Milestone launches MAIA to transform AI-powered sample preparation support
MAIA integrates intelligent, context‑aware support into microwave digestion systems to streamline laboratory operations
18 May 2026Product news
MAIA, Milestone AI agent
Milestone has introduced MAIA (Milestone AI Agent), a virtual product specialist designed to transform how laboratory professionals interact with their microwave digestion systems.
Integrated directly into the ultraWAVE 3 and ETHOS platforms and accessible via Milestone Connect, MAIA provides immediate, context-aware support for method selection, sample handling, troubleshooting, and maintenance, helping laboratories worldwide reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency.
AI-powered virtual specialist for microwave digestion systems
MAIA brings artificial intelligence into sample preparation workflows by acting as an always-available expert for Milestone microwave digestion systems. Users of ultraWAVE 3 and ETHOS instruments can access MAIA at the instrument interface or remotely through Milestone Connect, ensuring consistent guidance wherever the system is installed.
The AI agent delivers targeted assistance for:
- Method selection for different sample types
- Best practices in sample handling
- Troubleshooting instrument or run issues
- Routine and advanced maintenance procedures
By providing this expert knowledge on demand, MAIA supports more reliable digestion performance and helps laboratories maintain high throughput.
Intuitive chat and voice interaction for busy workflows
To fit seamlessly into busy laboratory environments, MAIA supports both chat and voice interaction. Users can ask questions or request guidance in real time without interrupting their workflow, making it faster and easier to obtain the information needed to keep microwave digestion processes running smoothly.
This flexible interaction model helps:
- Speed up decision-making at the bench
- Reduce the need to consult manuals or external resources
- Support new or less experienced users during critical steps
MAIA Lens for visual recognition of consumables
A key feature of the system is MAIA Lens, which enables visual recognition of consumables used with Milestone microwave digestion systems. By scanning a component, users receive step-by-step instructions for maintenance or replacement.
This visual guidance helps ensure:
- Correct identification of consumables and parts
- Consistent execution of maintenance procedures
- Reliable and repeatable system performance over time
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ultraWAVE 3 SRC (Single Reaction Chamber) Microwave Digestion System
MilestoneThe features of the new ultraWAVE 3 merge with those already intrinsic in the SRC technology so that labs will experience higher performance, greater productivity, and more streamlined workflow, providing them with improved competitiveness and a lower cost of ownership. Thanks to its superior digestion capabilities that result from its higher temperature and pressure capabilities, ultraWAVE 3 microwave system provides greater digestion efficiency, making it an ideal solution to address these
ETHOS LEAN Compact Microwave Digestion System
MilestoneThe ETHOS™ LEAN collects Milestone experience and embraces all these values into a compact and economical solutions for sample preparation, matching the requirements of laboratories that approach microwave digestion without the needs of high-volume labs.
ETHOS UP high-performance microwave digestion system
MilestoneThe new ETHOS™ UP is simply the most advanced yet easy to use system for microwave sample preparation we have ever manufactured. It offers a perfect integration between microwave hardware, user interface, digestion sensors and pressure vessels. Microwave digestion oven ETHOS UP covers the whole range of samples from routine to high-end applications including US EPA method 3052 for sediments, soils and US EPA method.
Frequently asked questions
How does MAIA, the Milestone AI Agent, enhance microwave digestion workflows on ultraWAVE 3 and ETHOS systems?
MAIA is an AI-powered virtual product specialist integrated directly into Milestone’s ultraWAVE 3 and ETHOS microwave digestion platforms and accessible via Milestone Connect. It enhances microwave digestion workflows by providing immediate, context-aware support for method selection, best practices in sample handling, troubleshooting instrument or run issues, and both routine and advanced maintenance procedures.
By delivering this expert guidance on demand, MAIA helps laboratories reduce downtime, improve operational efficiency, and maintain reliable, high-throughput digestion performance.
What are the key AI-driven features of MAIA for laboratory sample preparation and support?
MAIA brings artificial intelligence into sample preparation workflows by acting as an always-available expert for Milestone microwave digestion systems. Key AI-driven features include targeted assistance with method selection for different sample types, guidance on best practices in sample handling, real-time troubleshooting of instrument or run issues, and step-by-step support for maintenance procedures.
MAIA supports both chat and voice interaction at the instrument interface or remotely via Milestone Connect, helping users speed up decision-making, reduce reliance on manuals or external resources, and support new or less experienced laboratory professionals during critical steps.
What is MAIA Lens and how does it improve maintenance of Milestone microwave digestion consumables?
MAIA Lens is a visual recognition feature within the MAIA platform designed specifically for consumables used with Milestone microwave digestion systems. By scanning a component, MAIA Lens provides step-by-step instructions for maintenance or replacement, ensuring correct identification of consumables and parts. This visual guidance supports consistent execution of maintenance procedures and contributes to reliable, repeatable system performance over time.