ILAS3000 Combi Waterbath Robot
ILAS3000 Combi Waterbath Robot
The Motion Design ILAS3000 (Integrated Laboratory Automation System) is a high-throughput waterbath combi automation system designed for automated milk sample preparation in laboratories performing milk component analysis and somatic cell count (SCC) testing. It integrates seamlessly with leading combi analysers and FTIR milk analysis systems, streamlining sample handling and improving laboratory efficiency.
Originally developed in the year 2000 in collaboration with LIC under Motion Design’s sister company, Intellitech Automation, the ILAS3000 is now part of the Motion Design Automation range. With over 25 years of proven performance, the ILAS3000 has become a trusted solution for Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) laboratories worldwide. The Motion Design ILAS3000 processes millions of samples annually across New Zealand, Europe, and Asia. Known for exceptional durability - with some units still operating after more than two decades.
Compatible with major milk testing platforms including:
- Bentley Instruments (Combi systems)
- Foss (MilkoScan, Fossomatic)
- Delta Instruments (LactoScope, CombiScope)
- Other FTIR milk analysers and combi systems
Key Features
- Proven Combi Automation System – Complete sample preparation for milk component analysis
- Precisely Heated Waterbath - for tempering samples
- High Throughput – Up to 600 samples per hour
- Continuous Operation – Dual-drawer loading without stopping the system
- LIMS Integration – Full sample traceability via barcode or RFID
- Pilot Sample Handling – Automated QC and analyser stability checks
- Vial-Specific Configuration – Built for your laboratory’s vial format
- Technical Support available
Find out more: Contact Us
Key Benefits
- Operational Efficiency: Automates manual and monotonous tasks, allowing laboratory staff to focus on higher-value activities.
- Significant Cost Savings: Designed for ease of use, allowing one single operator to manage up to three combi automation lines simultaneously.
- Superior Quality Assurance: Automated procedures are highly repeatable, ensuring robust, consistent, and reliable measurements that eliminate human error.
- High-Capacity Productivity: Holds up to 480 samples plus 24 pilot samples at one time, allowing for extended periods of autonomous operation.
- Vial size: The ILAS3000 can be factory adapted and adjusted to handle many of the most commonly used vials
- Easy to operate: full training provided if required
System Overview
The ILAS3000 automates the full sample preparation workflow required prior to milk component analysis and SCC testing, ensuring consistent and repeatable handling across high-volume laboratory operations.
Sample trays are placed in the machines drawers by the operator they are then automatically picked, heated in a controlled water bath, mixed, de-capped, identified, and presented to the analyser. Each step is standardised to ensure uniform sample conditioning, supporting accurate and reliable results. The first samples results are ready in just 10 minutes.
Designed for continuous operation, the dual-drawer system allows laboratories to load and unload sample racks without interrupting processing. This supports steady throughput in busy milk testing workflows while reducing manual intervention.
Integration with LIMS provides full traceability throughout the process. Barcode or RFID identification ensures each sample is correctly tracked and matched to its analytical result, improving data integrity and reducing the risk of handling errors.
Each system is built and configured at our factory to suit the specific vial formats and workflow requirements of the laboratory, ensuring reliable handling and seamless integration with existing systems.
Quality Assurance
The ILAS3000 is engineered to eliminate the inconsistencies of manual handling.
- Highly Repeatable Procedures: All automated procedures are highly repeatable, ensuring robust and reliable measurements.
- Standardised Sample Preparation: Every vial undergoes the exact same heating and mixing cycle, providing the analyser with a consistent, representative sample every time.
- Elimination of Human Error: Automated barcode and RFID identification removes the risk of manual data entry errors or sample misplacement.
Pilot Sample Management
- Separate Pilot Sample Compartment: Pilot samples are stored in a dedicated section of the robot, separate from the main sample stream.
- Automated Stability Checks: Depending on your laboratory’s requirements, these pilot samples are automatically inserted into the analysis sequence to verify the ongoing stability of the analyser.
- Automated Alerting: Based on the level of integration with the analyser, the ILAS3000 can automatically alert the operator if abnormal results are detected.
- Automatic Re-analysis: When an abnormality is identified, the system can be configured to perform an automatic re-analysis of the samples, ensuring data accuracy without requiring manual intervention.
How it Helps:
- Increased speed of sample processing
- Reduces operator costs
- Removes repetitive monotonous tasks
- Highly repeatable processes
- Consistent measurements
- Reliable results
Technical Information
Throughput | Up to 600 samples / h. The first sample is measured approx. 10 minutes after the samples are placed in the first drawer. |
Vial capacity | Up to 480 samples + 24 pilot samples |
Vials |
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Space for trays, each drawer |
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Floor space requirements | 200 x 250 x 220 cm – including analyser. If using a FOSS analyser, it must be placed on an 855 mm high table (for instance FOSS standard table) |
Compressed air supply | > 6 bar, clean and oil-free |
Air consumption | Average 25 litres/minute, peak 50 litres/minute |
Power supply | 220 – 240 VAC± 10%, 50 – 60 Hz |
Power consumption | Max 2400 VA |
Environmental Conditions | Ambient humidity< 93% RH Ambient temperature 15 – 33°C |
Dimensions | 1300H x 1850W x 1250D mm (not including monitor) |
Weight, operating | 650 kg including full water bath and full sample capacity |
Standards | ILAS3000 is CE certified to the applicable Electromagnetic Compatibility, Machinery Safety and Low Voltage directives |
Note: Specifications above subject to change without prior notice
