Automatic colony picker PIXL with Momentum

for microplatesrobotic armhigh-throughput

Overview
PIXL with Momentum delivers a fully integrated colony picking workcell combining PIXL precision colony-picking hardware, Momentum workflow scheduling software and a Spinnaker SBS microplate robotic arm. The solution enables high-throughput, precision colony transfers with validated walkaway automation for sustained autonomous operation.

What is Momentum?
Momentum is PIXL’s validated workflow scheduling platform that enables unattended colony picking by orchestrating SBS microplate robots such as Spinnaker. It offers drag-and-drop workflow building, data-driven decision logic, event scheduling and simulation capabilities to optimise hands-off runs.

Momentum workflow scheduling software

• Scheduling platform for autonomous data integration into colony-picking processes.
• Drag-and-drop editor to create and customise workflows.
• Dynamic event scheduler that adapts timings to maximise throughput under constraints.
• Simulation and pre-run testing to validate workflows and provide automated progress notifications.
• Open API integration with PIXL for end-to-end orchestration.

Spinnaker microplate robot
Spinnaker, supplied via partnership with Thermo Scientific, is an SBS microplate robotic arm designed for integration into automation workcells. It includes integrated barcode reading, self-correcting precision and sample tracking to support high-throughput operations. Combined with PIXL and Momentum, Spinnaker enables very high throughput (example: up to 15,000 picks per 24-hour run).

Why Spinnaker?

• Stepwise interface for configuring and teaching automation workflows, suitable for novice operators.
• Integrated barcode reader and self-correcting precision for traceability and reliability.
• Sample tracking and inventory management to support sustained high-throughput runs.

Key features and capabilities

• Validated walkaway automation enabling intelligent sample handling across 24-hour runs.
• User-focused interface to unify multiple automation islands into an interconnected system.
• Self-correcting precision and barcode-driven sample traceability.
• Open API for device-driver development and third-party integrations.
• Ability to orchestrate very high colony-picking throughput (e.g., up to 15,000 picks per 24 hours with Spinnaker).

Applications

• High-throughput screening (HTS)
• Mutant library construction
• Functional genomics and target identification
• Synthetic biology workflows
• Proteomics and other omics workflows
• CRISPR screens
• Cell culture workflows
• MALDI-TOF sample preparation
• Cloning and plasmid extraction processes

Pro tip
Integrating PIXL with a motorised turntable enables smooth transitions between manual and autonomous operation within a larger workcell.

Technical specifications

• Throughput example: up to 15,000 picks per 24-hour run (when integrated with Spinnaker robotic arm).
• Software: Momentum workflow and scheduling software with drag-and-drop editor, dynamic scheduler and simulation tools.
• Hardware integration: Designed to integrate with Spinnaker SBS microplate robotic arm (robot supplied via partner integration).
• Traceability: Support for integrated barcode reading, sample tracking and inventory management.
• Automation: Validated for walkaway automation and continuous 24-hour operation.
• Interoperability: Open API for PIXL enabling third-party device drivers and integrations.
• Use cases supported: colony picking, HTS, CRISPR screens, MALDI-TOF prep, mutant library construction and other genomics/omics workflows.
• Workflow orchestration: prioritisation and scheduling, notifications, and pre-run simulations.