Oxford Instruments, Oxfordshire, U.K., announces the launch of MQ-Auto, a sample automation system for the MQC+ range of benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance analyzers. MQ-Auto is a robotic system designed to extend the working time of the MQC+ and free up laboratory staff for more intensive tasks. The system is based around a high-performance robot arm and a range of sample racks and conditioning stations, with an optional balance for applications that require samples to be weighed. A barcode reader is also available for sample identification.
Controlled by software running on either the internal computer of the MQC+ instrument, or on an external PC, samples can be run against different calibrations, and operations can be paused mid-run for additional samples to be added. Optional barcodes can be attached to sample tubes to identify the sample and to store the tare weight of the tube for measurements that require weighing. Comprehensive safety features are built into the system.
