Hardware
Robots (100-124)
100 – N9 Robot 4-Axis
The N9 Robot is a four-axis SCARA manipulator. It features an infinitely rotating end-effector with torque sensing designed specifically for capping vials, a built-in probe for pipetting, and tool-grasping capabilities that enable wafer handling. The robot is designed to quickly and repeatedly transport samples around the N9 platform, making it the workhorse of any North Robotics system.
102-104 – L-Series Linear Robots
L-Series robots feature three ultra-stiff translating axes of customizable length. These axes are designed for moving racks and samples between frame decks and into third-party instruments beside the platform. These robots’ simple kinematics and rigidity often make them a preferred choice over a six-axis arm.
Controllers (125-149)
125 – C9 Controller 8-Axis N9
The C9 System Controller is an interface between the computer and numerous N9 modules. The C9 Controller features four (4) axis and four (4) auxilliary axes for motion control, four (4) COM ports, six (6) pneumatic outputs, eighteen (18) 24 V digital outputs, sixteen (16) 5 V digital inputs, eight (8) 16-bit analog inputs, and can network to additional controllers to extend system capability.
126 – C8 Controller 8-Axis Auxilliary Motor
The C8 Controller features eight (8) auxiliary motion control axes, extending the capabilities of the C9 Controller in complex systems. This controller unit drives the motion axes of every motorized module, including the L-Series Linear Robots, with the exception of the N9 Robot.
129 – C2 Controller 2-Axis Auxilliary Motor (24 V)
The C2 Controller features two (2) auxiliary motion control axes, extending the capabilities of the C9 Controller. It is perfect for driving axes that use stepper motors, such as the Wafer Conductivity Testing Station or the Peristaltic Pumps.
130 – T8 Temperature Controller
The T8 Temperature Controller is used to monitor process temperatures and actuate heating elements in temperature-controlled modules. The T8 features eight temperature process channels with dual heating/cooling functionality that are actuated with relays. Each channel supports either thermocouple or RTD input and allows for 120 V, 4 A (500 W) max per channel.
136 – P2 Powder Controller
The P2 Powder Controller powers and controls the Powder Driver and monitors sensor data from other modules and instruments, such as Balance. The P2 can control up to six (6) Powder Drivers and is required for any Powder Dispensing Operation.
Structural (150-199)
150 – N9 Frame
The N9 Frame is a structural base that supports all other N9 system modules. The frame deck is 814×664 mm and features a grid arrangement of M4 tapped holes spaced at 37.5 mm for mounting modules and shelves. Additional shelves can be mounted below the deck. Twelve cable ports at the back of the frame deck help keep the workstation organized.
154 – Adjustable Frame
This adjustable height frame can be used to position and access third-party instruments for easy loading and unloading.
162 – Shelf Unit
The Shelf Unit is mounted underneath the N9 Frame. Each shelf can support a full-sized controller from North Robotics, such as the C9, C8, and T8, or two half-sized controllers, such as the P2. Additional shelves can be added to the Shelf Unit as needed. Most N9 systems use three shelves.
164 – Pump Stand
The Pump Stand is mounted on top of the N9 Frame, typically to the right of the N9 Robot arm. A single stand supports up to six Syringe Pump modules, up to three Peristaltic Pump modules, a combination of four Syringe and one Peristaltic Pumps, or a combination of two Syringe and two Peristaltic Pumps. Cable guides help keep workstations organized by routing cables and tubes up the stand legs and through the cable rings that sit above the Dispensing Carousel.
166 – Pipette Stand
The Pipette Stand provides structural support for two Pipette Tip racks. The specific racks paired with this stand will depend on the diameter of the tips being used. Magnetic points connect racks to their proper position on the stand, making it easy to quickly swap in a full rack.
167 – Pipette Tip Remover
The Pipette Tip Remover strips used pipette tips from the end of the N9 Robot Arm. The N9 positions itself under the remover then moves its tip probe up through the remover. Used tips fall into a collection bin below. The Pipette Tip Remover is required for any workflow using pipette tips with the N9 arm.
170 – Enclosure
The Enclosure is designed for performing positive-pressure, inert-atmosphere experiments with the system when paired with a fully-sealed Floor Platform deck. Gasketed panels and doors allow interaction with the system when not in use. The Enclosure also provides collision protection by providing a physical barrier between operators and the system.
Racks (200-249)
200-214 – Vial and Tube Racks
North Robotics sells a variety of racks for holding standard-sized laboratory vessels ranging in volume from 2 ml HPLC vials to 50 ml Falcon centrifuge tubes. Rack capacities vary by vessel type.
215 – Powder Rack
The Powder Rack is used to stock Robot Loadable Powder Cartridges when they are not in use on the Carousel. This rack supports 12 cartridges in the same footprint as a single vial rack.
230 – Pipette Tip Rack
This rack for holding pipette tips up to 5 ml in volume in the Pipette Stand. Each rack is a standard size with a capacity depending on the diameter of the type of vessel it holds.
240-241 – Wafer Racks
These racks hold wafers and substrates, typically of 20 mm or 25 mm square size. Wafers are retrieved using the Wafer Handling Vacuum Tool.
Dispensing (250-299)
250 – Dispensing Carousel
The Dispensing Carousel can dispense solid and liquid materials into target vessels. A two-step carousel alignment process ensures accurate and collision-free dispensing. In its typical configuration, the carousel plate features seven hose fittings for dispensing liquids from pump modules, such as the Syringe Pump, and six fittings for Powder Dispense modules. This customization allows the Carousel to be built according to each user’s workflow.
251 – Powder Driver
The Powder Driver contains the actuators for dispensing powder from Powder Cartridges. After installation, it stays fixed on the carousel plate while different Powder Cartridges may be loaded onto it, either using the N9 during experiments or manually beforehand. Each Powder Driver holds one cartridge at a time. Up to six Powder Drivers fit on the Dispensing Carousel. The Powder Driver is powered by the P2 Powder Controller.
252– Powder Cartridge
The Powder Cartridge is a reservoir that holds powders for dispensing. Human Loadable Powder Cartridges have larger reservoirs but lack the geometry to be manipulated by the N9 and thus are fixed for the duration of the routine. Robot Loadable Powder Cartridges have smaller reservoirs but may be moved by the N9 Robot between a Powder Rack on the deck to an available Powder Driver on the Dispensing Carousel.
256 – Peristaltic Pump
The Peristaltic Pump module consists of two independent peristaltic pumps. Each pump can be used to transfer a relatively large amount of fluid quickly, as opposed to the Syringe Pumps which transfer a limited volume of fluid slowly but with greater precision. One Peristaltic Pump occupies the volume of two Syringe Pumps on the Pump Shelf.
260 – Syringe Pump
The TriContinent C3000 Syringe Pump is ideal for many dispensing and pipetting operations across the N9 platform. A syringe between 50 µL and 12.5 mL is mounted vertically on a Pump that actuates the plunger to aspirate and dispense fluids with up to 3 µL of accuracy.
Each syringe output features a multi-port valve allowing for a variety of routing options. Up to 15 Syringe Pumps can be connected in a daisy-chain configuration to a single C9 Controller.
Heating and Mixing (300-349)
300 – Reaction Pod
The reaction pod clamps, heats, and magnetically stirs 8 mL vials. This module is similar to the SBS format Mixer/Heater with a clamping rack, but it operates on a single vial to allow for individual temperature and mixing control. Temperature functions are controlled by the T8 Temperature Controller, while motion and clamping are controlled by a C-series Controller.
305 – Wafer Annealer
This module accepts a single wafer or substrate up to 25 mm square, heating to a maximum temperature of 300°C. The temperature is controlled by a T8 Temperature Controller.
320 – SBS Mixer/Heater
This mixer/heater module magnetically stirs and heats multiple vessels up to 250°C. The module is designed for use with vials, which sit in a heated aluminum rack, and SBS format wellplates, which sit on a heated plate. The racks or plates are situated above a magnetic drum. As the drum turns, magnetic stir bars in the vessels are excited and mix the fluid. The optional clamping rack allows vials to be clamped while in the module for capping operations.
325 – Centrifuge, Large
The large centrifuge mounts under the N9 Frame deck, optimizing frame space for additional modules. It is loaded by the N9 robot through a cutout in the deck.
326 – Centrifuge, Small
The small centrifuge is mounted on the N9 Frame deck. It is designed to centrifuge 2 ml and 4 ml vials at speeds up to 4000 rpm.
Sensors and Other Instruments (350-399)
350 – Balance
The Balance integrates directly with the Clamp to weigh samples while capping and dispensing operations are performed in rapid succession. This module is exceptionally robust with built in crash and spill protections.
Balances are available in either 0.1 mg (80 g range) or 1 mg (350 g range) configurations.
355 – Camera Module
The camera module is mounted to the N9 Frame deck and is used in computer vision applications. It consists of an articulated stand with two joints, allowing a variety of position options. The camera connects directly to the PC rather than a North Robotics Controller.
370 – Spin Coater
The Spin Coater module is used to create thin, uniform coatings on a substrate by spinning it at high speed while a solution is applied. The Spin Coater can spin a 20 mm or 25 mm substrate at 6000 rpm, holding the sample in place with vacuum pressure. The pneumatic lid allows for easy substrate loading and unloading with the N9 Robot and Wafer Handler Vacuum Tool.
375 – Wafer Conductivity Testing Station
The Wafer Conductivity Testing Station aids in characterizing the electrical properties of substrates. The module has two banks of probes which translate precisely over a substrate and are lowered pneumatically to make contact such that a third-party instrument can measure the desired electrical characteristics. The substrate is loaded and unloaded with the N9 Robot and the Wafer Handler Vacuum Tool.
Pneumatic Actuators (500-599)
500 – Clamp
The Clamp holds vessels such as vials, tubes, and bottles during capping and uncapping operations. This module integrates directly with the Balance to weigh samples while capping and dispensing operations are performed in rapid succession.
Clamps are actuated pneumatically, allowing for an adjustable holding force between 10 and 70 kg. Interchangeable fingers support vessel volumes as small as 2 mL HPLC vials and as large as 250 mL bottles.
505 – Wafer Handler Vacuum Tool
The Wafer Handler Vacuum Tool allows the N9 robotic arm to manipulate wafers and substrates, typically of 20 mm or 25 mm square size. The tool is picked up by the N9’s gripper where it can in turn gently pick up samples from modules such as the Wafer Rack, Annealing Block, or Spin Coater using vacuum suction.