Automated cell imaging system ImageXpress HCS.ai

for researchfor cell culturefor drug development

Overview
The ImageXpress HCS.ai high-content imaging system is a modular widefield and confocal platform for automated high-content 2D and 3D imaging. It combines MetaXpress® Acquire acquisition software with AI-driven IN Carta® analysis to support scalable, machine‑learning guided workflows and on-site hardware upgrades.

Key capabilities

• Multiple imaging modes: label‑free brightfield, widefield fluorescence and spinning‑disk confocal.
• Modular architecture enabling on‑site upgrades and configurable optical paths.
• AI-driven image analysis via IN Carta® for phenotype extraction and machine‑learning pipelines.
• AgileOptix™ spinning‑disk with swappable disk geometries and sCMOS sensor for tunable speed vs. resolution tradeoffs.
• Optional automated water‑immersion objectives (20X–60X) to increase sensitivity and reduce exposure times.
• Optional high‑intensity laser illumination supporting multiplexing (up to 7 lasers, 8 channels).
• Magnification changer option providing multiple magnifications (up to 12 within a single configuration).
• Automation‑friendly design for integration into walkaway high‑throughput workflows.

Performance and throughput

• Improved signal‑to‑background across many assay types compared with prior ImageXpress HT.ai generation.
• Up to ~2× faster acquisition speed for accelerated high‑throughput workflows.
• Scalable automation example: processing ~40 × 96‑well plates in ~2 hours or ~80 plates in ~4 hours in hands‑off operation (configuration‑dependent).

Features & options

• Environmental control option for live‑cell and long‑term experiments.
• LED illumination standard on many configurations; laser option for higher intensity requirements.
• Standard and deep‑tissue spinning‑disk geometries for improved deep sample imaging.
• Streamlined upgrade pathway via modular components to expand capabilities without full system replacement.

Applications

• 3D cell imaging and analysis (organoids, spheroids)
• Cancer research and drug discovery
• Cell Painting and multiplexed phenotypic assays
• Live‑cell and long‑term kinetic experiments
• Neurite outgrowth / neurite tracing
• Toxicology, disease modeling and infectious disease research

Specifications table (excerpt)
Model | ImageXpress.HCS.ai Widefield | ImageXpress.HCS.ai Confocal | ImageXpress.HCS.ai Advanced
Widefield capability | Yes | Yes | Yes
Water immersion option (20X–60X) | Yes | Yes | Yes
Magnification changer option (1X and 1.5X) | Yes | Yes | Yes
Environmental control option | Yes | Yes | Yes
LED illumination | Yes | Yes | (varies by configuration)
Standard spinning disk confocal (60μm pinhole (single), 60μm pinhole + 50μm slit (dual)) | — | Yes | Yes
Deep tissue spinning disk 50μm pinhole (dual) | — | — | Yes
Laser illumination | — | — | Yes


Technical specifications

• Product family: imaging instrument for high‑content screening with modular upgrade path.
• Optics: AgileOptix™ spinning disk with swappable geometries; sCMOS sensor; high NA and ELWD objective options.
• Imaging modes: brightfield (label‑free), widefield fluorescence, spinning‑disk confocal.
• Software: MetaXpress® Acquire for acquisition; IN Carta® for AI‑driven image analysis and machine‑learning workflows.
• Automation: design supports walkaway automation and integration with plate handling systems.
• Throughput example: ~40 × 96‑well plates in ~2 hours or ~80 plates in ~4 hours (hands‑off, configuration‑dependent).