Scientist holds a 96 well plate, with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot in the background.

ASSIST PLUS Pipetting Robot For Full Workflow Automation

Pipetting Robot For Full Workflow Automation

Product story

Frees you from routine pipetting and provides excellent results

The use of electronic pipettes helps to increase throughput in today’s laboratories. However, prolonged manual pipetting takes up precious time, and can lead to repetitive strain injuries. Ever-decreasing sample sizes have also made it increasingly difficult to pipette without errors.

INTEGRA has developed the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot to streamline routine pipetting tasks at an affordable price. Using INTEGRA electronic multichannel pipettes or the D-ONE single channel pipetting module, this system automates repetitive tasks while eliminating physical strain, providing superior reproducibility and ensuring error-free processing. 

How it Works

How it works

Simply mount an INTEGRA VIAFLO or VOYAGER electronic multichannel pipette or D-ONE single channel pipetting module onto the ASSIST PLUS pipette holder, choose a pipetting protocol, add a tip rack and your labware, and press ‘RUN’. ASSIST PLUS will then automatically carry out the pipetting task.

  • Overview

    ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot, with key features labelled.

    1) Pipette adapter: accommodates all INTEGRA electronic multichannel pipettes – with fixed and adjustable tip spacing – and the D-ONE single channel pipetting module.
    2) User Interface: program setup and selection is done using the pipette’s intuitive user interface.
    3) Deck: up to four work positions are available to accommodate reagent reservoirs, tube racks and plates.
    4 & 5) Automatic tip change: two dedicated positions for automatic tip loading and ejection.

  • Excellent results

    ASSIST PLUS automatic pipette dispensing liquid into a 384 well plate, using a 16 channel pipette.

    ASSIST PLUS ensures:

    • optimal tip immersion depths
    • consistent pipetting angle
    • controlled pipetting speeds
    • precise tip positioning in wells
    • no pipetting mistakes are made
    • strict adherence to pipetting programs


    This leads to superior pipetting results and work flow consistency, while also eliminating human errors such as skipping rows. 

  • Versatility

    Scientist attaching their multichannel pipette to the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot.

    Smart Pipette Adapter

    The pipette adapter of ASSIST PLUS allows the use of all VIAFLO and VOYAGER multichannel pipettes and, for unlimited flexibility, the D-ONE single channel pipetting module. Pipette from one to 16 channels, and cover a volume range of 0.5 to 1250 μl, for many different applications.

    Labware compatibility

    ASSIST PLUS can accommodate numerous labware types, from tubes to 384-well plates in landscape or portrait orientation. INTEGRA multichannel reservoirs, which are available in 10, 25 and 100 ml sizes offer exceptionally low dead volumes. For larger storage volumes, INTEGRA’s automation-friendly reservoirs can be used.

    Streamline magnetic bead purifications

    ASSIST PLUS can also fully automate magnetic bead purifications with the MAG modules. As well as automating the pipetting steps, these instruments also automate bead collection using vertical magnet movement, offering walk-way time instead of laborious manual work.

  • D-ONE single channel pipetting module

    D-ONE Volume Range

    To go beyond multichannel pipetting on the ASSIST PLUS, the D-ONE pipetting module is the perfect add-on, allowing automation of unlimited applications. Tedious tasks like normalization, hit picking or pipetting of complex plate layouts are easily possible. It offers a choice of two wide volume ranges, from 0.5 to 300 µl and 5 to 1250 µl, as well as liquid level detection for optimal pipetting results. Learn about the D-ONE single channel pipetting module.

  • Setting up pipetting tasks

    Screenshot of the VIALAB software system, for use with the ASSIST PLUS automated pipette.

    Directly on the pipette

    Protocol setup and selection is done using the pipette’s intuitive user interface. The Touch Wheel allows extremely fast menu navigation and volume adjustments. Simply choose a predefined program and adapt the default settings to your requirements. 

    Using a computer

    The VIALAB software offers a simple and intuitive graphical user interface, allowing you to create protocols with a few clicks, without extensive programming knowledge.

    VIALINK Pipette Management Software offers advanced users the ultimate freedom of defining pipetting programs step by step.

  • GRIPTIPS®

    GripTip pipette tips snap into place with minimal tip loading effort resulting in superior accuracy and precision results.

    GRIPTIPS® are always firmly attached and perfectly aligned, regardless of how many side well touch offs are performed. You no longer have to hammer your pipette tips on or worry about pipette tips falling off!

    1) Lobes
    2) O-Ring Seal
    3) Rim snaps over the Lobes
    4) Shoulder

    The rim (3) of the GRIPTIPS® will snap over the Multi-Lobes (1), attaching firmly. As a result, GRIPTIPS® will never accidently fall off.

    A shoulder (4) provides a positive stop to prevent over-tightening of the tip. It can only be attached up to that point and no further, ensuring that all tips are at the same height. That means, the tip is either on or off, but nothing in between.

  • Getting Started Videos

    Collection of the thumbnails of all getting started videos for the ASSIST PLUS

    To make your life easier and get you up and running quickly with our ASSIST PLUS, we have prepared some helpful videos.

    Watch the video series

     

Customer Voices See it Work

See it work

Apps

Uses and Applications

Overview Applications Stories

Applications

Serial dilutions
Serial dilutions

Repeated dilution steps with optimal pipetting heights, controlled mixing speeds and optional tip change

Performing serial dilutions by hand is a tedious and error prone task, but not with the ASSIST PLUS. It never skips rows, and ensures critical parameters – such as pipetting heights and mixing speeds – remain consistent for excellent pipetting results. If required, tips can be exchanged after every transfer to minimize the risk of carryover.

Automated pipetting: ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot performing serial dilutions using a VIAFLO electronic multichannel pipette.
Reformatting
Reformatting

Pipetting between different plate / tube formats

Reformatting samples – e.g. from tubes into plates – is time consuming and prone to transfer errors. ASSIST PLUS reformats your samples automatically, taking full advantage of the VOYAGER pipette's adjustable tip spacing to process tubes and plates up to 12 times faster than using a single channel pipette.

ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot using the VOYAGER adjustable tip spacing pipette to aspirate liquid from Eppendorf tubes.

If you would like to read more about tube to plate transfers with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot, check this application note: Tube to plate transfer

If you would like to learn more about plate to plate transfers with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot and other electronic pipettes of INTEGRA, see this application note: Plate to plate transfer

Plate filling & reagent addition
Plate filling & reagent addition

Assay set-up on the adaptable deck

Setting up assay plates typically requires the addition of multiple samples, buffers and media. The flexible deck layout of the ASSIST PLUS accommodates tubes, reservoirs and plates, enabling multi-step transfers to the assay plate.

ASSIST PLUS automatic pipette filling a 48 well plate using an 8 channel electronic pipette.
Normalization
Normalization

Equalizing different sample concentrations to one target concentration

Normalizing or equalizing sample concentrations involves dilutions based on varying volumes of diluent and sample for each well. Using the D-ONE single channel pipetting module on the ASSIST PLUS allows hands-off, worry-free processing of this error-prone task. By using the dilution calculator in VIALAB only the initial and target concentrations need to be entered and the correct volumes are calculated automatically. Wide volume ranges, from 0.5 to 300 µl or 5 to 1250 µl, ensure very high or low concentration samples can be processed without manual tool changes during a run.

Normalization with D-ONE
Hit Picking/ Cherry Picking
Hit Picking/ Cherry Picking

Sample transfers from single wells to the target plate

During hit or cherry picking, individual samples from several source plates are transferred to one target plate for further analysis. Using the D-ONE single channel pipetting module on the ASSIST PLUS, sample transfers from single wells to the target plate are possible. Importing worklists to VIALAB makes programming effortless and minimizes set-up time.

Hit picking with D-ONE and ASSIST PLUS
Master mix preparation
Master mix preparation

Mixing individual components

The combination of several reagents – reaction buffer, primers and enzymes – at different volumes is the first step for preparing all PCR reactions. Using the D-ONE single channel pipetting module on the ASSIST PLUS, mixing the individual components can be automated. The number of reactions can be easily changed, and the total volumes are automatically adjusted in VIALAB. Wide volume ranges, from 0.5 to 300 µl or 5 to 1250 µl, ensure very high or low volumes of reagent can be processed without manual tool changes.

Mastermix preparation with D-ONE
Magnetic Bead Purifications
Magnetic Bead Purifications

Fully automated magnetic bead-based clean-up protocols

Magnetic bead purifications are extensively used in molecular biology for PCR clean-ups, NGS library prep size selection, and nucleic acid extraction. In protein research, they play a crucial role in targeted protein enrichment. These processes typically involve repetitive and tedious liquid transfers, however, the integration of MAG modules on the ASSIST PLUS enables a hands-free approach, significantly streamlining workflows and optimizing efficiency.

Compatible Labware
Compatible Labware

Microplates, PCR Cooling Blocks, Tube Racks, Reagent Reservoirs

Microplates

The ASSIST PLUS deck accommodates ANSI/SLAS-format microplates from 12- to 384-wells.

0.5, 1.5 and 2.0 ml microcentrifuge tube racks

Hold up to 48 tubes on removable carriers for easy loading and storage.

Microcentrifuge tube rack fitting 0.5 ml, 1.5 ml and 2 ml tubes.

96 and 384 well PCR and flat bottom cooling blocks

The aluminum cooling blocks keep reagents in various PCR plates and flat bottom plates chilled. In addition, the 96 well PCR cooling block can also accommodate 0.2 ml PCR tubes.

Flat bottom cooling block from INTEGRA Biosciences

Other tube types

ASSIST PLUS can work with various tube types using the correct adapter, such as 15 ml centrifuge tubes, 5 ml test tubes, cryogenic tubes or HPLC vials.

Tube Racks for Centrifuge Tubes, Test Tubes and Cryogenic Tubes.

10, 25, 100, 150 and 300 ml reagent reservoirs

INTEGRA's reagent reservoirs are designed for minimal dead volume.

Find out more about reagent reservoirs for handheld pipetting or automation-friendly reservoir options on the product pages.

Reagent Reservoir Family by INTEGRA Biosciences

Dual Reservoir Adapter for ASSIST PLUS

Dual reservoir adapter with 2 didived reservoirs
Heating, Cooling & Shaking
Heating, Cooling & Shaking

Options to allow incubation or shaking at different temperatures

Active Heating & Cooling

Heating and Cooling blocks which can be easily integrated into the ASSIST PLUS in order to help you perfectly control your application's temperatures.

Passive cooling

The aluminum cooling blocks keep reagents in various PCR plates and flat bottom plates chilled. In addition, the 96 well PCR cooling block can also accommodate PCR 0.2 ml PCR tubes.

Flat bottom cooling block from INTEGRA Biosciences

Shaking

Shaking devices can be accomodated on the ASSIST PLUS, if your application also includes shaking steps. Combined heating and shaking options are available. 

Bioshake-t-with-tube-adapter-and-pedestal-for-assist-plus-voyager-8-ch-1250ul
Heating & Shaking
Tech Info

Tech info

Find here a quick overview of the product specifications. More detailed information can be found in the download-section below.

Dimensions (W x D x H)
75 cm x 38 cm x 63 cm (30" x 15" x 25")
Weight
25 kg
Operating Conditions
Temperature: 5 °C – 40 °C (41°F–104°F), Humidity: <85 % non-condensing
Power requirements
100 – 240 VAC, 47 – 63 Hz
Pipetting technology
Air displacement
Downloads & More Parts and Numbers

Parts and numbers

Instrument
Instrument

ASSIST PLUS base unit

Description Part No.
ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot, incl. tip waste bin, pipette charging cable and reservoir sample packs 4505

 

ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot base unit.
Instrument & Pipette Accessories
Instrument & Pipette Accessories

Pipette Accessories, Tip Waste, Charging and Communication options

Description Part No.
Pipette Li-ion battery 4205
Charging/communication stand for 1 pipette, incl. mains adapter 4211
Communication module for INTEGRA electronic pipettes 4221
4 Position Portrait Deck 4521
Tip deck for D-ONE pipetting module 4535
Pipette charging cable 4549
Tip waste bin (incl. frame and reflector) 4550
200 bags for tip waste bin 4570
Reflector for tip sensor 4572
Protection Cover 4581
Labware Accessories
Labware Accessories
D-ONE Pipetting Modules
D-ONE Pipetting Modules

D-ONE Pipetting Module

Description Part No.
D-ONE Single Channel Pipetting Module, 0.5-300 µl* 4531
D-ONE Single Channel Pipetting Module,5-1250 µl* 4532
D-ONE "All in one" bundle
  • D-ONE Single Channel Pipetting Module, 0.5-300 µl
  • D-ONE Single Channel Pipetting Module, 5-1250 µl
  • Tip deck for D-ONE
  • Portrait labware pedestal (+24 mm)
  • Pipette Communication Modules (2 pc.)
4539

(*Communication module and power supply not included)

VIAFLO Electronic Pipettes
VIAFLO Electronic Pipettes

8-, 12- and 16-channel VIAFLO pipettes
For accessories please visit VIAFLO electronic pipettes.

8-Channel VIAFLO Pipettes

(Communication module and power supply not included)

Volume Range Part No.
0.5 – 12.5 µl 4621
2 – 50 µl 4626
5 – 125 µl 4622
10 – 300 µl 4623
50 – 1250 µl 4624

 12-Channel VIAFLO Pipettes

(Communication module and power supply not included)

Volume Range Part No.
0.5 – 12.5 µl 4631
2 – 50 µl 4636
5 – 125 µl 4632
10 – 300 µl 4633
50 – 1250 µl 4634

16-Channel VIAFLO Pipettes

(Communication module and power supply not included)

Volume Range Part No.
0.5 – 12.5 µl 4641
2 – 50 µl 4646
5 – 125 µl 4642
INTEGRA’s range of VIAFLO electronic pipettes.
VOYAGER Electronic Tip Spacing Pipettes
VOYAGER Electronic Tip Spacing Pipettes

4-, 6-, 8- and 12-channel VOYAGER pipettes
For accessories please visit VOYAGER adjustable tip spacing pipettes.

4-Channel VOYAGER Pipettes

(Communication module and power supply not included)

Volume Range Part No.
10 – 300 µl 4743
50 – 1250 µl 4744

6-Channel VOYAGER Pipettes

(Communication module and power supply not included)

Volume Range Part No.
10 – 300 µl 4763
50 – 1250 µl 4764

 8-Channel VOYAGER Pipettes

(Communication module and power supply not included)

Volume Range Part No.
0.5 – 12.5 µl 4721
2 – 50 µl 4726
5 – 125 µl 4722
10 – 300 µl 4723
50 – 1250 µl 4724

12-Channel VOYAGER Pipettes

(Communication module and power supply not included)

Volume Range Part No.
0.5 – 12.5 µl 4731
2 – 50 µl 4736
5 – 125 µl 4732
INTEGRA’s range of VOYAGER adjustable tip spacing electronic pipettes.
MAG modules
MAG modules

Streamline magnetic bead purifications

Description Part No.
MAG module for magnetic separation 4900
HEATMAG module for heating and magnetic separation 4901
Adapter for 1.5 ml tubes, 4 x 6 format (MAG / HEATMAG) 4905
Adapter for 96 well PCR plate (MAG /HEATMAG) 4906
Adapter and magnetic array for 384 well PCR plate (MAG) 4908
Communication module for MAG modules 4222
Pedestal (+50 mm) 4963

 

Heating, Cooling and Shaking Modules
Heating, Cooling and Shaking Modules

Ultimate thermal and shaking control

Description Part No.
COLDPLATE for cooling and heating, integration ready 4950
BIOSHAKE 3000 for shaking, integration ready 4951
BIOSHAKE 3000-T for heating and shaking, integration ready 4952
Adapter for flat bottom plate (COLDPLATE / BIOSHAKE) 4953
Adapter for 1.5 ml tubes, 4 x 6 format (COLDPLATE / BIOSHAKE) 4956
Adapter for 2.0 ml screw tubes, 4 x 6 format (COLDPLATE / BIOSHAKE) 4962
Adapter for 96 well PCR plate (COLDPLATE / BIOSHAKE) 4954
Adapter for 384 well PCR plate (COLDPLATE / BIOSHAKE) 4955
Adapter for 2.2 ml deep well plate (COLDPLATE / BIOSHAKE) 4961
Pedestal (+50 mm) 4963

 

GRIPTIPS® Pipette Tips
GRIPTIPS® Pipette Tips

Use the GRIPTIPS® Selector Guide to find your pipette tips.