LightPick for pipetting

Preparing a plate correctly

Manual pipetting is often needed to prepare samples for the next laboratory step. The right material has to reach the right well in the right volume, whether the task is routine plate preparation, a sample transfer or a correction to an existing plate.

A screen or paper worklist can specify the plate, well, volume and sequence, but the operator must continuously translate that information to the physical plate. Switching attention between the instruction and the bench adds mental load, particularly during corrections, exceptions or non-sequential steps.

LightPick projects the active well and step-specific instruction directly onto the plate. The required position, action and volume stay visible at the work surface, while the workflow continues to be defined by the LIMS or other source system.

A missing step between manual work and automation

Without guidance at the plate, labs generally choose between manual execution from a worklist and a liquid-handling robot. Manual work remains flexible for small batches and exceptions, but depends on the operator applying every instruction correctly. Automation removes that manual step, but requires more investment and setup and works best for stable, repeatable workflows.

LightPick adds guidance while leaving the operator in control. Existing pipettes, plates and procedures remain in use, and projection presents the current instruction at the bench. This provides physical support without transferring the complete process to a robot.

Typical workflow

1. Pipetting operations are prepared in the LIMS, and sent to the LightPick software.
2. The operator places a plate on the LightPick device.
3. The operator scans a tube containing the sample to be pipetted.
4. LightPick highlights the wells to pipet into, including the amount to pipet.
5. The operator performs the indicated pipetting actions.
6. Scanned plates and indicated actions are logged and sent to the LIMS.

Example of projected well guidance.

What LightPick adds

System and integration

Pipetting guidance uses the same projection stand, configurable fixture, projector and LightPick software as tube picking.

LightPick receives instructions through a simple API or file-based interface. The LIMS defines the allowed actions; LightPick presents those instructions at the work surface.

Technical specifications

Footprint

Approximately 40 × 40 cm

Host computer

Windows PC

Connections

One free USB port and one free HDMI port

Plate and rack formats

Projection geometry and the four-edge fixture can be configured for different formats. Custom configurations are available on request.

LightPick workstation layout.

Pricing

One LightPick hardware setup can be used for both tube picking and pipetting. The hardware is purchased once; software and support are licensed separately for each application.