Microlab STAR Line Liquid Handling Workstations
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HAMILTON Robotics
HAMILTON Microlab® STAR Line: Gold standard lab automation You want more? With the STAR Line you invest in a safe future. Your ideal lab automation solution can be reached with the combina...read more
Reviews
Aaron Bickel Status: See all reviews Member since 2013 Organization: Novartis Read more » | RATING: 4.0 
"The Star liquid handler interfaces well with the Hamilton Store system and can also be used for routine liquid handling. The software controls peripherals well and is quite complex; there is a good graphical GUI that is not too hard to use and the scripting can be picked up especially if the user is familiar with other liquid handler scripting. On deck plate movement is robust but relatively slow and peripheral integration is good but not very compact; there is a lot of wasted space which is addressed somewhat by the new Vantage. The Hamilton team were helpful and responsive with issues that arose during testing and after installation."   |
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| Arun Apte Status: See all reviews Member since 2013 Organization: PREMIER Biosoft Read more » | RATING: 4.0
"Our lab uses a Hamilton STAR to perform DNA extraction for different assays such as HPV/CTNG etc. The product is very easy to use, as the graphical user interface provides a wizard with a step by step loading/processing. (Then followed by Realtime PCR with a light cycler) The system is very easy to use and provides ample feedback on the processing of my specimens. If there are any errors with any wells that are being processed the system will provide feedback on what the issue was. Be it clots, short volumes etc. The Hamilton STAR also gives us a log file which we can provide to Hamilton to further pursue any troubleshooting that may be needed. After sales services are good since we can directly contact Hamilton for assistance.." |
| Robert Teed Status: See all reviews Member since 2013 Organization: Emerald Therapeutics Read more » | RATING: 4.0
"Our Star and Starlet are integral to our company's pipeline. Nearly all tasks generally completed by hand are tasked to our robots. The robots are valued members of the Emerald team!" |
| Yanan Meng Status: See all reviews Member since 2013 Organization: Roche Molecular Diagnostics Read more » | RATING: 4.0
"The method-writing software that comes with the Microlab STAR is easy to learn and use, even a novice can get a quick tutorial and start using it to create simple methods to run experiments. However there are some limitations for more advanced users (certain settings cannot be customized) which keeps this from being a 5 star system for me. I would definitely recommend my colleagues to try out this system because my overall experience with the Microlab Star has been positive." |
| Brandon Bare Status: See all reviews Member since 2013 Organization: Intrexon Read more » | RATING: 4.0
"The Hamilton STAR is a very good liquid handler. The programming software that it comes with can be cumbersome at first, but can become your best friend after you figure it out. The services that Hamilton gives are top notch and they can help you through most if not all of any issue you have. Highly recommend this product." |
David Jennions Status: See all reviews Member since 2013 Job Title: Engineer / Validation Discipline: Automation Work Field: Biotechnology Organization: Axxam SpA Read more » | RATING: 4.0
"The Hamilton Star is one of the most versatile large-scale liquid-handlers on the market. The base system provides good structure and possibilities for integrations. The software platform has quite a learning barrier for entry method development, but once learnt allows extremely complex method and mistake-proofing development. It does take a while to get to know the structures and operational philosophy. Service support is excellent - the network of engineers is good, but the standardization of procedures and documentation is even better. Value - certainly not the cheapest system on the market, but certainly saves buying multiple dedicated instruments." |
| Donald Miller Status: See all reviews Member since 2013 Organization: Joint Genome Institute Read more » | RATING: 5.0
"These instruments are reliable and the service and application support teams are top notch. I would recommend them to anyone in need of automated liquid handling applications." |
| Judy Chou Status: See all reviews Member since 2013 Organization: Biogen Idec Read more » | RATING: 4.7
"The system is very simple and flexible. With sample extractions varying from PPE, SPE, and LLE, the requirements of additional third-party units to be integrated is made easy (shakers, vacuum, robotic arm to move plates). The 2D and 1D barcode features are also critical to ease identifying and tracking samples. There are also many different technologies available to help ensure the accuracy and precision of pipetting like capacitance and pressure liquid level detection, as well as full pressure monitoring. The customer service we've received has been great going from replacing parts, to application implementation advice." |
| Kevin Johnson Status: See all reviews Member since 2013 Organization: ADM Research Read more » | RATING: 4.7
"Extremely robust platform. Excellent repeatability of pipetting. Colony picking functions work very well. Method writing is slightly difficult." |
| Meng Wu Status: See all reviews Member since 2013 Organization: HTS Facility, University of Iowa Read more » | RATING: 4.7
"The high level of sophistication of this instrument makes it very versatile but less user friendly. It would be good if these was a forum for programming." |
| Ming Li Status: See all reviews Member since 2013 Organization: Biogen Idec Read more » | RATING: 4.7
"The ability to develop your own scripts is a huge plus. User interface is simple to work with. However, to fully utilize its capabilities, user customization is a must, which is not so trivial in a bio-pharmaceutical company." |
| Alan Casilla Status: See all reviews Member since 2013 Organization: Roche Read more » | RATING: 3.3
"The Hamilton Star is a great instrument. Very reliable and sturdy, usually does not crash on its own, you really need to do something wrong to make it stop. Handles 96, 384, even 1536 formats great. The software and programming features are easy to use. Once you have the protocols written, using it is a breeze. Writing them is whole another story. Another issue we had is getting someone to train members of our team in using it. I am sure Hamilton provides great instructions once you buy the new instrument, but with older ones they don't have the incentive to spend time teaching people how to use it." |
Michael Guerin Status: See all reviews Member since 2011 Organization: Life Technologies Read more » | RATING: 4.0
"Software requires some experience/training. Hardware is awesome. Support is great too. I would recommend their products." |
| Sue Griffin Status: See all reviews Member since 2013 Organization: Horizon Discovery Read more » | RATING: 3.3
"The Hamilton Microlab Star has fantastic hardware and the Hamilton team gave us incredible after sales service to get us up and running. We really couldn't have asked for more from them. The one downside with the Hamilton is the programming - as someone who is new to robotics it is not very intuitive or user friendly." |
| Martin Brown Status: See all reviews Member since 2011 Organization: AstraZeneca Read more » | RATING: 4.3
"Provides the required high level of dispensing accuracy and reliable operation. Capable of >10k dispenses between services. O-ring pipette seal and transfer system is the most similar to manual pipetting of any pipetting system. Variable span and tip picking 8-head extremely flexible, 96- & 384-head stamps useable with many plate types, liquid detection excellent. Wide range of optional extras allow customisation to meet ongoing/changing user requirements. Top of the range error handling options. The base language Vector is highly flexible, but requires expert programming to be best utilised. For the price, you get a mechanically excellent system that will remain flexible enough to meet your needs in the future, but you may want to consider the value of other software providers if you intend to have users developing programs, as the base language is a far cry from the icon-driven workflows used with other systems." |
| JoAnna DiVincenzo Status: See all reviews Member since 2011 Organization: Merck Read more » | RATING: 4.6
"Excellent accuracy and reproducibility of experiments. Learning the programming language really helps in running the instrument. Flexible, many lab uses and versatile." |
Sean Mojabi Status: See all reviews Member since 2011 Organization: DuPont Pioneer Read more » | RATING: 4.3
"Quality engineering. Complex technology but flexible software. Great support behind the instrument." |
| Justin Provchy Status: See all reviews Member since 2012 Organization: Amgen Read more » | RATING: 3.6
"Excellent hardware, robust and easily maintained. Software takes some getting used to. Sequence approach is unique. No system liquid. Sterility has been maintained for less than a year with no contamination events." |
| Melissa Ronan Status: See all reviews Member since 2012 Job Title: Research Scientist / Senior / PI Discipline: Cell biology Work Field: Pharmaceuticals / Biopharmaceuticals Organization: Chromocell Corporation Read more » | RATING: 5.0
"Extremely easy to use programming software. It can be used for various applications- compound management, plate preparation for screening and bulk dispensing. Service through Hamilton is always quick and very helpful." |
| Rebecca Watson Status: See all reviews Member since 2011 Organization: Astrazeneca Read more » | RATING: 4.3
"Very versatile- you can add or remove kit from the deck easily to configure for new methods. It is very user friendly once programmed, and a reliable piece of equipment." |
| Fraser Wilkes Status: See all reviews Member since 2011 Organization: Summit Plc Read more » | RATING: 4.0
"This is an excellent liquid handling platform that takes a little time to master but is well worth the effort." |
| JoAnna DiVincenzo Status: See all reviews Member since 2011 Organization: Merck Read more » | RATING: 5.0
"Easy to use with chemists, used for automated liquid handling. Easily programmable with basic understanding of computer programming." |
| JOSEPH LU Status: See all reviews Member since 2010 Organization: BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB Read more » | RATING: 5.0
"Excellent hardware and support staff." |
| Michael Guerin Status: See all reviews Member since 2011 Organization: Life Technologies Read more » | RATING: 3.6
"Software requires experienced programmer, but great accuracy and prescision." |
| Mike Mowrey Status: See all reviews Member since 2011 Organization: Dow Agrosciences Read more » | RATING: 2.6
"Software is more cumbersome and takes a lot of training and time to create methods. Once programmed and tweaked, runs great for stamping lots of plates." |
| Natae Daniels Status: See all reviews Member since 2009 Organization: Dow AgroSciences Read more » | RATING: 4.3
"Costly tips. Hard to program but reliable. Liquid level sensing is a plus. Stacked tips on deck allows for more labware." |
| David Schnayer Status: See all reviews Member since 2011 Organization: Ipierian Read more » | RATING: 4.3
"Programming has a big learning curve, but the excellent customer service overcomes that. Good reliable systems." |
| Shastine Keeney Status: See all reviews Member since 2011 Organization: Genentech Read more » | RATING: 4.3
"I experienced a steep learning curve but once I understood how to use the software I found it very flexible and robust. I've been able to use the system for a very wide range of applications." |
| Jo-Anne Hongo Status: See all reviews Member since 2008 Organization: Genentech Read more » | RATING: 4.6
"Great for sample transfer." |
| Mitchell Hull Status: See all reviews Member since 2009 Organization: GNF Read more » | RATING: 3.0
"Needs work on software, for more usability." |
| Anthony Gagliardi Status: See all reviews Member since 2011 Organization: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Read more » | RATING: 4.3
"Versatile, easy to operate." |
| Max Tella Status: See all reviews Member since 2011 Organization: Pfizer Read more » | RATING: 3.0
"A workhorse, very reliable, accurate and efficient. Requires expert programming to use to its full potential." |
| Andrew Brooks Status: See all reviews Member since 2010 Organization: Rutgers University Read more » | RATING: 4.0
"A great all purpose liquid handling system." |
| BRIAN KEUL Status: See all reviews Member since 2008 Organization: PIONEER HI-BRED INT Read more » | RATING: 5.0
"A very flexible workstation with powerful software." |
| Wilheim Jansen Status: See all reviews Member since 2009 Organization: Laves Neidersachsen Read more » | RATING: 5.0
"These machines are very good." |
| Glen Andrews Status: See all reviews Member since 2009 Organization: Astra Zeneca Read more » | RATING: 3.6
"Software needs improving." |
| Gernot J Abel Status: See all reviews Member since 2003 Organization: Novozymes afd 515 Read more » | RATING: 4.6
"The Starlet Liquidhandler give us the lowest CV's and ultimate control on method execution." |
| Luigi Covelli Status: See all reviews Member since 2008 Organization: Medimmune Inc Read more » | RATING: 5.0
"Ultimate ease of use and expandability." |
| Jason Ho Status: See all reviews Member since 2008 Organization: Transform Pharmaceuticals Read more » | RATING: 4.6
"Great company and product." |
| Adam Tebbe Status: See all reviews Member since 2008 Organization: Transform Pharmaceuticals Read more » | RATING: 4.6
"Excellent, innovative product." |
| Claude Dufresne Status: See all reviews Member since 2007 Organization: Merck Research Laboratories Read more » | RATING: 5.0
"We have purchased several. They are very robust." |
| Dan Rush Status: See all reviews Member since 2006 Organization: PDL BioPharma Read more » | RATING: 3.6
"Very complex software, but once set up properly it offers functionality necessary to improve the process." |
| Paul Stevens Status: See all reviews Member since 2005 Organization: UCL Read more » | RATING: 3.6
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Description
HAMILTON Microlab® STAR Line:
Gold standard lab automation
You want more? With the STAR Line you invest in a safe future.
Your ideal lab automation solution can be reached with the combination of the flexible platform design and the great know-how of our scientific specialists.
Specific application needs are satisfied by the development and implementation of customized parts as well as complex system integrations.
The modular design allows for changes and upgrades that are easy to realize with your existing configurations. As you are planning new projects, your STAR Line workstation can be refined and developed to be ready for its new challenges.
We reach the highest precision and control when aspirating and dispensing of liquids with unique features:
- Dual Liquid Level Detection (LLD): capacitive and/or pressure-based
- Immediate correction of errors possible through Monitored Air Displacement (MAD) and the Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM)
- No build-up of aerosols due to the forceless tip pick-up and ejection: CO-RE Technology
- Minimization of contamination risks with the Anti Droplet Control (ADC)
Application notes and news
- Automated Liquid-Liquid Extraction of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D from Serum and Preparation for LC/MS Analysis Us...
- Optimized Automation of the DNA IQ® System for Human STR Identification using the Hamilton STARlet® Forensi...
- Purification of Genomic DNA from Saliva Using Oragene Discover Collection Kits and the Akonni TruTip Extrac...
- 3D-CellHOST – Convenient High Cellomics Yield Cell Culture
- Hamilton Robotics Launches Highly Flexible PCR Setup Workstation
- Dynamic Liquid Classification
- Automated On-Deck Bar Code Reading
- Dutch Forensic Scientists Receive 4000th Microlab® STAR
- New Hamilton Disposable Tips Pierce Tube and Microplate Septa
- Hamilton Robotics Announces New Service to Verify Pipetting Accuracy and Precision
- New 2D Barcode Reader Provides Critical Chain-of-Custody Information
- 384 STP Multichannel Head and Rocket Tips Enable 96- to 1536-Well Pipetting With One Arm
- Hamilton and Gen-Probe Launch New Workstation for Automated HLA Testing
- New Conductive 384 Tips Ensure Precision with Capacitance Liquid Level Detection Capability
- 384 STP Multichannel Head and Rocket Tips Enable 96- to 1536-Well Pipetting With One Arm
- Integrated Imager Automates Cell Confluence and Growth Monitoring
- Hamilton and Sorenson Forensics Collaborate on Validated Systems for Forensic DNA Applications
- New Conductive and Stackable Disposable Tips in the 384 Format at Biotechnica 2009
- New 1 mL 96-Channel Pipetting Head Streamlines Large-Volume Assays
- Hamilton and Promega Develop Protocol for Automated Plasmid DNA Purification
- Hamilton Robotics Automates the Promega CellTiter-Glo* Cell Viability Assay for High-Throughput Applications
- New 5 mL CO-RE Channel Enables High-Volume Pipetting on MICROLAB® STAR Workstations
- New automated Cell Culture solutions from HAMILTON
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