Exhibitor Tutorial · February 9, 2026 · 2–3 PM EST
Curiox Booth #2140
February 9, 2026 · 2–3 PM EST
See on SLAS Event SchedulerAutomation teams are removing the centrifuge as the last manual bottleneck in cell processing. This tutorial introduces C-FREE™ Pluto CODE, a software library that enables any commercial liquid handler to perform gentle, reproducible cell washing without centrifugation.
Using validation data from AstraZeneca and ETH Zurich, attendees will see how pipette-based washing achieves SOP-equivalent performance in 96- and 384-well formats , using programmable wash physics rather than hardware spin-force. The session will demonstrate how Pluto CODE standardizes washing, reduces variability, and accelerates assay transfer across sites.
The session will also show how Pluto CODE integrates with liquid handlers such as Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter, Opentrons, and others, providing a consistent software-defined wash protocol that harmonizes cell-based workflows across labs and operators.
Designed for automation engineers, integration specialists, and research scientists, the tutorial combines peer-generated data, workflow demonstrations, and implementation insights to showcase the practical path to deploying centrifuge-free automation in biological workflows.
Speakers:
By the end of this session, participants will understand:
Abstract – Centrifugation remains a major bottleneck in automated cell-based assays, introducing variability, sample loss, and poor compatibility with liquid-handling workflows. This study evaluates Pluto Code, a software-based framework that makes Curiox’s C-FREE™ centrifuge-free washing technology available directly on existing automation platforms through executable, assay-aware wash and mix operations.
Validated across multiple assay types—including lysed whole blood, human PBMC intracellular cytokine staining, and murine splenocyte workflows—Pluto Code delivered comparable or improved cell retention, debris removal, staining quality, and reduced variability versus conventional centrifuge-based or manual methods. The approach has demonstrated portability across platforms such as Opentrons OT-2/Flex and Hamilton STAR/VANTAGE, positioning Pluto Code as a scalable, software-defined standard for gentle, centrifuge-free automation.
How to Find:
Centrifuge-free cell sample prep now comes from software, not machines
Pluto Code is a script library that adds centrifuge-free washing via controlled wash physics to commercial liquid handlers including Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter, Opentrons, & more — no hardware upgrades required.
Pluto Code and Pluto HT Workstation now support up to 384-well throughputs.
Automate high-throughput screening or cell processing with our new 384-well compatible Pluto Code or Pluto HT Workstation.
– Dr. Ryan Duggan, Scientist at AbbVie
C-FREE technology replaces the centrifuge with a pipette-driven wash mechanism:
The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening’s (SLAS) flagship International Conference & Exhibition is returning to Boston’s Thomas Michael Menino Convention & Exhibition Center from February 7‑11 2026. Recognized as a must‑attend event for life‑sciences discovery and lab‑automation professionals, SLAS 2026 will bring together more than 7,500 researchers and technology experts. The week features pre‑conference short courses and a Technology Provider Showcase on February 7‑8, followed by a dynamic exhibition and eight scientific tracks during the main conference days. Attendees will experience a fast‑paced exhibition of the latest products, supplies and automation solutions, alongside expert‑led educational sessions, networking events, and recognition programs such as the SLAS Innovation Award.
