Importance of the Topic
High-throughput and precise liquid handling is foundational to modern analytical chemistry workflows. Automated platforms minimize human error, enhance reproducibility, and accelerate processes ranging from drug discovery assays to quality control testing. By standardizing sample preparation steps such as serial dilutions, hit picking, and reagent dispensing, laboratories can achieve greater throughput and consistency, supporting complex applications like cell-based assays and high-content screening.
Objectives and Study Overview
This document presents the Agilent Bravo automated liquid handling platform, detailing its design features, performance specifications, and potential laboratory applications. The platform aims to deliver a compact, flexible solution capable of adapting to diverse assay formats while maintaining high precision, rapid pipette head exchange, and seamless integration with auxiliary devices and laboratory automation systems.
Methodology and Instrumentation
The Bravo system is configured around a nine-position deck that accommodates disposable tips, microplates, reagent reservoirs, waste containers, and wash stations. Key instrumentation components include:
- Seven interchangeable pipetting head types covering volume ranges from 0.3–250 μL to support single-well, row, column, array, and full-plate transfers
- Agilent VWorks control software offering dynamic scheduling, user-friendly interface, and error-recovery capabilities
- Infrared LED safety light curtain for operator protection in standalone use
- Optional plate gripper module for automated labware relocation, lid removal, tip stacking, and integration with vacuum filtration devices
- Extensive accessory suite compatible with the deck, including temperature modules, shakers, and on-deck vacuum manifolds
- Consumables such as Agilent-certified disposable pipette tips (10 μL to 250 μL) optimized for each head type
Key Results and Discussion
Instrument specifications demonstrate:
- High pipetting precision across the specified volume range with rapid head exchange to tailor performance to each application
- Compact footprint (67.1 cm × 48.3 cm) suitable for biosafety cabinets or benchtop placement alongside the Agilent BenchCel microplate handler
- Regulatory compliance (CE certification) and compatibility with Windows-based control architectures via Ethernet or RS-232
- Low power consumption (11.5 A at 120 V or 6 A at 240 V) and moderate energy usage, supporting continuous operation
- Enhanced throughput through integration options and open-deck design, facilitating multi‐step protocols and combination with third-party robotics
Benefits and Practical Applications
The Bravo platform streamlines typical laboratory workflows by:
- Automating repetitive liquid handling steps to reduce operator variability and error rates
- Supporting hit-picking and serial dilution assays in drug discovery and biochemical screening
- Enabling cell-based and hazardous reagent workflows under a safety curtain or within containment cabinets
- Integrating vacuum filtration and plate stacking to facilitate sample preparation in proteomics or genomics
- Allowing rapid reconfiguration for new protocols, maximizing instrument utilization in multipurpose labs
Future Trends and Opportunities
Automated liquid handling will evolve toward greater connectivity, intelligence, and miniaturization. Anticipated developments include:
- Integration with artificial intelligence–driven scheduling and predictive maintenance to further optimize throughput
- Enhanced IoT connectivity for real-time data monitoring, remote control, and cloud-based workflow management
- Continued miniaturization of reagent volumes and adoption of single-cell or nanoliter dispensing techniques
- Expansion of on-deck analytical modules (e.g., spectroscopy, imaging) to enable fully integrated assay workflows
- Development of sustainable, low-waste consumables and recyclable tip systems
Conclusion
The Agilent Bravo automated liquid handling platform delivers a versatile, high-precision solution for a broad range of laboratory applications. Its compact design, modular instrument heads, and comprehensive software control provide a robust foundation for enhancing throughput, reproducibility, and safety in analytical workflows.
References
- Agilent Technologies. Agilent Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform Data Sheet. Publication 5990-3480EN, 2017.
- Agilent Technologies. Bravo Platform Accessories Catalog. Publication 5991-0369EN.
- Agilent Technologies. Agilent Pipette Tips Brochure. Publication 5991-0453EN.
Content was automatically generated from an orignal PDF document using AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Agilent Bravo Automated Liquid
Handling Platform
Data Sheet
Introduction
The Agilent Bravo automated liquid handling platform provides precision,
unparalleled versatility, and speed in a compact footprint. With seven different,
easy-change liquid handling head types, numerous platepad options, and over 60
on-deck accessories, the Bravo platform can be customized for a wide range of
assays. The unique, open design of the Bravo platform permits simple integration
with other devices for increased throughput when used with robots or the Agilent
BenchCel microplate handler. The Bravo platform’s space-saving, nine plate-position
footprint facilitates biohood placement, enabling liquid transfers for cell-based
assays or hazardous reagents. And safety comes standard with the infrared-based,
LED safety light curtain provided with all standalone Bravo instruments.
The Bravo platform is powered by the proven Agilent VWorks automation control
software, featuring dynamic scheduling, an easy-to-use interface, and innovative
error recover technology for instrument control that is adaptable to all levels of
operators.
Key Features
• Compact footprint minimizes space
requirements.
• Microplate-centric, low volume single
well, column, row, array, and full
plate transfers support automated
hit-picking and serial dilutions.
• High-precision, rapid-swap pipette
heads match liquid handling
performance to the application.
• Nine pipettable deck positions
provide locations for tips, plates,
accessories, waste, reagents, and
wash stations.
• Optional plate gripper relocates
labware, removes lids, stacks tips
and plates, automates vacuum
filtration, and facilitates integration
with automation-friendly devices.
Accessories
A wide range of accessories are
available for use with the Bravo
platform to automate many common
analytical laboratory applications. See
the Agilent Bravo automated liquid
handling platform accessories catalog,
publication 5991-0369EN, for more
information.
Consumables
Use Agilent-certified pipette tips
together with the Bravo platform for
optimal performance. See the Agilent
pipette tips brochure, publication
5991-0453EN, for complete descriptions
and ordering information.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic
procedures.
Product specifications and descriptions in this document
are subject to change without notice.
© Agilent Technologies, Inc., 2014, 2017
Published in the USA, January 6, 2017
5990-3480EN
Bravo liquid handling heads (See publication 5991-0369EN for more details)
96LT Disposable Tip, 2.0–250 µL
384ST Disposable Tip, 0.3–70 µL
96ST Disposable Tip, 0.3–70 µL
96AM Microchromatography
Bravo disposable pipette tips (See publication 5991-0453EN for more sizes and part numbers.)
10 µL
96ST/384ST Head
0.3–10 µL
70 µL
96ST/384ST Head
0.75–70 µL
30 µL
96ST/384ST Head
0.5–30 µL
250 µL
96LT Head
2.0–250 µL
1
Shipping crate dimensions are approximately 1010 x 870 x 674 mm
2
Dimensions for containment-based applications not requiring the Safety Light Curtain:
Bravo W 64.8 cm (25.5 in ) x D 43.8 cm (17.25 in) x H 69.7 cm (27.4 in)
Bravo SRT W 64.8 cm (25.5 in) x D 43.8 cm (17.25) x H 61.7 cm (24.3 in)
3
Agilent can assist with the evaluation of a biohood to ensure the instrument and safety solution mechanically fit.
Airflow integrity and biosafety should be confirmed by the customer, their safety team, or the hood manufacturer.
4
The Bravo Platform SRT version is 8 cm (3 in) shorter for biosafety cabinet-based applications. Inquire regarding
accessory and labware compatibility
5
The Bravo Light Curtain itself weighs 14.3 kg (31.5 lbs); the Bravo SRT Light Curtain itself weighs 13.3 kg (29.3 lbs)
Instrument specifications
Dimensions with Safety Light Curtains1,2,3
Model
Bravo
Bravo SRT4
Width
67.1 cm (26.40 in)
67.1 cm (26.40 in)
Depth
48.3 cm (19.00 in)
48.3 cm (19.00 in)
Height
69.7 cm (27.4 in)
62.1 (24.46 in)
Weight with Safety Light Curtains5
Kg/lbs
66.4 kg (146 .4 lbs)
64.8 (142.9 lbs)
Pipetting specifications
Range
0.3-250 µL disposable tip (using multiple heads)
Regulatory compliance
Certification
CE certified
Control
Software
Agilent VWorks automation control software instrument license
Controller
Windows 7 and Windows 10 compatible
Interface
10 Base T Ethernet port, RS-232 serial
Deck capacity
Pipettable positions
Up to nine platepads
Operating data
Power consumption,
operating (typical)
11.5 A/120 V, 6 A/240 V
Energy usage per hour
(continuous use)
720,000 joules (683 BTU)
Learn more
automation
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www.agilent.com/chem/
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