxes of motion, the system’sarticulated robots offer unmatchedlevels of dexterity. This designprovides extreme flexibility to accessdifficult-to-reach instruments. Therobots can be mounted upright orupside down for highly efficient use ofspace. In addition, the platform’savailable grippers and end-of-armdevices permit the use of an almostendless variety of tubes, plates, andother containers.

F3 Robot ArmThe CRS F3 robot has six degrees

of freedom and a 900 mm reach thatallow for greater dexterity andincreased range. The robot performswith exceptional precision and repeatability (±0.05 mm), allowing for

very exact plate placement everytime. A 360-degree range of motiongives users the freedom to buildapplications that entirely surround therobot. With its 3 kg payload capacity,the F3 can handle virtually anycontainer type — including heavystacks of microtiter plates.

CataLyst-5 Robot ArmThe CataLyst-5 robot offers

reliability, precision, and 360-degreerange of motion for the efficientintegration of instruments and storagedevices. Its 735 mm reach, 5-axisdegree of freedom, and 1 kg payloadprovide the flexibility to automate awide range of laboratory applicationsand handle almost all microtiterplates. The CataLyst-5 robotrepresents an exceptional value at ahighly affordable price.

Tracks & GrippersA wide array of linear tracks allows

for system expansion and the additionof more instruments. The high-speedtracks can be added to a stand-alonerobot. They give the robot greaterrange and additional instrumentcapacity. Available in multiple sizes upto 5 m, the tracks enable easy andefficient system expansion.

Optional grippers allow for thehandling of an endless variety of plate,tube, and container types and provideaccess to non-standard instruments.The grippers come with pneumatic orservo control, and feature constantfeedback for greater error prevention.They can be combined with differentend-of-arm devices such as force/torquesensors and collision detectors.

With virtually unlimited options,the ARM platform automatesapplications previously thoughtimpossible.

The ARM system is ideal forautomating very sensitiveassays, such as high-content screening andprotein crystallography.

Thermo Electron

ARM

Autom

ation Platform

Applications SupportThermo’s applications support team

helps transform your research ideas intoreliable, effective automation solutions.Our scientists have managed laboratoriesand know how to solve the complexproblems you face. Their expertise inbiology, chemistry, and assay developmentcreates the systems and processes thatbest meet your most demanding needs.Our team identifies your researchrequirements, checks your specificationsfor accuracy, conducts throughputanalysis, and designs the system layout toensure the automation platform isoptimized for your application at thelowest cost. With the experience ofcountless system integrations, Thermo’sapplications support group can providecounsel on third-party equipment, suggestthe best instruments/peripherals, facilitatefuture upgrades, and expedite integrationwith upstream and downstream data.

Optimize Laboratory SpaceThe system’s greater reach and precise movement allow efficient use of

vertical space and high-density instrument and storage configurations. Reagents,

plates, and instrument controllers are stored under the table to conserve space and

provide easy access. With the robot’s wide range of motion, instruments may be

stacked up to four-high on mezzanines located above the table.

Expert IntegrationWith over two decades of robotic system integration expertise, Thermo can

incorporate any third-party vendor’s instrument into its Thermo ARM automation

platform for best-in-class performance and maximum use of existing assets. With

our in-house mechanical, software, and applications experts, we can also design

custom components for your most demanding applications.

CASE STUDYA leading pharmaceutical company wanted to

expand its ARM automation platform to run additionalassays and increase throughput. Thermo quicklyincreased the capability of the platform’s F3 robot byadding a high-speed 2 m track for greater workspaceplus range and flexibility. The overall system waslengthened by 1.2 m, allowing the addition of moreinstruments to the automated solution. Incubatorcapacity was tripled, allowing longer walk-away time.The tripling of bulk dispensing capacity permitted thelab to run a wider range of methods with faster assaychangeover. The POLARA software also was upgraded,enabling features such as Batch Addition and RunResume. As a result, the company rapidly expandedthe platform’s capacity to run additional assays andretained the flexibility for still more expansion.

Rapidly expand the platform forincreased capacity and additionalassays while retaining the flexibilityfor future expansion.

Before

After

POLARA® SoftwareOur proven POLARA scheduling software controls all

system components and instruments to handle a broad range ofapplications — from small benchtop automation to completeturnkey solutions. A single POLARA package automatesmultiple applications and schedules them simultaneously forhigh-throughput processing. The software supports overlappingoperations to maximize component usage and minimize waittimes. In addition, POLARA software features robust errorhandling, run recovery, and batch extension that allow users tocontinuously run the system. The package provides consistentscheduling of each sample and operates in attended andunattended modes. Prewritten instrument interfaces areavailable. The software is compatible with more than 120instruments and is 21 CFR Part 11 compliant.

Thermo Services Thermo is committed to helping your laboratory achieve

success. Our solutions ensure that your Thermo automationsystems are optimized for accuracy, productivity, andperformance. We offer flexible solutions: • Service agreements• Preventative maintenance plans• Software upgrades• Software application support• Technical support• Integration services• Relocation services• TrainingContact a Thermo representative to tailor the service solution thatbest meets your needs.

Bioscience Technologies DivisionLaboratory Automation and Integration

5344 John Lucas DriveBurlington, ONL7L 6A6 Canada

North America: +1-800-365-7587Email: sales.labautomation@thermo.com

Europe:+44 870 609 9203Email: sales.btd.uk@thermo.com

Asia:China +86 21 5465 7588 India +91 22 2778 1101 Japan +81 45 453 9220Hong Kong (including Asia Pacific) +852 2885 4613 Email: info.asia@thermo.com

© 2005 Thermo Electron Corporation POLARA is a registered trademark ofThermo Electron Corporation. Analyze, Detect, Measure, and Control is atrademark of Thermo Electron Corporation.

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www.thermo.com/automate