Automated Cell Culture Workstation

Cell Care STAR

Consistent Cultures
Cell Maintenance
Reproducible and Scalable
All-in-One Solution
6-, 24-, 96-Well
Walkaway High-Throughput
User-Friendly Interface
Cell Control Software
Real-Time Monitoring

Standardized Cell Culture Workflows

Cell culture maintenance and a wide range of cell-based workflows are fully supported by this integrated platform, powered by Cell Control Software.

Automated Solution for Mammalian Cell Culture

The Cell Care STAR is designed to standardize and scale adherent mammalian cell culture and downstream cell-based workflows. Built on Hamilton’s market-leading Microlab STAR liquid handling platform and housed in a biosafety class II cabinet, this all-in-one solution integrates automated incubation for up to 170 plates, a high-resolution Cell Imaging Reader, and a plate hotel with capacity for up to 130 plates. On deck, DeckWatch features two cameras that continuously record and monitor workflow steps in real time. This preconfigured, fully automated workstation enables seamless scheduling over multiple weeks, supporting uninterrupted cell culture workflows with minimal user intervention.

Great Care for Your Mammalian Cells

The system is designed to accommodate ANSI/SLAS barcoded culture plates in various formats, enabling precise sample tracking and full batch traceability. It features a comprehensive portfolio of advanced modules that ensure cells are handled with accuracy, consistency, and optimal care across a wide range of cell culture applications.

Cell Control Software

Cell Care STAR is powered by intuitive Cell Control software, designed for users managing long-term cell culture workflows. The software enables flexible execution of complex automated processes while simplifying the management of process parameters.

Common applications Cell Biology, Cell Culture, Cell-Based Assays, Pharma & Biopharma, Drug Discovery

Featured Technologies
  • Liquid Handling Technology
    TADM – Total Aspiration & Dispense Monitoring

    For Real-Time Pipetting Accuracy

    During aspirate and dispense steps, TADM monitors real-time pressure changes in each Hamilton liquid handler pipetting channel. Results are compared against expected values to expose anomalies like bubbles and insufficient volumes. Sample transfers are verified with a digital audit trail.

  • Transport Solutions
    Plate Gripper

    For Flexible Integration

    Plate Grippers move labware to-and-from any position on the Hamilton automated liquid handling deck. For even greater hands-free efficiency and workflow integration, the Plate Grippers can transport plates to-and-from nearby off-deck devices (access location is platform-specific).

  • Pipetting Technology
    DPS - Dynamic Positioning System

    For Efficient Movements

    DPS enables all channels to pipette simultaneously, even across non-uniform patterns. Unlike fixed channels with equidistant spreading, DPS offers efficient yet flexible liquid handling for cherry picking, non-uniform and variable volume samples, and complex pipetting workflows.

As a pre-configured, off-the-shelf automated workstation, Cell Care STAR combines optimized hardware and software into a turnkey solution that’s ready to use upon arrival.

Standardized cell maintenance and cell-based workflows eliminate manual variability and enhance reproducibility across laboratories, even as processes scale.

Cell Control software offers a flexible, user-friendly interface that supports resource forecasting, real-time consumable monitoring, and complete batch traceability.

The Cell Care STAR includes onboard imaging, incubation, waste management, and storage to maximize continuous operation with minimal user intervention.

  • Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler inside a ventilated enclosure with integrated workstation and peripheral modules
  • Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler workstation with enclosure, freezer, computer monitor, and peripheral modules
  • Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler workstation with plate hotel, monitor, freezer, and ancillary modules
  • Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler workstation with Cytomat incubator, computer monitor, and peripheral lab devices
  • Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler workstation with integrated cell imager, storage unit, and computer monitor
  • Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler workstation with integrated modules, monitor displaying software interface, and sample storage unit

Explore the Cell Care STAR

1

Erlab Noroit Class II Safety Cabinet

The Erlab Noroit H-Box Biosafety Cabinet protects samples, users, and the environment with HEPA H14 filtration and an ergonomic design.
2

Microlab STAR

The Microlab STAR automated liquid handler provides unmatched pipetting accuracy and precision using CO-RE II Technology. It also houses modules that support comprehensive cell culture workflows.
3

Hamilton R10 Hotel

This plate hotel securely stores up to 130 ANSI/SLAS plates to boost cell culture automation efficiency.
4

Thermo Scientific Cytomat 10 C Cell Incubator

The automated incubator, hosting up to 170 plates, provides the ideal environment to ensure optimal and consistent cell growth conditions.
5

Agilent BioTek Cytation 1 Cell Imaging Reader

This cell imaging plate reader combines fluorescence and brightfield imaging with multi-mode detection for cell imaging, making it ideal for morphology and confluency checks.
6

Cell Control Software

Cell Control software provides real-time system and batch updates to enable effortless monitoring and timely user intervention in dynamic cell-based workflows.

Cell Care STAR Specifications

Cell Care STAR Specifications

Print

System Dimensions

Height
2.48 m (8 ft, 1.6 in)
Width
4.75 m (15 ft, 6.97 in)
Depth
1.34 m (4 ft, 4.91 in)
Hamilton STAR automated liquid handler in open Cell Care workstation enclosure with integrated monitor, storage, and peripherals

Transport Tools

CO-RE Gripper
Standard
Internal Plate Gripper (IPG)
Standard

Platform/Accessories

Capacity (ANSI/SLAS Positions)
Up to 170
Device Integration
180° (Left and Right)

Sample Loading and Tracking Options

Sample Loading
Automatic
Autoload Barcode Scanner (1D)
Standard

Pipetting Options

1 mL Channels
8
Pipetting Range 1
1 µL - 1000 µL

1 Depending on Configuration

Cell Care STAR Resources

Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.

Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.

Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.

Services

Trust in Hamilton’s Field Service Engineers for high-quality automated liquid handler installation, preventative maintenance, and field repairs.

Backed by world-class service and support.

For over 75 years, the Hamilton name has been recognized globally for its unwavering commitment to quality. That pledge extends to creating long-term customer partnerships. We're proud to offer in-depth training courses, on-site field support, custom product builds, and so much more.

Let's Talk

Connect with a Hamilton expert to discuss solutions for your workflow. We are here to enable your success.

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