Revvity JANUS® G3 Automated Liquid Handling Workstation

Overview

The Revvity JANUS® G3 Automated Liquid Handling Workstation is an engineered platform for precision liquid manipulation in high-complexity life science workflows. Built upon Couette-flow–based pipetting mechanics and integrated capacitive liquid-level sensing, the system delivers reproducible volumetric accuracy across diverse fluid classes—including aqueous buffers, viscous protein solutions, volatile organic solvents (e.g., DMSO, methanol), and low-surface-tension reagents. Designed for GLP- and GMP-aligned environments, the JANUS G3 supports end-to-end automation of assay development, compound management, and sample preparation protocols used in drug discovery, genomic analysis, and diagnostic assay validation. Its modular architecture enables seamless integration into existing laboratory informatics ecosystems—compatible with LIMS, ELN, and SDMS platforms via standard OPC UA and RESTful API interfaces.

Key Features

• VersaTip® Multifunctional Pipetting Technology: A single pipettor head operates interchangeably with reusable stainless-steel needles or disposable tips—automatically selected and actuated by software without manual intervention, minimizing consumable waste and cross-contamination risk.
• Varispan™ Multi-Channel Pipetting Arm (4- or 8-channel): Each channel features independent Z-axis motion and real-time liquid-level detection; inter-tip spacing adjusts dynamically to accommodate tubes, 96-well plates, 384-well plates, deep-well reservoirs, and reagent bottles on the same deck layout.
• Modular Dispense Technology (MDT): Enables automated, software-triggered swapping between 96- and 384-channel parallel dispense heads during runtime—eliminating manual head changes and preserving workflow continuity.
• Capacitive Liquid-Level Sensing per Channel: Detects meniscus position with sub-microliter resolution, compensating for evaporation, surface tension variance, and vessel geometry—critical for accurate aspiration from low-volume wells or non-standard containers.
• WinPREP Control Software with JANUS Application Assistant (JAA): Graphical drag-and-drop protocol builder preloaded with validated method templates for nucleic acid normalization, PCR setup, ELISA plate washing, cell seeding, and mass spectrometry sample prep.
• Resume-on-Interruption Capability: Automatically restores execution from the last completed step after power loss or user pause, with full audit trail logging compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
• Predefined Labware Library: Includes >200 vendor-verified plate, tube, and reservoir definitions—ensuring positional consistency across instrument configurations and eliminating manual coordinate calibration.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The JANUS G3 handles sample volumes from 0.5 µL to 1,250 µL with CV ≤ 3% at 10 µL (using low-retention tips and optimized air-displacement parameters). It supports biological matrices including whole blood, plasma, serum, PBMC suspensions, lysates, and cell culture supernatants. All fluid pathways are chemically inert (PFA, PEEK, and stainless-steel wetted materials), enabling compatibility with aggressive solvents and acidic/basic reagents. The system meets ISO 8655-6 (gravimetric verification of liquid handlers), ASTM E2758 (performance criteria for automated liquid handlers), and EU IVDR Annex I general safety requirements. Optional biosafety enclosures comply with NSF/ANSI 49 Class II Type A2 specifications.

Software & Data Management

WinPREP v5.x provides role-based access control, electronic signature support, and full traceability of all executed steps—including timestamps, operator ID, tip lot numbers, and environmental sensor logs (temperature/humidity). Audit trails are immutable and exportable in CSV or PDF format. JAA includes application-specific wizards for qPCR master mix setup, CRISPR guide RNA library pooling, and LC-MS sample dilution series generation. Data output integrates natively with Thermo Fisher Cloud, Agilent OpenLab, and Waters Empower via secure SFTP or ODBC connections.

Applications

• Genomics: Automated DNA/RNA extraction, library normalization, NGS library prep, and droplet digital PCR setup
• Proteomics: Trypsin digestion, immunoaffinity purification, iTRAQ/TMT labeling, and MALDI target spotting
• Cell-Based Assays: High-content screening plate seeding, co-culture setup, spheroid dispensing, and live-cell imaging plate formatting
• Drug Discovery: Hit confirmation assays, ADMET sample preparation (Caco-2 permeability, microsomal stability), and crystallization screening
• Diagnostics: Multiplex immunoassay plate coating, forensic toxicology sample dilution, and molecular test kit QC validation

FAQ

What regulatory standards does the JANUS G3 support for auditable workflows?
The system complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures, includes full audit trail functionality, and supports ALCOA+ data integrity principles through timestamped, user-attributed, and tamper-evident log files.
Can the JANUS G3 interface with third-party robotic arms or storage systems?
Yes—via standardized RS-232, Ethernet/IP, or Modbus TCP protocols; Revvity provides documented integration guides for Hamilton STAR, Tecan Fluent, and Brooks BioStore systems.
Is method transfer possible between different JANUS G3 installations?
All WinPREP protocols—including labware definitions, calibration offsets, and liquid class parameters—are fully portable across identical hardware configurations using encrypted .jaa project files.
How is carryover minimized during high-throughput nucleic acid handling?
The VersaTip system employs programmable post-aspiration wash cycles with ethanol/water gradients and vacuum-assisted tip drying; residual volume is verified per ISO 8655-6 using fluorescent dye recovery tests.
Does Revvity offer validation documentation packages?
Yes—IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, URS templates, and risk assessments aligned with ICH Q9 and ISO 13485 are available as part of Revvity Validation Services (RVS) engagement options.