Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2023
Organization: Belharra Therapeutics
Generally good, occasional tip error issues
Application Area: Proteomics
"The ML STAR has become an integral part of our company's high-throughput proteomic workflow! Generally easy to use after reaching that high-learning curve. I wish that there were trainings/a more effective help center. For instance, if you click the help button, that it could link to the panel/screen/app that pertains to where I should direct my attention to."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2022
Organization: Quest Diagnostics
Ease for automation and high throughput for COVID
Application Area:PCR for Infectious diseases
"These instruments were God sent during COVID times. Our LDT assay for SARS-COV2 used these systems for extraction. We have 2 of these at our site hooked to 4 ABI7500's each that gave us capacity of 8000 specimens/day. The ease for automation and high throughput along with great customer support led to reliable patient results during critical times."
Status:
Advanced ReviewerMember since: 2021
Organization: Roche
Easy for automation and high-throughput and reproducible results for metabolomics.
Application Area:Sample preparation for metabolomics
"Easy to implement sample preparation method for automation and high-throughput. Accurate and reproducible pipetting including many options to change layout of sample containers."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: Foundation Medicine
Great robot that helps with NGS sample processing.
Application Area:NGS
"The Hamilton STAR is a wonderful robot that helps with our lab processing for NGS of patient samples. The end user experience once trained helps simplify the process for the lab techs. As an engineer that works with troubleshooting and upkeep of the instrument, learning a few more tips and tricks would go a long ways to help keep the lab up and running."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: Genetrack Biolabs
Company has horrendous support. Not there when you need them.
Application Area:Nucleic acid purification
"We purchased a Hamilton liquid handler with a nanoliter dispenser, worth over $40k for that piece. It was made in Switzerland. We used it only a few dozen times and it broke. When we asked Hamilton to fix it, they said they no longer carry that product and cannot support it. As it was past the one-year warranty period by the time we had set up the instrument and were using it regularly, basically each plate cost us maybe over $1000 to dispense. More recently we asked for service to fix a channel pipette. They want to charge $5000 with no assurance of when they will be able to fix it. Money first and then they'll talk! I've never experienced such unethical service. Of course, when I complained, they cite "COVID", the universal excuse for accepting more orders that they can hope to service. I prefer to deal with ethical companies, and Hamilton has made me regret having placed their system into our workflow."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: Gilead
Excellent at creating more time in the lab!
Application Area:HT protein purification
"The Hamilton system has been a life saver and has been a game changer for us in allowing us to do high throughput purification of antibodies. Manually, it would take a day to do 24 samples utilizing columns, but now with plate based we can run 96 samples within half a day."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: Ginkgo
Great product for liquid handling.
Application Area:High-throughput screening
"Great product, awesome service, definitely recommend it."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: Illumina
Great instrument.
Application Area:Liquid transfer in mfg
"The system is flexible and can be used in a variety of applications."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: Foundation Medicine
Good instrument.
Application Area:NGS library prep
"Hamilton STAR is the best in market. However, its software has a learning curve."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2019
Organization: Genentech
Good products.
Application Area:Sample managemnt
"Robust system, reliable when application is stable. Good customer care. "
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: novozymes
Great flexibility, but requires time to learn to use the software.
Application Area:High throughput screening
"Great product. Continuous software updates and product improvement."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: REGN
Helps to maintain our throughput.
Application Area:Programming
"Product is good quality and the Venus programming software is a moderately easy to use and highly functional product."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: Foundation Medicine
User friendly.
Application Area:NGS Sample Prep
"The Hamilton STAR is very user-friendly when it comes to creating methods. The instrument is very consistent between runs. My only issue would be with after sales care, as the company needs more FSEs within the RTP territory."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: Foundation Medicine
Great system.
Application Area:Diagnostics
"Have used the STAR systems for many years and have found them to be really reliable and service across multiple sites to be very good from Hamilton."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: BASF Enzymes
Very diverse, great integration.
Application Area:Molecular biology, high throughput screening
"Very diverse use and allows for in-depth programming, compared to similar liquid handling platforms. It can automate very intricate and customized workflows over diverse 3rd party integration. Accessories after purchase can be pricey. It adds up and can be limited to 'Hamilton only' accessories."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: Foundation Medicine
The Hamilton Star has facilitated our assay prep tremendously.
Application Area:Liquid handler
"The Hamilton Star has facilitated our assay prep tremendously. Programming is very end user friendly. Hamilton has also been very responsive to any customer needs we've had for the instrument. Minimizing human error with the star has streamlined our process and turn around time. "
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: Foundation Medicine
The STAR is a very versatile liquid handler.
Application Area:Liquid handler
"The STAR is a very versatile liquid handler and can do so much. The range it can get to is very low and useful. "
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2019
Organization: Emory University
Great liquid handling.
Application Area:Laboratory automation
"Very reliable liquid handling, very versatile and flexible software. Great support through the whole sales process as well as subsequent customer care."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2009
Organization: kaiser Permanente Reference Lab
Great results. Irreplaceable part of our workflows.
Application Area:Preanalytical processing of samples for clinical testing
"We've been using this product well over 10 years. Vendor service is top-notch. The system is very robust and the quality of the work produced is praiseworthy."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2018
Organization: Counsyl, Inc.
The adjustment of liquid class parameters is the best.
Application Area:Plasmid Purification
"The ease of use of the Star is great! The adjustment of liquid class parameters is the best."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2019
Organization: Abcellera
Great support and flexible use!
Application Area:Automated purification
"Very flexible for custom applications, reproducible and great support."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2019
Organization: Bayer Crop Science
Applies to all procedures.
Application Area:Rearray clinical samples
"Use Hamilton Star products in the lab to accomplish various situations of NextGen sequencing. While difficulty in programming is high, the possible customization is boundless. Once an understanding in Venus is found, the application for the liquid handler is limitless."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2019
Organization: Oxford Biomedica
Consistently good performance, with great customer service & follow up care.
Application Area:PCR plate setup
"Hardware performs very well, with consistent and accurate liquid transfer capabilities. Good report and error handling feature. Software is reasonably intuitive but complex methods still normally require a specialist user to program. Hamilton are always on hand with method programming issues, fast engineer call out times too."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2018
Organization: Abbvie
Very good, robust, reliable, used for antibody production
Application Area:Liquid handling & antibody production
"Very good, robust, reliable, used for antibody production and normalisation protocols, as well as pipetting capabilities for plate washing and reagent dispensing."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2018
Organization: Counsyl, Inc.
This system is a great liquid handler.
Application Area:Purification
"The STAR is a very powerful system with lots of flexibility. While intimidating when first learning, once you realize the power, the sky is the limit. As far as liquid handling, precision and accuracy are very good once liquid classes are optimized."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2016
Organization: Roche/Genentech
Venus II scripting requires intensive training and practice.
Application Area:Potency assay development
"Venus II does not have audit trail for method update, just a change note, which maybe enhanced for compliance."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2016
Organization: Genentech
The hardware and software support is awesome!
Application Area:Potency Assay Development
"I had hardware issue, e.g. 1mL channel failure on almost all 8 channels. It took a while to get the vendor to perform an on-site fix."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Gsk
It gave us very good results and improved our lab.
Application Area:gene cloning and rcombinant proteins expression
"The instrument was reliable and robust in carrying out procedures, and obtained results were accurate and reproducible. The after sale-assistance of Hamilton technicians was always rapid and useful. As a whole, the instrument was worth the price."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Merck & Co., Inc.
Great liquid handler. Robust for years of daily work.
Application Area:Bioanalytical analysis of pharmaceutical drugs
"I use the Hamilton microlab star liquid handler. It is a robust system. Since the code is a little bit open source, the programming can be challenging without prior knowledge. The service help is great at answering questions. The liquid handler itself has been implemented in a GLP lab with ease and is used on a daily basis. The software is part 11 complaint. Overall, the system is very rugged and robust and is beneficial to have in the lab. The price tag can get steep with all the additional equipment added."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Veracyte
Flexible, innovative instrument with the best support staff to back it up!
Application Area:Molecular Diagnostics
"The STAR line is a very flexible automation system. We've been working with Hamilton for 5 years now to automate various projects and we can always find the right configuration to fit our needs. The learning curve is a little steep, but Hamilton's support staff is so amazing that is makes it worth it. Hamilton is very interested in growing their partnerships with the people they sell to, they don't disappear after getting paid. I would highly recommend anyone considering automation to look into Hamilton products."
Status:
Expert ReviewerMember since: 2015
Organization: Ajinomoto Althea
Great time saver!!
Application Area:High throughput screening
"We purchased the Hamilton STAR system to aid in high throughput screening of our various protein and crystal formulation experiments. Working with Hamilton has been a pleasure from initial contact through after sales care. We are beginning to use it in the lab and the STAR is streamlining our workflow and shortening timelines"
Status:
Expert ReviewerMember since: 2012
Organization: Exact Sciences
Application Area:Clinical Assay
"The Microlab STARlet IVD is a customizable instrument that offers a large amount of assurance that the assay is running correctly, from monitoring aspiration and dispensing pressure curves to barcode verification of carriers and reagents, and more. The assistance and support we get from Hamilton is excellent, they are fast to respond to questions."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2014
Organization: PGXL Labs
Application Area:Clincial genotyping set up
"It dramatically improves quality and reproducibility for DNA extraction, PCR set-up and DNA archival. It also increases throughput."
Status:
Advanced ReviewerMember since: 2009
Organization: Bayer
Application Area:Ligand Binding Assays
"This is a powerful instrument, most useful for set assays with the same assay parameters. Our lab's needs are a little more challenging: in addition to a calibration curve, various samples for pharmacokinetic analysis require different levels of serial dilutions. Thus, more complicated programming is needed, since the scenario can be quite different from plate to plate, and the software has a somewhat steep learning curve. Also, as with other robotic systems, you should be prepared for a higher reagent usage due to dead volume limitations, and you should also adjust for the relatively slower action vs. manual operators. Consumables (pipette tips, reservoirs, etc.) can add up."
Status:
Advanced ReviewerMember since: 2010
Organization: Amgen
Application Area:Pharmacokinetics
"The Hamilton Star line of automated pipettes are solid choices if you're looking to streamline routine laboratory pipetting tasks. Once you attend the week long training session at their headquaters in Reno Nevada, you'll be fully proficient at programming the system and would have the confidence to troubleshoot common problems that will arise after implementation. "
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2014
Organization: Pfizer Inc.
Application Area:Vanus 2
"Our company has had the instrument for more than 9 years. We use them for our routine sample analysis to support our drug discovery and development project. It meets and exceeds our expectations. "
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2013
Organization: Roche Molecular Diagnostics
Application Area:Assay/Systems Development
"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."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2013
Organization: Emerald Therapeutics
Application Area:Therapeutic fabrication
"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!"
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2013
Organization: Novartis
Application Area:Reformatting from tube store to microplate
"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."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2013
Organization: Roche
Application Area:Compound management
"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."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2013
Organization: Axxam SpA
Application Area:Oligo manufacturing
"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."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2013
Organization: Joint Genome Institute
"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."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2013
Organization: Biogen Idec
Application Area:Bioanalytical Sample Preparation
"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."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2013
Organization: ADM Research
Application Area:Colony picking and assay
"Extremely robust platform. Excellent repeatability of pipetting. Colony picking functions work very well. Method writing is slightly difficult."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2013
Organization: HTS Facility, University of Iowa
Application Area:HTS
"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."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2013
Organization: Biogen Idec
Application Area:Bioanalytical sample preparation
"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."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2013
Organization: Horizon Discovery
Application Area:siRNA screening
"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."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2011
Organization: CRL
Application Area:Safety Assessment
"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."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2011
Organization: Merck
Application Area:Bioanalytical
"Excellent accuracy and reproducibility of experiments. Learning the programming language really helps in running the instrument. Flexible, many lab uses and versatile."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2011
Organization: DuPont Pioneer
Application Area:Genetic research
"Quality engineering. Complex technology but flexible software. Great support behind the instrument."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2012
Organization: Amgen
Application Area:Transfection
"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."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2012
Organization: Chromocell Corporation
Application Area:Assay Development
"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."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2011
Organization: Astrazeneca
"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."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2011
Organization: Merck
"Easy to use with chemists, used for automated liquid handling. Easily programmable with basic understanding of computer programming."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2011
Organization: Dow Agrosciences
"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."
Status:
Advanced ReviewerMember since: 2009
Organization: Dow AgroSciences
"Costly tips. Hard to program but reliable. Liquid level sensing is a plus. Stacked tips on deck allows for more labware."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2011
Organization: Genentech
"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."
Pipetting
The Microlab STAR uses air displacement pipetting to achieve superior measurement accuracy. Additionally, Hamilton pipette channels and tips are designed to fit precisely together using a patented lock-and-key design called CO-RE (Compressed O-Ring Expansion). This creates a tight seal with precise tip alignment to eliminate tip distortion and ensure the highest accuracy during liquid handling steps. Optional anti-droplet control and liquid level detection technologies further safeguard sample and results integrity.
Tools
With a flexible deck layout, the Microlab STAR accommodates a broad range of tools and accessories to further enhance assay flexibility.
Software Efficiencies
The Microlab STAR’s VENUS software allows users to control their system for processes from simple to complex without compromising on requirements. VENUS software is completely integration friendly, easily allowing third party components to be added to the system without limiting functionality. Use the VENUS Power Steps for basic process programming, or create time-saving custom templates for future processes.
Choice in Personalized Platforms
The Microlab STAR provides multiple configurable base platforms to suit a variety of throughput and integration requirements. A modular format allows for upgrades as needs evolve.
Buy Your Consumables Online
The Microlab STAR works with a wide variety of consumables to optimize efficiency and throughput in automated workflows. Hamilton consumables are key components of the Microlab STAR system that ensure quality results. Now, you can buy consumables easier than ever. All Hamilton consumable products are available to buy online in our fast, easy-to-navigate site.
Manufacturer HAMILTON Robotics | Available Worldwide
4.3 / 5.0 | 75 reviews