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DCU Core Technologies

High Throughput Screening

AUTOPILOT

AUTOPILOT is a unique, custom-built, robotically controlled platform for high-throughput cell characterisation. It provides seamless, end-to-end workflows in therapeutic and diagnostic research, integrating automated liquid handling, nano-volume acoustic transfer, flow cytometry and cell sorting, high-content imaging, and AI-driven analysis. The system supports comprehensive profiling of cellular phenotypes in both 2D and 3D systems, enabling advanced research in drug discovery, biomarker analysis, and therapeutic development. Housed within a Class II biosafety enclosure and built around a SCARA robotic framework, AUTOPILOT positions DCU at the forefront of advances in therapeutics, diagnostics, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

Image of large cabinet with computer screen
Image of Biomek deck wit tip boxes
Image of Cabinet with windows to see micoscope and tip boxes
Image of biomek deck
Key Applications
  • Drug Discovery: Assess the effect of novel compounds on cellular proliferation, toxicity, motility, signaling pathways, and morphology to identify promising candidates.
  • Diagnostic and Therapeutic Research: Analyse phenotypic states and biomarkers across multiple cell types and conditions.
  • High-Throughput Screening: Rapidly screen large numbers of samples or compounds with minimal reagent usage and reduced user error.
  • Advanced Cellular Analysis: Characterise 2D and 3D tissue models, organoids, and complex co-culture systems.
  • Phenotypic Profiling: Deliver comprehensive datasets for systems biology, precision medicine, and translational research.
Diagram showing all the components of the AUtopilot numbered

Schematic of Autopilot components

Core Components

  1. Amplius Solid Phase Extractor: Automated sample preparation for mass spectrometry, integrated with the Biomek i7 to streamline workflows.

  2. Biomek i7 Liquid Handler: Supports 2D/3D assays with 45 deck positions, pipetting volumes from 0.5–5,000 μL, and 96-multi-channel or 8-span heads.

  3. Cytomat 10: Microplate hotel that can store plates and tip boxes to increase capacity on the Biomek deck. 

  4. Echo 650 Acoustic Dispenser: Uses Dynamic Fluid Analysis (DFA) to dispense as low as 2.5 nL, enabling miniaturisation and reducing sample consumption.

  5. ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai: High-content confocal imaging across 8 fluorescent channels and 1x–100x objectives, capable of AI-based phenotypic classification and 3D analysis.

  6. SCARA Robot: 5-axis near-360° robotic system enabling integration of all components, movement of reagents and consumables, and programmable discrete workflows.

  7. SpectraMax i3x Plate Reader: Multi-mode detection including absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence, and fluorescence polarization.

  8. Cytomat 2C: Incubator with capacity for up to 40 plates. 

  9. CytoFLEX-SRT Cell Sorter: Equipped with V-B-Y-R lasers and 15 fluorescent detectors, allowing multicolour applications, single-cell sorting, and enrichment experiments.

Contact creina.slator@dcu.ie to discuss HTC projects and proposals.