The Best Robot for NGS Library Prep

[gkuffel]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to get some insight on a robot for NGS library prep. I am a Lab Mgr. of a NGS core that currently runs 2 MiSeqs. So far we have been considering the EpMotion 5075 but it is quite expensive and I wanted to get some insight from some folks that may have experience integrating these types of robots into their workflows. Thanks for your help.

[Bukowski]

Have you considered the NGS Express?

http://www.perkinelmer.co.uk/Catalog/Family/ID/NGS%20Express%20Workstation

We're pretty high throughput so do most of our library prep on Sciclones, but the NGS Express still gets quite a bit of use for lower throughput projects in the lab. Should handle most of your critical MiSeq applications.

[Angelmass]

We use Biomek FXs and Hamilton Star and Starlets, but I don't know if that would really solve your cost problem, since they're both pretty large and expensive-looking. Another consideration you might have to take into account is whether or not you need automation personnel for support.
We're not super high throughput though, about 100 samples a day.

[DRYTCYV]

Is there any liquid handling users that can give some feedback?
Its for a genomic core facility with a Illumina platform technology (Miseq, NextSeq or HiSeq).

epMotion 5075 vs Hamilton STAR vs Sciclone NGS.

-Consumables
-Optimization

Thanks in advance

[ScienceGrrl]

I work for Hamilton Robotics as the Scientific Leader for NGS, but came from Beckman Coulter where I was the application scientist developing the NGS methods for them. If you would like to PM me and ask specific questions about automating NGS protocols, I can answer them.

[kwaraska]

We use Wafergen Apollo.

They have protocols for all the basic uses (DNA,RNA,ChIP) and are creating new ones all the time.