The highly specialized Berlin‑based company M2‑Automation develops and manufactures equipment for producing diagnostic systems and preparing samples with extremely low dispensing volumes. Their customized systems are used worldwide for advanced liquid‑handling applications in medical research and environmental analysis. These solutions include micro‑dispensing technologies capable of accurately dispensing chemical and biological liquids and suspensions — contact‑free and in volumes ranging from picolitres to nanoliters.
For a new custom filling system in the fields of bioanalysis and medical technology, M2‑Automation needed a flexible solution capable of automatically dispensing volumes between 0.05 ml and 500 ml into a variety of vessels. To achieve this, the system required a room‑linear robot designed to maximize usable workspace while keeping the overall system footprint as small as possible—an important consideration given the high cost of laboratory space. The final system dimensions measure 1,600 x 1,900 x 800 mm, providing a working area of 1,105 x 525 mm.
Laboratory equipment must also meet strict standards for chemical resistance, hygiene, and cleanliness. Dirt, dust, and contamination have no place in this environment. For that reason, the use of external lubricants on the gantry system was not an option. The robot had to be completely maintenance‑free and as user‑friendly as possible.
Additional requirements included high durability, simple operation, and exceptional accuracy to ensure reproducible dosing across a wide range of liquid volumes and viscosities, all at appropriate process speeds.
Finally, the lead designer at M2‑Automation placed great importance on low weight, a compact form factor capable of covering a large working area, and the overall cost‑effectiveness of the new system design.
