Small, automated unit provides storage for 260,000 microtubes or 5000 shallow well plates at temperatures from ambient to -20C
RTS Life Science is revealing the performance details of its Smartstore, as well as some of the technology which underpins it. The countdown to the launch of Smartstore was announced earlier this year.
With space at a premium in most laboratories, Smartstore is described as a 'space odyssey' - claimed to be the only small, automated store to provide storage for vials, plates and tubes at temperatures from ambient to -20C. While most narrow aisle stores have 66% storage efficiency, the Smartstore claims 80%.
As a consequence, despite its small footprint (2000mm wide x 1500mm deep x 2400mm high), it is capable of handling in the region of 260,000 microtubes (1.4ml), or 5000 shallow well plates.
James Craven, head of Smartstore product development, commented: "A significant amount of research has gone into the specification of Smartstore.
"We believe that it is well suited as either a central compound repository or for satellite storage.
"Its flexible, modular design means that additional units can easily be connected, with full operational integration, as and when they are needed, thus allowing companies to grow their storage capacity at a steady pace".
Smartstore deploys advanced robotics for rapid picking and retrieval.
The samples are selected via a 'vending mode' touch screen interface and are then delivered through an airlock chamber.
Deposits are made through the CD-style portal and are tracked by barcode scanning.
If large numbers of deposits are regularly made, the Smartstore can house stacker units and incubators to give walk-away functionality.
The software underpinning Smartstore is RTS's Remote d-Sprint system.
This compound library management system also enables access via the internet.
It also makes Smartstore easy to configure with Lims and any other third party equipment. Smartstore requires no special facilities and fits through a standard single door.
