ResourceLife Sciences
How the University of Michigan Advanced Genomics Core is rewriting the rules of liquid handling
24 Jul 2026In a case study from the University of Michigan Advanced Genomics Core, discover how adopting an automation-first philosophy transformed high-throughput genomics workflows. Using the SPT Labtech firefly® liquid handling platform, the team reduced a 384-sample SMART-Seq workflow from 10–12 days to 3 days, allowing a single operator to process four plates sequentially while improving consistency and reducing manual intervention.
The discussion emphasizes designing workflows specifically for automation rather than simply replicating manual processes, highlighting benefits such as reproducibility, scalability, workflow efficiency, and reduced fatigue-associated variability.
Resource details:
Resource type: Case study
Page count: 3
Read time: 5 mins
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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.High ThroughputHigh throughput experiments allow the simultaneous processing of several samples. This parallelization reduces the cost per experiment and increases reproducibility and output volume of data.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.