METTLER TOLEDO InMotion Flex / Pro / Max Automated Sample Handler for Potentiometric Titrators

Overview

The METTLER TOLEDO InMotion Flex, Pro, and Max automated sample handlers are precision-engineered peripherals designed exclusively for integration with METTLER TOLEDO potentiometric titration platforms—including the Excellence and SevenExcellence™ series. These systems operate on a robust electromechanical architecture that enables fully unattended, high-integrity sample sequencing in regulated analytical environments. Unlike generic robotic handlers, InMotion units implement true electrochemical workflow orchestration: each sample position is synchronized with electrode conditioning cycles, burette purging protocols, and real-time potential/pH monitoring—ensuring measurement continuity across heterogeneous sample matrices. The system’s core function is not merely sample transport but intelligent assay coordination: it dynamically adjusts rinse volume, dwell time, and electrode immersion depth based on prior titration outcomes and user-defined method logic. This closed-loop control paradigm minimizes carryover, maximizes electrode longevity, and sustains metrological traceability throughout extended batch runs.

Key Features

• Modular mechanical architecture supporting three scalability tiers: InMotion Flex (up to 48 samples), Pro (up to 96 samples with dual-arm configuration), and Max (up to 192 samples with expandable carousel modules)
• SmartSample™ integration enabling direct bidirectional data exchange between METTLER TOLEDO XSR/XSE analytical balances and tiamo™ software—eliminating manual transcription of mass, ID, and metadata
• CoverUp™ automatic lid-lifting mechanism compliant with IEC 61000-6-4 electromagnetic immunity standards and ISO 13857 safety clearance requirements for operator protection during active titration
• PowerShower™ dynamic electrode rinsing system delivering programmable solvent flow rates (0.5–5 mL/min) and customizable post-rinse drying pulses to prevent cross-contamination
• Space-optimized kinematics: Pro and Max models feature articulated robotic arms capable of vertical reach into deep-well sample cups (up to 110 mm depth) without requiring oversized benchtop footprint
• LED status tower with color-coded illumination (green = ready, blue = running, amber = warning, red = error) providing at-a-glance operational feedback per IEC 62366-1 usability engineering guidelines

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

InMotion systems accommodate standard 14–30 mm diameter titration vessels—including glass beakers, disposable polypropylene cups, and custom-fit electrode holders—with optional water-jacketed turntables (±0.5 °C temperature stability) for thermosensitive assays. All models comply with CE marking requirements under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). When operated with tiamo™ v3.3+ and connected to METTLER TOLEDO titrators configured for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, the InMotion platform supports full electronic signature workflows, immutable audit trails, and role-based access control—meeting FDA-regulated QC/QA laboratory requirements for pharmaceutical, food, and environmental testing laboratories. Method validation documentation adheres to ASTM E2500-13 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 framework expectations.

Software & Data Management

Control and method sequencing are executed exclusively through METTLER TOLEDO tiamo™ software (v3.3 or later), which provides graphical workflow editors with drag-and-drop step definition, conditional branching (e.g., “if endpoint deviation > 2 mV, repeat titration”), and embedded calibration management. Raw potential (mV), pH, derivative (dE/dV), and volumetric data are stored in vendor-neutral .csv and .xml formats alongside timestamped metadata (operator ID, instrument serial, environmental sensor logs). Integrated data reconciliation ensures synchronization between balance mass records, titrant consumption logs, and final result reports—enabling full chain-of-custody traceability from sample weighing to certificate of analysis generation.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical raw material assay (USP , EP 2.2.20): automated acid-base, redox, and complexometric titrations of APIs with full GMP-compliant reporting
• Fuel acidity determination (ASTM D974, D664): high-throughput neutralization titrations under inert atmosphere with integrated nitrogen purge coordination
• Food industry salt content analysis (AOAC 937.02): chloride quantification via argentometric titration with Ag electrode auto-conditioning cycles
• Water treatment alkalinity profiling (ISO 9963-1): sequential phenolphthalein/methyl orange endpoints with automatic indicator addition via optional reagent dispenser module
• Electrolyte concentration verification in battery electrolytes (IEC 62660-1): low-volume microtitrations (≤2 mL) with sub-microliter dosing precision enabled by syringe pump integration

FAQ

Can InMotion be retrofitted to legacy METTLER TOLEDO titrators?

Yes—hardware compatibility extends to T50/T70/T90 models manufactured after 2012 when paired with tiamo™ v2.8+ and appropriate firmware updates.
Does InMotion support non-METTLER TOLEDO electrodes?

It accepts any BNC- or DIN-compatible electrode assembly, though full SmartElectrode™ diagnostics (e.g., impedance monitoring, coating detection) require METTLER TOLEDO-certified sensors.
How is method validation documented for regulatory submissions?

tiamo™ generates IQ/OQ/PQ-ready validation packages including system suitability test logs, repeatability studies (n ≥ 6), and forced-failure recovery reports—all exportable as PDF/A-1b compliant files.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for robotic arm calibration?

Factory calibration is performed at manufacture; biannual verification using METTLER TOLEDO-certified alignment jigs (part no. 51110123) is advised for GLP environments.
Is remote monitoring supported?

Yes—via tiamo™ Web Access (licensed option), enabling secure HTTPS-based status viewing and emergency pause/resume from external networks, subject to local IT security policy approval.