Automated liquid handling (ALH) systems span the range from semi automated multichannel pipettors to room-sized systems. The industry is trending toward versatile, modular ALH systems—seemingly for every budget. Likewise, instrumentation, software & methods have followed the trend toward greater user accessibility.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of commercial thermal cyclers for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In brief, this technology amplifies segments of DNA. In such a device, PCR tubes go in holes in a thermal block.

In automated liquid handlers (ALHs) many customers are looking for modularity, flexibility, scalability, and upgradability.

Options driven by specialized applications, cost of consumables and use of workspace