Waters Andrew+ Pipetting Robot
| Brand | Waters |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Andrew+ Pipetting Robot |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Waters Andrew+ Pipetting Robot is a benchtop, intelligent liquid handling workstation engineered for precision, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance in modern analytical laboratories. Built upon a modular robotic architecture, it employs high-accuracy motorized pipetting arms with integrated force-sensing and real-time positional feedback to execute volumetric transfers—ranging from 0.5 µL to 1,000 µL—with low coefficient of variation (<2% CV at 10 µL) and traceable calibration paths. Unlike legacy automation platforms requiring custom scripting or engineering support, the Andrew+ operates natively with Waters’ OneLab cloud-based workflow orchestration software, enabling method-driven automation without programming expertise. Its core design principle centers on eliminating manual variability in sample preparation workflows—particularly those feeding into LC and LC-MS systems—thereby strengthening data integrity across the analytical chain from sample intake to final report.
Key Features
- Touch-enabled, drag-and-drop workflow authoring via tablet or desktop interface—no coding or robotics training required.
- Integrated collision detection sensors and adaptive motion control for safe operation within biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, and shared lab benches.
- Automated serial dilution, concentration normalization, and plate reformatting protocols optimized for LC/MS sample prep standards.
- Centralized management of pipette calibration records, tip lot tracking, and reagent metadata (e.g., preparation date, batch ID, stability expiry).
- Modular hardware expansion capability—including integration with Waters Domino sample manager, fraction collectors, and third-party peripherals via standardized API endpoints.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Andrew+ accommodates standard ANSI/SLAS-format microplates (96-, 384-, and 1536-well), tube racks (1.5–50 mL), vial trays, and custom labware via configurable deck maps. All liquid handling operations comply with ISO 8655-6 (gravimetric verification of piston pipettes) and support audit-ready documentation aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and GLP/GMP data integrity principles. Electronic signatures, immutable audit trails, and role-based access controls are embedded in OneLab’s cloud infrastructure—ensuring full traceability of every dispense event, user action, and system configuration change.
Software & Data Management
OneLab serves as the unified command layer for the Andrew+ platform, delivering browser-based protocol design, remote deployment, and cross-lab method synchronization. Workflows are version-controlled and exportable as portable JSON packages compliant with ISA-Tab metadata standards. Raw execution logs—including timestamps, aspiration/dispense volumes, tip IDs, and environmental sensor readings (if enabled)—are stored in encrypted AWS-hosted repositories with configurable retention policies. Integration with Waters Empower CDS and UNIFI software enables direct injection queue population and QC result correlation—reducing manual data transcription errors and accelerating method transfer between development and QA/QC environments.
Applications
- High-throughput sample preparation for LC-MS bioanalysis (e.g., plasma protein precipitation, supported liquid extraction).
- Method development and validation studies requiring strict adherence to USP Analytical Instrument Qualification guidelines.
- Regulated stability-indicating assays where sample integrity, reagent traceability, and electronic record retention are mandatory.
- Academic and contract research labs scaling assay development while maintaining compliance with NIH, EMA, or PMDA submission requirements.
- QC release testing workflows requiring automated dilution series, spike recovery, and matrix-matched calibration curve generation.
FAQ
Does the Andrew+ require on-site IT infrastructure or local server installation?
No. OneLab operates as a SaaS platform hosted on AWS GovCloud-compliant infrastructure; only internet connectivity and a web browser or iOS/Android tablet are required.
Can existing manual SOPs be converted into Andrew+ workflows?
Yes. OneLab includes a stepwise SOP migration wizard that maps handwritten or PDF-based procedures into executable, validated protocols—with built-in prompts for critical control points and decision gates.
How is pipette calibration maintained and verified?
Calibration data from gravimetric or photometric verification is uploaded directly into OneLab, linked to specific pipette IDs and user accounts, and automatically referenced during workflow execution to enforce volume accuracy limits.
Is the Andrew+ compatible with non-Waters mass spectrometers or chromatography systems?
Yes. Through open CSV/XML output formats and RESTful API access, instrument control sequences and sample list files can be exported to Thermo Fisher, Agilent, SCIEX, and Shimadzu platforms.
What safety certifications does the system hold?
The Andrew+ meets IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (EMC emissions), and carries CE marking under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU.
