Hudson Robotics RapidPick User Manual

RapidPick

10 Stern Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081

Tel: [phone]  Fax: [phone]

Colony Picking and Rearraying

User Manual

1

Index

Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 3

Section 1 – Workcell Operation .......................................................................................... 4

1.1 – Startup .................................................................................................................... 4

1.2 – Starting a Run – Checklist ..................................................................................... 6

1.3 – Protocol Execution ................................................................................................. 7

1.4 – Log Data ................................................................................................................ 8

Section 2 – Developing and Editing Protocols ................................................................. 11

2.1 – Protocol Editor ..................................................................................................... 11

2.2 – Protocol Template ................................................................................................ 12

2.3 – RapidPick SoftLinx Steps .................................................................................... 13

2.4 - Picking Segments ................................................................................................. 15

2.5 – Common Issues .................................................................................................... 16

2

Introduction

Hudson's RapidPick workcell is a customizable, automated colony picking and
rearraying solution fit for any users’ needs. The RapidPick workcell comes with multiple
options to fully automate and optimize the colony picking process.

The RapidPick contains the following components:

 CP7200 Colony Picker
 PlateCrane EX Robot Arm
 PlateCrane Magazine Base with 5 Stacks

Additional components for the RapidPick include:

 Second PlateCrane Magazine Base with 3-5 Stacks
 Micro10x media dispenser with 4-way valve
 RSH-4000 microplate sealer
 UV light sanitation system
 Liconic Incubator

Other components may be added at the user’s request beyond those listed.

The RapidPick includes Hudson’s SoftLinx V Protocol Editor for instrument
integration, and a comprehensive set of log files with a built-in viewer to provide easy
user review of colony picking source vs. target plate logs and re-arraying logs. It offers a
convenient “masking” utility that permits the user to employ colony plates of varying
well patterns.

This user manual describes the operation of the RapidPick as a complete system.
For information regarding the usage and features of the individual components, please
refer to the user manuals provided for each of those instruments.

3

Section 1 – Workcell Operation

1.1 – Startup

All instruments must be powered and connected to the computer prior to starting the
software packages.

The desktop contains two main icons:

SoftLinx V : Hudson’s Protocol Editing Software, used to run the PlateCrane

and RapidPick Lite protocols.

Picker : CP7200’s operating software

The CP7200 picker software should be started prior to running SoftLinx. The picker must
also be on before this software is activated.

The picker software is covered in the CP7200 manual.

Clicking on the will start SoftLinx V.

At this point, the user can click “Open Protocol” to access protocols for this system. Pre­developed protocols are available for standard colony picking, rearraying, and segmented
picking. Additional protocols are created based on customer requirements, but will
always follow the same basic protocol template outlined in the manual.

4

The selected protocol will be loaded and shown in the main SoftLinx screen:

At this point, the user can load all plates into the proper positions and start the system by
pressing the play button. Additional information about SoftLinx V can be found in its
help file or manual.

5

1.2 – Starting a Run – Checklist

The following items should be checked prior to starting a SoftLinx RapidPick Protocol.

This list assumes all calibrations and robot positions have been correctly saved.

- All instruments have been turned on.

- The Platecrane is on and in a safe position for movement, away from the picker.

- The RapidPick software is active and marked as Online.

- The RapidPick camera cap is off, and the camera is in position.

- The RapidPick wash bottle is full of clean, deionized water.

- The RapidPick trash bottle is empty.

- The RapidPick has the proper imaging parameters necessary to detect the

colonies to be picked for this protocol.

- All plates must be in the correct stacks or positions prior to starting.

- All other plate positions are empty.

- If a Micro10x is in the system, ensure it is primed.

- If a RSH-4000 sealer is in the system, ensure that there is enough sealing tape for

the protocol.

- If a Liconic is in the system, ensure that the instrument has initialized properly

and enough room is available for plates.

- If the E-stop is installed, ensure it is not activated.

- If UV lights are installed, ensure the UV lights are switched off.

6