Tailored to Your Needs
Flexible
Expand and Specialize
Deck Capacity
Up to 55+
ANSI/SLAS positions
Maximize Efficiency
30+ Modules
MultiFlex and Functional

Experience Automation Your Way

The Microlab STAR Line automates liquid handling tasks from simple to complex with exceptional precision and flexibility so that you can increase throughput, reduce errors, and gain confidence in results.

Scientific Citations

Setting the Bar in Automated Liquid Handling Excellence

With thousands of installations in diverse laboratories across the globe, the Hamilton Microlab STAR Line is renowned for its engineering excellence and unlimited application potential.

Creating Value in Any Workflow

From simple nucleic acid extraction to complex cell-based assays requiring multiple on-deck devices, the Microlab STAR enhances efficiency and precision. The highly flexible design, along with a wide range of modules, carriers, and integrations, provide freedom to scale, change, and fully customize an automated solution to encompass workflow needs today and well into the future.

Smart Liquid Handling Starts Here

Compressed O-Ring Expansion II (CO-RE II) Technology creates a tight fit between the pipette channels and tips. This ensures precise tip alignment and highly accurate liquid handling.

Two sizes are available, each with up to sixteen 1 mL or up to eight 5 mL CO-RE pipetting channels. CO-RE 96 Probe and the 384 MultiProbe Head are also available for rapid pipetting into microplates.

VENUS Software offers intuitive drag-and-drop programming, including Power Steps for frequently used pipetting tasks.

Common applications Genomics, Nucleic Acid Extraction, Nucleic Acid Quantification & Normalization, PCR Set-Up, NGS Library Prep

Featured Technologies

Hamilton Technology Starts at the Channel

Liquid Handling Technology

  • MAD - Monitored Air Displacement

    For Unmatched Reliability

    MAD monitors the air displacement in each pipetting channel of a Hamilton automated liquid handler. During liquid aspiration steps, this non-contact technology immediately identifies clots, empty wells, or other aspiration issues. It also delivers a confirmation of successful aspiration in each pipetting channel of a Hamilton automated liquid handler.

  • Dual Liquid Level Detection (LLD)

    For Accurate Aspirations

    Dual LLD uses two sensors on each liquid handling pipetting channel. A capacitance sensor detects aqueous and conductive liquid surfaces while a pressure-based sensor works with non-conductive, viscous, and volatile liquids. Together, they ensure highly accurate and reliable liquid handling performance.

  • 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.

  • Anti-Droplet Control (ADC)

    For Drip-Free Pipetting

    Pressure sensors on Hamilton’s pipetting channels continuously detect variations. Any changes are immediately compensated for by dosing drive movements to prevent droplet formation. Essential for high-precision and accuracy when pipetting volatile liquids like ethanol and acetonitrile.

  • LFC - Liquid Fractionation Control

    For Detecting Liquid Layers via Pressure Monitoring

    Pressure-based monitoring method to detect liquid interfaces in layered samples like centrifuged blood or liquid-liquid chemical extractions. LFC simultaneously and rapidly identifies, separates, and aliquots up to 16 samples into various labware targets. It includes full sample traceability.

  • Pipetting Technology
    Fluid Motion Technology

    More Workspace. More Performance. More Value.

    Innovative drive system enhances the utilization of deck space, enabling researchers to automate more scientific experiments seamlessly within a single unit, ultimately saving valuable lab space.

  • 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.

  • Pipetting Technology
    CO-RE II Tip/Tool Attachment

    The Key to Liquid Handling Workflow Excellence

    The new CO-RE II technology assures more precise tip alignment, minimizing the risk of collisions. Also, tip coupling is faster which boosts productivity. Besides tips, a wide range of Hamilton tools are applicable with CO-RE II.

  • Pipetting Technology
    Aerosol-Free Tip Ejection

    To Prevent Cross-Contamination

    As part of CO-RE II technology’s functionality, pipette tips are gently ejected from each automated liquid handler pipetting channel. This prevents aerosol generation that may expose users to harmful biohazards or cross-contaminate samples and laboratory surfaces.

  • Accessories
    Autoload

    For Convenient Identification

    Uses a 1D barcode scanner to automatically identify and verify samples, carriers, and consumables such as tips, tubes, micro plates, and reagent troughs as they are placed onto the liquid handling deck. Optional 2D barcode reading is available, and results may be sent to any LIMS for documentation.

  • Transport Solutions
    CO-RE Gripper

    For Additional Movements

    Further streamline automated workflows with CO-RE Grippers. These agile grippers transform Hamilton's precision pipette channels into on-deck labware transport solutions on Hamilton automated liquid handlers.

  • 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
    Capacitive Liquid Level Detection

    For Accurate Pipetting

    Channels are equipped with capacitance sensors that detect the liquid level through capacitive Liquid Level Detection (cLLD). Hamilton’s black conductive CO-RE tips facilitate capacitance sensing with the conductivity properties tailored for the capacitive liquids.

  • Pipetting Technology
    Clot Detection

    To Avoid Errors

    Clot Detection pipetting channels are equipped with a pressure sensor that allows for pressure monitoring during aspiration and can detect blocked tips due to clots.

  • Software
    Graphical User Interface

    For Easy Operation

    The intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) makes operation as simple as a smartphone app. Get started developing, editing, and running protocols without the need for automation or coding expertise.

With robust, repeatable, and hands-free performance, the Microlab STAR Line strengthens confidence in results while reducing the frequency of repeated work.

Preventative maintenance and expert Hamilton support keep your Microlab STAR running at peak condition during critical assays and over its lifespan.

Interchangeable tools, accessories, deck configurations, and intuitive software suit a wide range of dynamic workflow needs.

Explore the Microlab STAR

1

Pipetting Configurations

Choose from up to sixteen 1 mL channels, up to eight 5 mL channels, the CO-RE 96 Probe Head, and the 384 Multi-Probe Head.
2

Deck Space and Integration

Up to 66 tracks and up to 55+ ANSI/SLAS positions hold consumables, reagents, and devices from Hamilton and other providers. Additional devices can be integrated on the left and right sides.
3

Status Light Bar

Serves as a visual status indicator, using color to display display operating state: Idle / Available, Normal Operation, User Action Required and Error Recovery.
4

VENUS Software

Provides basic and advanced programming and flexible assay setup. Also offers bi-directional laboratory information management system (LIMS) integration.
5

CO-RE Channel Enhancements

Turn your CO-RE pipetting channels into multi-functional tools by adding options like the CO-RE Gripper, FlipTube Tool, and Suction Tool.
6

Optional Process Integrity Tools

A UV Light and HEPA hood protect against pathogen contamination, while Deckwatch offers camera-based deck monitoring and CELSORA monitors temperature and humidity.

Microlab STAR Specifications

Microlab STAR Specifications

Print

System Dimensions

Height
90.3 cm (2 ft, 11.55 in)
Width
1.66 m (5 ft, 5.51 in)
Depth
78.1 cm to 1.01 m (2 ft, 6.75 in to 3 ft, 3.8 in)

General Specifications

Weight
145 kg

Transport Tools

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

Platform/Accessories

IVDR Compliant
No
Capacity (ANSI/SLAS Positions)
55
Device Integration
180° (Left and Right)

Sample Loading and Tracking Options

Sample Loading
Automatic, Continuous
Manual Load
Standard
Autoload Barcode Scanner (1D)
Optional
Autoload Barcode Scanner (2D)
Optional

Pipetting Options

1 mL Channels
Up To 16
5 mL Channels
Up To 8
Fluid Motion X1 Channels
Up To 16
MagPip Channels
n/a
Multi-Probe Head Option
96 and/or 384
Pipetting Range 1
1 µL - 5000 µL

Microlab STAR IVD Specifications

Print

System Dimensions

Height
90.3 cm (2 ft, 11.55 in)
Width
1.66 m (5 ft, 5.51 in)
Depth
78.1 cm to 1.01 m (2 ft, 6.75 in to 3 ft, 3.8 in)

General Specifications

Weight
145 kg

Transport Tools

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

Platform/Accessories

IVDR Compliant
Yes, 2017/746/EU (IVDR)
Capacity (ANSI/SLAS Positions)
55
Device Integration
n/a

Sample Loading and Tracking Options

Manual Load
No
Autoload Barcode Scanner (1D)
No
Autoload Barcode Scanner (2D)
Standard

Pipetting Options

1 mL Channels
Up To 16
5 mL Channels
Up To 8
Fluid Motion X1 Channels
n/a
MagPip Channels
n/a
Multi-Probe Head Option
n/a
Pipetting Range 1
1 µL - 5000 µL

Microlab STARlet Specifications

Print

System Dimensions

Height
90.3 cm (2 ft, 11.55 in)
Width
1.12 m (3 ft, 8.25 in)
Depth
78.1 cm to 1.01 m (2 ft, 6.75 in to 3 ft, 3.8 in)

General Specifications

Weight
135 kg

Transport Tools

CO-RE Gripper
Optional
Internal Swivel Arm Plate Handler (iSWAP)
Optional

Platform/Accessories

IVDR Compliant
No
Capacity (ANSI/SLAS Positions)
25
30 (with FM channels)
Device Integration
180° (Left and Right)

Sample Loading and Tracking Options

Sample Loading
Automatic, Continuous
Manual Load
Standard
Autoload Barcode Scanner (1D)
Optional
Autoload Barcode Scanner (2D)
Optional

Pipetting Options

1 mL Channels
Up To 16
Fluid Motion X1 Channels
Up To 16
MagPip Channels
n/a
Multi-Probe Head Option
96
Pipetting Range 1
1 µL - 5000 µL

1 Depending on Configuration

Support your entire workflow with Hamilton's integrated products.

Sample Storage Integration

Link your Hamilton automated liquid handling system  to a sample storage system such as our Verso Q-Series to create a fully automated processing center.

Verso Q Series integrated with Microlab STAR

Extend with Integrated Devices

From heating to shaking, to cooling and much more. The expandable modules create added value for every workflow in every laboratory, and also maximize walk-away time.

Microlab 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.

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.

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Services

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

Maximize your Hamilton Automated Liquid Handling System’s performance with our three pillars of pipetting excellence: Verify, Check, and Monitor for unmatched precision.

Hamilton’s Advanced Product Engineering group delivers custom, high-performance automation systems with rapid deployment and minimal maintenance.

Hamilton’s Field Service Engineers adapt your Hamilton automated liquid handler to your changing needs so you can achieve new goals.

From our Field Service Engineers to our compliance with regulatory standards, you can expect high quality from Hamilton.

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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