Table 1.

Advantages and disadvantages of 1st generation automated cell culture systems

Culture system	Manufacturer	Advantages	Limitations
Freedom EVO	Tecan	– High precision – Allows for effective speeding up of processing – Offers liquid detection and notification for particles obstructing the pipetting	– Requires specific consumables – Requires special training for its programming and utilising fully the software’s capabilities
STAR	Hamilton	– High precision pipetting at small volumes – Modular design allowing for expansion as needs grow	– Requires specific consumables – Handles small volumes (< 5 mL) at a time
CompacT SelecT	Sartorius	– Suitable for both adherent and suspension cell culture – Ability to process up to 90 T175 flasks and 384 well plates – Runs subculture, cell counting and harvesting	– Requires additional pieces of equipment (e.g. centrifuge, microscope) to carry out the workflow – Large footprint
Biomek® 4000	Beckman Coulter	– Provides accuracy at handling small volumes	– Requires specific consumables
RoboLector	M2P labs	– Includes preparation of media – Allows for pH adjustments	– Volumes higher than 950 µL are pipetted in 2 steps
Cellmate	TAP Biosystems	– Using both flasks and roller bottles	– Does not incorporate automated harvesting
CyBio®	Analytik Jena	– Full assay automation including preparation of assay plates and measurements, cell seeding and incubator for further culture	– Only takes microplates – Requires specific consumables
Ambr15® and Ambr250®	Sartorius	– Proven scale down models – High throughput – Ability to run multiple conditions simultaneously – Suitable for optimisation studies	– Require specific consumables – Limited agitation speed range