SmartSleds™ are configurable or custom-developed automation modules engineered to add the processing, sensing, detection, thermal control, fluidics, motion and consumable handling required by your workflow.
SmartSleds™ can be engineered for KORAL™ or compatible liquid handlers you already own, adding workflow-specific functions that reduce sample transfers and manual handling while improving workflow efficiency and repeatability.
SmartSleds™ can also be configured for standalone development or incorporated into development of a proprietary commercial instrument
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Integrate SmartSleds™ with KORAL™ or existing automation
The patent-pending SmartSleds™ architecture is self-describing and hot-swappable, with an onboard controller that allows each module to be independently recognized, configured and controlled.
Native KORAL™ Integration
SmartSleds™ extend KORAL™ with the workflow-specific functionality required to execute your complete workflow.
Existing Automation Integration
FIH Health & Biotech can engineer custom SmartSleds™ to extend compatible laboratory automation, including platforms such as Hamilton, adapting mechanical, electrical, software and control interfaces to add workflow-specific functionality while preserving your existing automation investment.
Standalone Development
SmartSleds™ technology can also be configured as a standalone benchtop module with external power and PC-based control for focused workflow development and validation.
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From workflow validation to commercial product development
Once the workflow and product requirements are understood, FIH Health & Biotech can incorporate applicable SmartSleds™ hardware, electronics, firmware, software, interfaces, and process knowledge into the development of your commercial system.
Software and firmware developed within FIH Health & Biotech’s IEC 62304 lifecycle framework can also provide a foundation for downstream regulated product development.
Depending on the application and commercial model, that can include:
• Custom instrument, subsystem, or module development
• Custom consumable integration
• Customer-branded or OEM modules and systems
• Manufacturing and lifecycle support
The objective is to reuse validated technology and focus resources on the elements that differentiate the product.
By integrating manufacturing considerations early in SmartSleds™ development, FIH Health & Biotech can provide earlier visibility into manufacturability, reliability, and COGS.
Configure SmartSleds™ to meet workflow requirements
SmartSleds™ are not limited to a predefined set of functions. FIH Health & Biotech can configure existing SmartSleds™ technology or develop a custom module to meet the requirements of your workflow, including:
Incubation
Controlled temperature and timed incubation steps.
Imaging + Detection
Integrated imaging and optical detection for workflow monitoring and assay readout.
Pumping + Valving
Integrated fluid movement, routing, and control.
Vortexing + Mixing
Controlled sample and reagent mixing.
Thermal Cycling
Programmable heating and cooling for thermal cycling and other temperature-controlled process steps.
Magnetic-Bead Processing
Integrated manipulation for bead-based sample preparation and assays.
Labware
Supports standard labware formats, including tubes, plates, and reservoirs.
Custom Consumables
Mechanical, fluidic, and control interfaces engineered around proprietary consumables and their workflow requirements.
Applications and development areas
SmartSleds™ can support workflow automation development across:
Diagnostics & IVD
Point-of-Care Testing
Cell & Gene Therapy
Genomics & Sequencing
Proteomics
Life-Science Instruments
Sample Preparation
Consumables Development
Use the icons to explore KORAL™
Module format:
5- or 6-track SmartSled™
Onboard controller:
Hamilton ZEUS 2.0
Instrument controller:
Dedicated microcontroller
Motion + actuation:
Stepper-driven positioning and control
Sensing:
Multi-channel opto-sensing
Control interface:
USB or RS-232
Power input:
5V / 24V DC
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Magnetic Bead Actuator
Supports bead capture for separation during extraction
Consumable Cartridge
Custom carrier, 150+ mm — supports custom consumables or standard labware
Thermal Control
Integrated heater control for workflow-specific temperatures (e.g., lysis, elution)
Onboard Controller
STM32 microcontroller gives the SmartSled™ independent, self-describing capability to perform functions
I/O + USB Hub
2 × 24 VDC, 6 A relay outputs; USB or RS-232 control, plus a 4-channel USB hub; Opto-sensor channels for cartridge sensing, position, and auto-teach
Cartridge Positioning
Stepper-driven motion with dedicated stepper motor driver support
SmartSleds™ at a glance
This is an example of an Nucleic Acid Extraction (NAE)
Use the icons to explore SmartSleds™
Example SmartSled™: Nucleic Acid Extraction (NAE)
The NAE SmartSled™ combines cartridge positioning, workflow-specific thermal control, magnetic-bead processing, custom consumable handling, and onboard control to support lysis, elution, capture, and separation steps.
SmartSleds™ can be configured or custom-developed around your workflow, automation platform, consumable, and product requirements.
Frequently asked questions
From workflow-specific to modeule to commercial product.
FIH Health & Biotech can support the transition from workflow-specific module development through product development, industrialization, and manufacturing.
SmartSleds™
Custom workflow automation modules
Extend Liquid Handling to Execute the Complete Workflow.
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