Microplate & Column Grippers for Robotic Labware Handling
Optimize labware movement for faster, more and flexible liquid handling workflow
Expand your Andrew+ capabilities with Waters' connected grippers — Bluetooth-paired tools that sit in the Andrew+ tool stand and are automatically picked up, used, and returned during protocol execution.
During a workflow, Andrew+ seamlessly switches between pipettes and grippers to move labware across the workspace — no manual intervention required. This enables complex, multi-step protocols such as SPE, plate reformatting, and plasmid DNA purification to run fully unattended.
- Microplate Gripper — Transports ANSI/SLAS-standard microplates between Domino positions, connected devices, and the Automation Portal+.
- Column Gripper — Designed specifically for Macherey-Nagel NucleoBond® Xtra Midi filter columns, enabling automated plasmid DNA purification workflows.
Both grippers are automatically identified by Andrew+ and require no additional programming in OneLab — labware movements are generated as part of the protocol.
Microplate and Column Grippers
Specifications
Overview
- Expand your lab automation capabilities with connected tools for the Andrew+ Robot
- Design and execute intuitive protocols with seamless integration with OneLab Software
- Ensure effortless setup with automatic identification and pairing with the Andrew+ Robot
- Enable full automation of the Macherey-Nagel NucleoBond Xtra Midi Kit workflows for Plasmid DNA purification with the Column Gripper
- Easily move ANSI/SLAS standard microplates between Dominos, connected devices, and the Waters Automation Portal for complete LC and LC-MS walk-up workflows
Recommended Use: For seamless automated labware movement across flexible liquid handling workflows, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Applications
- PCR clean-up: transporting 96-well plates between magnetic separation (Magnet+) and elution positions
- NGS library preparation: moving plates between magnetic bead separation, and shaking positions during adapter ligation and size selection
- Nucleic acid extraction in plate format: automated plate transfer during multi-step spin-column or bead-based purification (e.g., NucleoSpin)
- RNA purification: exchanging plates during binding, washing, and elution steps for total or viral RNA isolation
- Automated NucleoBond® Xtra Midiprep: autonomously transporting filter columns between equilibration, loading, washing, and elution positions for transfection-grade plasmid DNA purification
- Endotoxin-free plasmid purification: column handling during NucleoBond® Xtra Midi EF workflows for gene therapy vector production and mRNA manufacturing
- SP3 bead-based protein clean-up: moving plates between Magnet+ and pipetting positions during solid-phase-enhanced sample preparation
- S-Trap tryptic digestion: transporting 96-well plates between digestion, washing, and elution positions
- Peptide SPE clean-up: automated plate exchange during post-digestion desalting and concentration with Extraction+
- Protein precipitation (Sirocco): moving crash plates and collection plates for high-throughput DMPK clearance assays and pharmacokinetics
- Peptide mapping: transferring plates across denaturation, reduction, alkylation, and digestion steps
- Plasmid backbone production for biopharmaceutical development: column handling during midiprep purification of expression vectors used in cell line development and transient transfection
- Plate reformatting: moving microplates between Domino positions for cherry-picking or format conversion
- Sample transfer to LC-MS: transporting plates to Automation Portal+ for automated injection into ACQUITY or Alliance systems
- Routine midiprep workflows: replacing manual column handling during daily plasmid purification runs, reducing hands-on time to ~5 minutes per batch of up to 6 samples
FAQ
What are the Microplate & Column Grippers?
Bluetooth-connected tools that sit in the Andrew+ tool stand. During protocol execution, Andrew+ mounts the gripper, picks up labware from one Domino position, transports it to another, and returns to pipetting — all automatically as part of the OneLab protocol.
What is the difference between the two grippers?
- Microplate Gripper — Moves ANSI/SLAS standard microplates between Dominos, connected devices, and the Automation Portal+. Key use cases: SPE workflows with Extraction+, plate reformatting, and LC-MS walkup automation.
- Column Gripper — Designed specifically for Macherey-Nagel NucleoBond® Xtra Midi filter columns, enabling full automation of plasmid DNA purification workflows.
Do I need grippers for every Andrew+ workflow?
- No. Grippers are needed only for workflows that require labware to be physically moved between Domino positions. Pipetting-only workflows do not require grippers.
Do I need to program gripper movements in OneLab?
- No. OneLab automatically generates labware movement steps when a protocol requires them. Simply place the gripper in the tool stand — Andrew+ identifies and pairs it automatically.
Can Andrew+ switch between grippers and pipettes during a protocol?
- Yes. Andrew+ stores grippers in the tool stand and switches between grippers and pipettes automatically during execution — no manual tool changes required.
Why is the Microplate Gripper essential for Extraction+?
- It moves collection plates and racks into and out of the vacuum manifold, enabling fully automated conditioning, loading, washing, elution, and collection plate exchange — without user intervention.
What are the key technical specifications?
- Battery: Rechargeable Li-Polymer (~1 hour charge time)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth BTLE 4.2
- Weight: Microplate Gripper 323 g / Column Gripper 318 g
- Dimensions: Microplate Gripper 95 × 218 × 37 mm / Column Gripper 85 × 229 × 37 mm
- Protection: IP40
- Certifications: CE, FCC, RoHS II, REACH, WEEE, UKCA
- Warranty: 1 year
- Cleaning: 70% ethanol, 60% isopropanol, or mild detergent
What are the part numbers?
- Microplate Gripper: 186009776
- Column Gripper: 186010179
