Secure
-80°C
Biological Sample Storage
Store Up to
23 Million
Samples
Fully
Green
Refrigeration

Links Seamlessly With Your Lab

BiOS interfaces with your IT infrastructure and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) by providing the BiOS API and remote monitoring options.

Poster frame for Hamilton BiOS case study video
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Use case

How It's Used

Aiding Responsiveness for Alzheimer's Disease Research

Indiana University School of Medicine is a leader in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and home to the National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD). A BiOS M10 helps NCRAD improve efficiency and consistency in their sample storage and retrieval processes.

BiOS - Minus 80°C Automated Lab Freezer

Your Solution for Biological Sample Management

Hamilton BiOS is an automated storage system designed to store sensitive biological samples. This ultra-low temperature freezer is capable of reaching temperatures down to minus 80°C, ensuring biological sample integrity. BiOS can be scaled to fit your laboratory needs as a premier option for storing biological specimens.

Secure Biological Sample Storage

BiOS stores biological samples at minus 80°C and keeps specimens close to temperature throughout their entire life inside the system. All the while introducing and sorting samples, managing the inventory, and processing and delivering orders. In addition, BiOS records a full audit trail and temperature log for all samples managed in the system.

Its modular and scalable design allows storage of 100,000 to 23 million samples in a wide variety of labware. It seamlessly interfaces with your IT infrastructure and LIMS by providing the BiOS API and remote monitoring options.

Power and Simplicity Combined

The BiOS automated sample storage platform runs on the powerful, easy-to-use INSTINCT S software, which allows users to run daily operations with minimal training.

Common applications Genomics, Protein Sciences, Biobanking, Veterinary Sciences, Pharma & Biopharma, Biotechnology

Featured Technologies
  • Storage Technologies
    -80°C Universal Picker

    For ultimate flexibility

    BiOS systems feature at least one -80°C Tube Picker for all sample picking and defragmentation. This picker is compatible with a wide range of labware types and multiple labware types per system, without any need for mechanical modification. Most importantly, picking occurs within a dedicated -80°C chest freezer to maintain sample temperature during picking.

  • Storage Technologies
    Tube Side Barcode Reader

    For enhanced traceability

    An optional Tube Side Barcode Scanning Module is available to identify 1D and 2D barcodes on the sides of tubes and associate that barcode information with their location in the parent rack.

  • Storage Technologies
    Redundant Refrigeration

    For preventing disruptions

    Fully redundant refrigeration modules provide increased system uptime. These modules maintain continuous operation in the event of primary component failure, reducing downtime and potential sample loss.

  • Storage Technologies
    Parallel Processing

    For the highest throughput

    BiOS automation modules are designed to move simultaneously, in parallel, to complete jobs faster. Additional modules, such as a second picker, reduce job processing time and act as a built-in "spare" to minimize downtime.

Hamilton BiOS provides unparalleled sample integrity
Hamilton BiOS comes in three models for ultimate modular sample capacity
Hamilton BiOS can store a wide range of labware.
Interior shot of a Hamilton BiOS automated sample storage platform
Hamilton BiOS is easily serviced.

BiOS ensures samples are kept at ultra-low temperatures, even during processing. By eliminating temperature fluctuations, degradation is prevented.

With two different models (M and L), the capacity of BiOS minus 80°C lab freezers can be scaled to fit your specific storage facility needs.

A mixture of labware, including a wide variety of microtubes, cryovials, and blood tubes can be stored and sorted within the same system.

Reliability is key to maximizing productivity. BiOS realizes this by keeping all automation in the minus 20°C area to increase dependability.

Service to the system can be done quickly and efficiently because the refrigeration compartments are externally accessible, which minimizes downtime.

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Explore Hamilton BiOS

BiOS is designed to provide sample integrity, flexibility, and reliability.

1

User Access

Introduce and retrieve samples simply using the multifunctional Input/Output (I/O) module. This frees up time to work on more important tasks, such as your research.
2

ID Station

The ID station utilizes a camera and mirror system to simultaneously image 2D barcodes on the bottoms of tubes and racks, as well as 1D and 2D barcodes on the sides of racks.
3

Modular -80°C Refrigeration Systems

Each system has multiple independent and fully redundant refrigeration systems for maximum sample security, and external service access for ease of maintenance.
4

Cassette Puller

The puller transports cassette shelving units to/from the I/O module for loading and unloading samples. It also places/ejects labware from cassettes in long-term storage.
5

Rack Robot

The Rack Robot transports sample racks and plates between the Cassette Puller, the -80°C Tube Picker, and the ID Station.
6

Insulated Cold Room Enclosure

Environmentally-controlled enclosure provides optimal conditions for storing and processing samples at -80°C.
Lab tech interacting with Hamilton BiOS

Environmentally Friendly

Green refrigerants offer significant benefits in ultra-low temperature refrigeration applications thanks to their high cooling capacity, energy efficiency, negligible ozone depletion potential, and negligible Global Warming Potential (GWP).

Efficiently Sustainable

Reduce the energy consumption and laboratory footprint of a biorepository up to 75% compared to manual ULT freezers.

Phased Expansion

Each -80°C freezer can be independently activated and deactivated for energy savings so that customers may turn on just the freezer compartments needed at the time. Additionally, BiOS systems are capable of system field expansion with the addition of new chest freezer compartments and lengthening of cold room enclosures.

Hamilton BiOS Refrigeration Graphic

Preserving Sample Integrity

Part of building a reliable automated storage system means considering the “what-ifs” and designing those scenarios into the system.

Frost Prevention

BiOS has extensive frost prevention technologies. However, Hamilton acknowledges that frost may still build up over time in any ultra-low temperature system. An optional spare freezer chest makes sample evacuation and chest freezer defrost possible without ever having to remove samples from the BiOS system.

Power Outage Measures

In the event of a power loss, samples are safely returned to the -80°C chest freezers. A battery backed-up LN2 supply system will maintain a -80°C storage temperature in the chest freezers for 48 hours.

Space and Energy Savings

Below is one example of a midsized BiOS system compared to a manual freezer farm. 

With BiOS, power consumption per sample decreases and valuable lab space is optimized.

 BiOS L5Manual ULTs (assumes 75% fill density)
Storage Capacity2.6 million 1 mL samples62 upright 740 L capacity manual freezers
FootprintBiOS L5 occupies 42 m2 [452 ft2]62 manual freezers occupy 188 m2 [2,022 ft2]
Power Consumption225 kW/day806-1,302 kW/day, depending on model, maintenance history, and age
Annual Equivalent CO2 Emissions*35.6 metric tons75.5-187 metric tons
Servicing and MaintenanceRedundant refrigeration systems ensure samples do not need to be evacuated during service. Design features in BiOS prevent frost accumulation and the system does not require regular defrost of storage chests.Evacuation to additional backup freezers is required during emergency and for annual defrosting and other maintenance tasks.
Heat Load Impact to HVAC SystemsNone; BiOS refrigeration systems utilize chilled water.663 W [104,000 BTUs]/hour

*EPA (2021). eGRID. U.S. annual national emission factor, year 2019 data. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. (https://www.epa.gov/egrid)

A graphic showing the space savings of Hamilton BiOS versus a manual freezer farm.

Simple, Powerful Automation Software

Our automated sample storage platforms run on the powerful, easy-to-use INSTINCT S software, which allows users to run daily operations easily with minimal training.

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INSTINCT S is our powerful sample management software that is available across all Hamilton automated sample storage platforms - BiOS, SAM HD Pro, Verso, Verso Dx, and Verso Q-Series systems. The beauty of INSTINCT S is its simplicity; the software allows users to operate the automated sample storage system with minimal training.

Additionally, the software's dynamic Application Programming Interface (API) is able to interact directly with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or with Hamilton liquid handling workstations.

InVision Data Analytics

Hamilton's InVision Data Analytics Executive Report Screenshot

Insightful Analytics for Smarter Decisions

Hamilton is pleased to offer the InVision Data Analytics package as an optional add-on to BiOS warranties and service contracts. InVision provides robust, user-friendly Microsoft Power BI-based reports that filter data from the BiOS system’s SQL database and displays it graphically in an aesthetic, easy-to-understand format.

Output Flexibility

InVision can present both Executive and Technical reports to meet the needs of different stakeholders. The software can run useful reports for both high-level management as well as day-to-day operational users. Additionally, users can dynamically filter the display output by time period, physical location, labware type, library, job type, and more.

BiOS Specifications

BiOS M Specifications

System Dimensions

Height
2.93 m (9 ft, 7.35 in)
Width
4.34 m (14 ft, 2.87 in)
Length
3.9 m to 22.5 m (12 ft, 9.54 in to 73 ft, 9.83 in)
Hamilton BiOS M5 Automated Biobanking System

Storage Capacity (Standard Racks) 1

0.3 mL Tubes
10.5 Million
0.5 mL Tubes
7.65 Million
0.6 mL Tubes
6.8 Million
1.0 mL Tubes
4.53 Million
2.0 mL Tubes
2.41 Million
5.0 mL Tubes
1.14 Million
Shallow-Well Plates
N/A
SBS Microplates
N/A

Storage Capacity (RackWare High-Density Racks) 1

0.3 mL Tubes
14.2 Million
0.5 mL Tubes
11 Million
0.6 mL Tubes
9.36 Million
1.0 mL Tubes
6.43 Million
2.0 mL Tubes
3.01 Million
5.0 mL Tubes
1.42 Million

General Specifications

Storage Temperature
-80°C

Barcode Reader

Plates
1D and 2D
Racks
1D and 2D
Tubes
2D (Bottom) and 1D or 2D (Side; Optional)

BiOS L Specifications

System Dimensions

Height
4.23 m (13 ft, 10.54 in)
Width
4.34 m (14 ft, 2.87 in)
Length
3.9 m to 22.5 m (12 ft, 9.54 in to 73 ft, 9.83 in)
Hamilton BiOS L5 Automated Sample Storage System

Storage Capacity (Standard Racks) 1

0.3 mL Tubes
17 Million
0.5 mL Tubes
12.5 Million
0.6 mL Tubes
10.8 Million
1.0 mL Tubes
7.65 Million
2.0 mL Tubes
3.96 Million
5.0 mL Tubes
1.91 Million
Shallow-Well Plates
N/A
SBS Microplates
N/A

Storage Capacity (RackWare High-Density Racks) 1

0.3 mL Tubes
23.2 Million
0.5 mL Tubes
17.9 Million
0.6 mL Tubes
15.5 Million
1.0 mL Tubes
11 Million
2.0 mL Tubes
4.78 Million
5.0 mL Tubes
2.39 Million

General Specifications

Storage Temperature
-80°C

Barcode Reader

Plates
1D and 2D
Racks
1D and 2D
Tubes
2D (Bottom) and 1D or 2D (Side; Optional)

1 Note: Contact Hamilton for exact capacities.

Support your entire workflow with Hamilton's integrated products.

Simple LIMS Integration

Robust, fully supported Application Programming Interface (API) for seamless integration into your workflow and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Hamilton Simple LIMS Integration

BiOS 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.

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    Verso Q-Series
Hamilton BiOS M5 Automated Biobanking System
Hamilton BiOS L5 Automated Sample Storage System
Hamilton's SAM HD Pro compact automated lab freezer
BiOS M

BiOS is Hamilton’s premier minus 80°C freezer for medium- and large-capacity storage. This ultra-low temperature freezer maintains the integrity of your biological sample storage throughout automation. BiOS M is designed for smaller collections or laboratories with limited space.

BiOS L

BiOS is Hamilton’s premier minus 80°C freezer for medium- and large-capacity storage. This ultra-low temperature freezer maintains the integrity of your biological sample storage throughout automation. BiOS L provides the greatest storage capacity per square foot in laboratories with available ceiling height.

SAM HD Pro
The SAM HD Pro lab freezer is your solution for high-density storage with a small footprint. This compact lab freezer is capable of ultra-low temperatures down to minus 80°C to ensure sample integrity. The SAM HD Pro sample freezer makes automated storage quick and easy.
Height 2.93 m (9 ft, 7.35 in)
Height 4.23 m (13 ft, 10.54 in)
Height 2.22 m (7 ft, 3.4 in)
Width 4.34 m (14 ft, 2.87 in)
Width 4.34 m (14 ft, 2.87 in)
Width 1.39 m (4 ft, 6.72 in)
Length 3.9 m to 22.5 m (12 ft, 9.54 in to 73 ft, 9.83 in)
Length 3.9 m to 22.5 m (12 ft, 9.54 in to 73 ft, 9.83 in)
Length 1.5 m (4 ft, 11.06 in)
-80°C Universal Picker
Tube Side Barcode Reader
Redundant Refrigeration
Parallel Processing
-80°C Universal Picker
Tube Side Barcode Reader
Redundant Refrigeration
Parallel Processing
AMR Integration
Whisper-Quiet Operation
Universal Variable Drive
Touchscreen Monitor
Tube Side Barcode Reader
Shallow-Well Plates N/A
Shallow-Well Plates N/A
Shallow-Well Plates
SBS Microplates N/A
SBS Microplates N/A
SBS Microplates 803
0.3 mL Tubes 10.5 Million
0.3 mL Tubes 17 Million
0.3 mL Tubes 59,712
0.5 mL Tubes 7.65 Million
0.5 mL Tubes 12.5 Million
0.5 mL Tubes 34,080
0.6 mL Tubes 6.8 Million
0.6 mL Tubes 10.8 Million
0.6 mL Tubes 34,080
1.0 mL Tubes 4.53 Million
1.0 mL Tubes 7.65 Million
1.0 mL Tubes 28,800
2.0 mL Tubes 2.41 Million
2.0 mL Tubes 3.96 Million
2.0 mL Tubes 14,448
5.0 mL Tubes 1.14 Million
5.0 mL Tubes 1.91 Million
5.0 mL Tubes 8,496
1.4 mL Tubes (Septum)
1.4 mL Tubes (Septum)
1.4 mL Tubes (Septum) 34,080
1.8 mL Tubes
1.8 mL Tubes
1.8 mL Tubes 14,448
0.3 mL Tubes 14.2 Million
0.3 mL Tubes 23.2 Million
0.3 mL Tubes 85,836
0.5 mL Tubes 11 Million
0.5 mL Tubes 17.9 Million
0.5 mL Tubes 48,990
0.6 mL Tubes 9.36 Million
0.6 mL Tubes 15.5 Million
0.6 mL Tubes 48,990
1.0 mL Tubes 6.43 Million
1.0 mL Tubes 11 Million
1.0 mL Tubes 41,400
2.0 mL Tubes 3.01 Million
2.0 mL Tubes 4.78 Million
2.0 mL Tubes 18,060
5.0 mL Tubes 1.42 Million
5.0 mL Tubes 2.39 Million
5.0 mL Tubes N/A
1.4 mL Tubes (Septum)
1.4 mL Tubes (Septum)
1.4 mL Tubes (Septum) 48,990
1.8 mL Tubes
1.8 mL Tubes
1.8 mL Tubes 18,060
SBS Microplates
SBS Microplates
SBS Microplates N/A
Storage Temperature -80°C
Storage Temperature -80°C
Storage Temperature -80°C
Plates 1D and 2D
Plates 1D and 2D
Plates N/A
Racks 1D and 2D
Racks 1D and 2D
Racks 1D
Tubes 2D (Bottom) and 1D or 2D (Side; Optional)
Tubes 2D (Bottom) and 1D or 2D (Side; Optional)
Tubes 1D and 2D (Side) and 2D (Bottom)

1 Note: Contact Hamilton for exact capacities.

Services

Ensure the longevity of your Hamilton automated sample storage system and safety of your precious samples by choosing a Hamilton service contract. Investment in a high-performance automated storage system sets high expectations of quality, reliability, and precision.

Hamilton’s automated sample storage system training courses have been specifically developed to cover the requirements and needs of its diverse customer base. User-level training is intended to train users on system operations, and service training qualifies technicians to perform maintenance, diagnostic troubleshooting, and error recovery.

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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