ILAS3200 Sample Handling Robot

Engineered for the future of dairy laboratories

The Motion Design ILAS3200 is an advanced, modular sample handling system designed and manufactured exclusively by Motion Design Automation, to streamline milk sample preparation for high-throughput dairy and herd testing (DHI) environments. By automating labour-intensive pre-analytical sample preparation and handling through a repeatable robotic workflow, the ILAS3200 enhances analytical precision and operational efficiency.

The ILAS3200 is available in various module configurations to suit specific laboratory requirements. A core advantage of the platform is its factory-configured tempering, ensuring total sample integrity across either Combi or Bacto analyser workflows. Whether the application requires heated samples via an integrated water bath for component analysis or a chilled environment for bacteria counting, the system is built to match your specific analytical equipment and workflow needs.

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Laboratory image showing the Ilas3200 laboratory sample machine, designed and built exclusively by Motion Design Automation in New Zealand

Key Benefits:

Modular system tailored to your laboratory workflow
Improved efficiency – automated sample handling and tray management enable extended unattended operation
Consistent, reliable, repeatable performance with full traceability
Maximised laboratory productivity – frees up laboratory technicians
Enhanced hygiene and safety – automated handling reduces the risk of contamination or operator error
Real-time data capture for each sample
Compact and scalable footprint

System Overview

The ILAS3200 represents the next generation of automated sample handling, combining precision engineering with a highly modular design. Designed to meet the demands of today’s high-throughput laboratories, the platform is configured to deliver flexibility, scalability, and reliability within a compact footprint.

At its core is a powerful 6-axis robot managed by intelligent control software that coordinates vial handling and processing logic. The system automates sample identification, inversion, decapping, and presentation to the analyser, while providing real-time monitoring and seamless LIMS integration for enhanced process traceability.

To ensure optimal sample conditioning, the ILAS3200 is configured with a thermal environment tailored to the analyser type:

Combi Pairing: Features a precisely controlled heated water bath for standardised sample tempering.
Bacto Pairing: Can be integrated with a refrigeration unit to provide a chilled environment to maintain sample integrity for bacteria counting.

Despite its advanced capability, the ILAS3200 remains compact, enabling laboratories to expand automation without significant infrastructure changes.

The ILAS3200, by OEM Motion Design Automation for global distribution.

Close-up gripper detail of ILAS3200, Distributed within Europe region by Bentley Instruments.

Close up of inverting milk samples in the ILAS3200, OEM Motion Design

Detailed Image of Water bath tempering from Motion Design proprietary ILAS3200 automation technology

Key Features

Seamless integration with Bentley or Foss, Bacto or Combi analysers
Supports up to 600/hr analysers*
Highly repeatable automated processes ensure consistent reliable results
Modular configuration to suit your laboratory workflow
Automate pilot/control sample introduction and validation
Sample handling for analyser start-up sequence can also be automated
Fully adjustable inversion of samples
Wide range of vial and tray types supported
Large-capacity heated water bath for sample tempering
Automatic processing of payment or herd samples
Laboratory workflow and rule integration
LIMS integration for traceability and data reporting
Full safety guarding on all modules
Automatic restart capabilities*

* Depending on lab and analyser workflows

Close-up of the ILAS3200 Vial Robot. Distributed globally by OEM Motion Design, distributed Europe via Bentley Instruments

Close up image of the Intelligent processing circuit of the ILAS3200, designed exclusively by Motion Design Automation

Close up of tray robot loading vials for Motion Designs ILAS3200

Modular System:

Custom modules can be added to tailor the system to individual laboratory requirements, including:

Support for multiple analysers
Drawers, conveyors and tray management
Post-analysis sorting
Pre- and post-analysis sub-sampling

The ILAS3200 supports barcode, LF RFID and HF RFID identification methods. The water bath capacity also allows Payment samples to be processed automatically (up to 600/hr).

ILAS3200 Modules

Core module

A sample handling robot manages sample handling between tray, bath and processing circuit. The processing circuit automates scanning, inversion, decapping, and presentation for analysis. The large-capacity heated water bath accommodates samples and controls, supporting processing of up to 600/hr and space for up to 32 vials in the processing circuit*. The processing circuit can be adapted to suit your laboratory’s vial dimensions, identification method and lid type. The inversion system can be customised to increase the number of inversions required for Payment and/or higher fat content samples.

Dual Module

This configuration simultaneously services two 600/hr analysers* by incorporating an additional independent water bath and processing circuit. This modular approach minimises the overall footprint and capital cost compared to two separate Core modules. For bacteria counting applications, the system can be configured to bypass the water bath. If required, input and output samples can be held in a temperature-controlled chamber to maintain sample integrity.

Bacto Module

The ILAS3200 Bacto Module provides temperature-controlled sample storage prior to bacterial analysis, helping to limit bacterial growth and maintain sample integrity while samples are waiting to be processed. Temperature sensors monitor the chilled storage area to ensure samples are maintained within the required temperature range prior to analysis. Samples are retrieved for identification, controlled inversion, decapping and presentation to the Bacto analyser.

Drawer Module

Facilitates continuous loading and unloading via extendable drawers, maximising throughput by allowing operators to exchange trays without stopping the system. Tray identification can be included in the Drawer Module for greater machine control and traceability.

Sorting Table

An optional post-analysis sorting table allows individual samples to be automatically set aside for specific reasons such as further testing, low volume or temperature, non-typical analyser results or retesting requirements. The sorting table can also store pilot or control samples for automated processing according to laboratory rules.

Conveyor module

A module with input and output conveyors, allowing samples to be continuously loaded either manually or via another conveyor system. The conveyor module can include an integrated refrigeration system for to keep samples chilled before and after presentation to the sample handling robot. Tray identification can be included for greater machine control and traceability.

Aliquoting Module

Enables flexible sub-sampling into vials, tubes, Petri dishes or deep well plates based on pre-defined laboratory rules. Features automated scanning, labelling, and recapping, using a calibratable electric pipette with disposable tips to ensure precision and eliminate cross-contamination.

Robotic Tray Module

The Robotic Tray Module features a dedicated robot for high-volume tray handling between trolleys and presentation to the sample handling robot. The module is fully guarded for operator safety, with access doors for trolley loading and unloading. Under certain conditions, the core module can continue operating while trolleys are being changed. The Robotic Tray Module enables longer periods of unattended operation, improving laboratory efficiency.

*Capacity dependent on vial / analyser type and laboratory workflows

ILAS3200 software designed by in-house software team at Motion Design

Software and LIMS Integration:

The ILAS3200 features intelligent control software developed by Motion Design, with a comprehensive operator interface. This allows laboratories to perform maintenance, configure parameters for customised sample handling, and monitor system performance in real time.

Key Software Features:

Intelligent Interface: User-friendly touchscreen for seamless operation, data visualisation, and sample management.
Custom workflow logic: Pre-programmed configuration to suit specific laboratory processing rules and throughput requirements.
Automated data capture: for each sample, including processing steps and analysis status.
Two-Way LIMS Integration: Customised integration with LIMS for enhanced traceability, reporting and retrieval of sample information for sorting (if required).
Extended Sample Metrics: Optional transfer of key analytical variables, such as sample volume and time spent in the water bath, directly to the LIMS.
Real-time monitoring: and alerts to maximise uptime and efficiency.
Resilient Recovery: Full recovery from ESTOP and power cut, with the ability to safely unload or resume processing when appropriate.
Compliance & Auditing: Built-in data export and reporting tools for quality control and regulatory auditing
Remote Support: Secure remote diagnostics and software upgrades to ensure peak performance.
Smart Analyser Management: Ability to disable a single analyser in dual-feed configurations, with the software automatically rerouting all samples to the active unit to maintain continuous operation.
Integrated Service & Diagnostic Tools: Comprehensive user friendly service tools for calibration, testing and fault finding.
Performance Analytics: Optional KPI integration with https://myinsights.nz for live event reporting

Technical Information

Throughput	~600 vials/hr/analyser (throughput is dependent on lab and analyser workflows)
Vials	The system can be customised during manufacture to accommodate your laboratory's specific vial size.
Services Required	Power: 220 - 240 VAC 50 - 60 Hz 15A* (*depending on modules selected) Compressed air: > 6 bar, clean and oil-free Plumbing and water supply needed
Dimensions	Core module - 1000mm (w) x 1600mm (l) x 2200mm (h)* Dual module - 1000mm (w) x 2300mm (l) x 2200mm (h)* *excluding any analyser or vial loading module (e.g., drawers or table)
Weight	Core module - ~350kg Dual module - ~475kg
Standards	AS/NZS 4024:2014, IEC60204-1:2016, ISO 13849-1:2015, Regulation 2023/1230/EU - Machinery, CE*

* CE and further EU certifications on request

Note: Specifications above subject to change without prior notice

Close-up of the water bath station on the ILAS3200, available in Europe through distributors Bentley Instruments.

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