815 Robotic USB Sample Processor XL

Significance of the topic

The automation of sample preparation, dosing and titration plays a pivotal role in modern analytical laboratories. By integrating robotic handling with precise liquid dosing, laboratories can achieve higher sample throughput, improved reproducibility, and enhanced operator safety. The 815 Robotic USB Sample Processor XL represents a key advancement in laboratory automation, enabling seamless integration into Metrohm Titrando systems and compliance with regulatory requirements such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

Objectives and overview of the article

This summary presents the core features, setup procedures and operational guidance for the 815 Robotic USB Sample Processor XL as described in its user manual. It highlights the instrument’s configuration options, key components, safety considerations and workflow integration. The aim is to provide laboratory professionals with a clear, concise reference that can be used to optimize automated titration and sample handling workflows.

Methodology and instrumentation

The 815 Robotic USB Sample Processor XL is designed for automated sample handling within the Metrohm Titrando environment. It can be controlled via a 900 Touch Control unit or PC software (tiamo), communicating over USB or MSB (Metrohm Serial Bus). Model variants offer one or two towers, each equipped with integrated or external pump connections, stirrer ports and optional Swing Head drives for robotic arm attachment. Key installation and configuration steps include:

• Power connection (100–240 V AC) and USB linking to a PC or hub using the Metrohm controller cable.
• Mounting the optional Swing Head and selecting / configuring the appropriate robotic arm geometry (swing radius, angle limits, offset).
• Connecting rinsing and aspiration tubing via a distributor mounted in the lift’s guide chain.
• Hooking up external pumps (772/823 Pump Units or 843 Pump Station), stirrers (802 rod or 741 magnetic), dosing devices (Dosino, Dosimat), barcode readers or printers.
• Assembling safety shields, sample racks (up to Ø 48 cm) and optional accessories such as drip pans or stand plates.

Used instrumentation

• 815 Robotic USB Sample Processor XL (single- or dual-tower models)
• 786 Swing Head with various robotic arms (titration, transfer, tool adapters)
• Titration head with electrode, propeller stirrer, spray nozzles and aspiration tip
• Membrane pumps or external peristaltic/membrane pump units
• Rod or magnetic stirrers via front and tower DIN connectors or MSB
• MSB-connected dosing devices (700/800 Dosino, 685/805 Dosimat), Remote Box
• PC/Touch Control software (tiamo), USB and MSB communication cables
• Sample racks with magnet codes for automatic identification

Main results and discussion

The 815 Robotic USB Sample Processor XL demonstrates robust mechanical performance with programmable lift and turntable motions, precise dosing from integrated or external pumps and flexible rinsing/aspiration sequences. Its modular connectivity via USB, MSB and remote I/O supports a broad spectrum of peripherals and LIMS integration. Beaker sensors and safety shields ensure secure unattended operation. Comprehensive software configuration allows exact definition of rack geometries, robotic arm parameters and method sequences, resulting in high accuracy and reproducibility across diverse titration and sample preparation tasks.

Benefits and practical applications

By automating repetitive sampling, stirring, dosing, rinsing and titration steps, the instrument significantly reduces manual intervention and minimizes error potential. Typical applications include quality control in chemical, pharmaceutical or food laboratories, multistage titrations, pH/stat titrations, routine water analysis and sample dilution. Its compliance with regulatory frameworks and seamless reporting make it ideal for environments requiring full traceability and electronic record-keeping.

Future trends and perspectives

Advancements in laboratory automation point toward tighter integration with artificial intelligence-driven method optimization, remote monitoring via cloud platforms, and expanded robotics capable of handling micro- and nano-volume workflows. The modular architecture of the 815 Robotic USB Sample Processor XL positions it well for upgrades such as advanced vision systems, flexible tool-changing modules and direct coupling to mass spectrometry or chromatography.

Conclusion

The 815 Robotic USB Sample Processor XL offers a comprehensive, flexible solution for automating titration and sample preparation in modern analytical laboratories. Its seamless integration with Metrohm Titrando systems, extensive peripheral compatibility and robust safety features enable high-throughput, reliable and compliant workflows.

References

No bibliographic references were provided in the original document.