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SPT Labtech and EMBL GeneCore collaborate to advance fully walkaway automation in genomics workflows

SPT Labtech

Collaboration to enable more streamlined end-to-end workflows while maintaining sample integrity

16 Apr 2026

Industry news

SPT Labtech and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory’s Genomics Core Facility (EMBL GeneCore) have announced a collaboration to advance fully walkaway automated genomics workflows. As part of the collaboration, SPT Labtech’s firefly®+ all-in-one liquid handling platform has been installed at EMBL GeneCore, an internationally recognized, state-of-the-art genomics service center.

Through the installation of firefly®+, EMBL GeneCore will expand its capacity to develop new protocols and further validate and optimize existing workflows for challenging applications such as low-input and metagenomics samples to support the broader genomics community.

SPT Labtech’s firefly®+ all-in-one liquid handling platform is a compact and highly flexible automation solution designed to simplify complex genomics workflows, combining pipetting, dispensing, incubating, and shaking technologies into a single instrument.

The automated protocols use New England Biolabs® (NEB) library preparation kits, NEBNext®, to generate high-yield, high-quality libraries from a wide input range. Designed for simplicity and efficiency, the kits enable development of low bias, high-sensitivity NGS protocols, with minimal plastic waste.

Installation of SPT Labtech’s firefly®+ platform at EMBL GeneCore, combined with the simplicity of NEB® kits, creates a robust foundation for fully walkaway automation, enabling more streamlined, end-to-end workflows and supporting labs to scale automation more easily.

Vladimir Benes, Head of Genomics Core Facility (GeneCore) at EMBL, said, “The installation of SPT Labtech’s firefly®+ platform as part of our collaboration underscores our commitment to remain at the forefront of scientific innovation. Fully walkaway automation will address key bottlenecks in genomics workflows, helping us develop high-quality, scalable NGS protocols.”

Morten Frost, Chief Commercial Officer, SPT Labtech, commented. “Our latest collaboration with EMBL GeneCore marks a significant step towards advancing fully walkaway automation, providing end-to-end genomics workflows for a much wider range of applications, including environmental and rare species research. We are excited to expand access to our firefly+ platform in Europe through collaboration in the biotech hub of Heidelberg, where strong industry collaborations are driving ecosystem growth.”

Dr. Bjoern Textor, Sales and Senior Applications Manager, New England Biolabs GmbH, added, “Integration of our library prep kits with SPT Labtech’s firefly®+ platform at EMBL GeneCore creates a compelling opportunity for faster, scalable DNA and RNA-Seq workflows, and we look forward to working together to develop novel solutions to overcome persistent challenges in genomics research.”

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Automated Liquid HandlingAutomated liquid handling equipment is used to mix, dilute and dispense allotted volumes of liquid into microplates and other vessels automatically. The robotic, liquid handling arms can dispense from single channel to 3456 multichannel as well as operate nanoliter dispensing, enabling high throughput of samples. Find the best automated liquid handlers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Next Generation SequencingNext-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as whole-genome sequencing, high-throughput sequencing and massive parallel sequencing, produces and analyses thousands to millions of nucleotide sequences at once. Sequencing systems operate via varying technologies depending on the manufacturer, including sequencing by synthesis, ligation, pyrosequencing, ion semiconductor and single-molecule real-time sequencing. For NGS, library preparation is paramount to successful sequencing. In this section, explore a range of library preparation kits, from targeted, amplicon-based or hybridization-based kits including epigenomic, transcriptomic and genomic workflows to fragmentation kits. Find the best next-generation sequencing products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.NGS AutomationNGS automation streamlines next-generation sequencing workflows, increasing throughput, accuracy, and reproducibility. Automated solutions enhance productivity in genomic research, clinical diagnostics, and personalized medicine. Browse peer-reviewed tools to compare products, read reviews, and get pricing.GenomicsGenomics is the study of genomes, focusing on the sequencing, analysis, and interpretation of genetic material. It is key in understanding genetic diseases, evolutionary biology, and personalized medicine. Techniques like next-generation sequencing (NGS) are commonly used in genomics research. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best genomics tools, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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