Brooks PreciseFlex 400 Review: Specs and Uses of the Collaborative Lab Sample Handler
Updated: 7 days ago
The PreciseFlex 400, originally from Precise Automation and now part of Brooks, is a collaborative robot built for laboratory sample handling. The manufacturer does not publish a price. This review covers its specifications, features and uses.
Quick Verdict
PF400 combines a horizontally articulated arm with a tall vertical axis, letting it reach into racks, hotels and stacked instruments from a small footprint. It handles SBS plates in either orientation, tubes and vials with its included 23 N servo gripper, carries 0.5 kg, and repeats to ±0.09 mm. Z strokes of 400, 750 or 1,160 mm and reaches of 579 or 734 mm are offered, and an optional rail adds 1 to 2 m of travel. Low collision forces and standard hand guiding allow work beside lab staff, and the embedded controller and low power draw suit mobile carts. Brooks quotes 125,000 hours MTBF. The datasheet lists weights for the 1,160 mm version in an order that looks reversed.
Brooks PreciseFlex 400 at a Glance
Payload: 0.5 kg
Reach: 579 to 734 mm
Repeatability: ±0.09 mm
Z stroke: Up to 1,160 mm
Controller: Embedded
Price: on request
Brooks PreciseFlex 400 Technical Specifications
The table below lists what the manufacturer states.
Specification | Brooks PreciseFlex 400 |
Manufacturer | Brooks Automation |
Payload | 0.5 kg (with servo gripper) |
Reach | 579 mm standard, 734 mm extended |
Repeatability | ±0.090 mm |
Z stroke | 400, 750 or 1,160 mm |
Typical speed | About 500 mm/s at TCP |
Max acceleration | 2,000 mm/s² |
Gripper | 23 N servo gripper included |
Controller | Embedded in base |
Power | 90 to 264 VAC, 100 to 250 W |
Communications | Ethernet TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP |
I/O | 12 in / 8 out |
MTBF | 125,000 h |
The datasheet lists 65/35 kg for the 1,160 mm Z version, the reverse order of other rows; confirm weights with Brooks.
Design and Build Quality
A slim arm on a tall column with an embedded controller and optional collaborative linear rail.
Software and Integration
Guidance Motion
Web-based operator interface.
GPL and TCS
Guidance Programming Language and TCP Command Server for LIMS control.
Brooks PreciseFlex 400 Applications and Use Cases
Drug Discovery
Moving plates between instruments.
Genomics and Biobanking
Tube and vial handling.
Mobile Lab Automation
On carts and AMRs.
Brooks PreciseFlex 400 Price and Value
PreciseFlex (Brooks Automation) does not publish a price for the Brooks PreciseFlex 400; it is quoted on request.
For the company behind the product, read the Precise Automation Company Profile: Founders, Ownership and Products.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Built for lab plates
Tall Z reach
Embedded controller
Very high MTBF
Cons
0.5 kg payload
Weight table inconsistent
No published price
Who Should Buy the Brooks PreciseFlex 400?
It fits laboratories and OEMs automating plate and tube handling between instruments.
Brooks PreciseFlex 400 FAQ
How much does the Brooks PreciseFlex 400 cost?
PreciseFlex (Brooks Automation) does not publish a price for the Brooks PreciseFlex 400; it is quoted on request.
What is the PreciseFlex 400?
A collaborative laboratory sample handling robot.
Who makes it now?
Brooks Automation.
What can it handle?
SBS plates, tubes and vials.
What is the repeatability?
±0.09 mm.
How tall can the Z axis be?
Up to 1,160 mm.
Is it collaborative?
Yes, with low collision forces and hand guiding.
How is it programmed?
Guidance Motion, GPL and TCP Command Server.
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change.
