Beyond Centrifuges: How Smart Automation Transforms Lab Efficiency

By Vincent Andreala, Field Application Scientist | Edited by Melvin Lye, Senior Director of Scientific Affairs

June 17, 2025

Introduction: Why Automation, Why Now?

If you’ve ever found yourself wrestling with inconsistent data, backlogged experiments, or a constant hunt for trained personnel to manage delicate workflows—you’re not alone. The traditional approach to cell sample preparation has remained largely unchanged for decades, relying heavily on centrifugation, manual pipetting, and flicking techniques. These methods introduce variability and inefficiency, costing valuable time and resources.

At Curiox, we believe that smart, personalized automation isn’t just for the world’s biggest labs. It’s for every lab that values data quality, reproducibility, and speed.

Welcome to the world of C-FREE™ Pluto—automation that makes sense today, not ten years from now.

A Look at the Problem: The Automation Gap

Automation promises efficiency, but for many labs, the cost and complexity of traditional automation remain out of reach. Full lab automation setups require:

Centrifuges with integration modules
Dedicated plate washers
High-end robotic arms
UI and software customization

Together, these components can exceed $400K in upfront investment—not to mention the space and training required.

This creates an automation gap: labs know what they want but can’t bridge the gap between resource constraints and full robotic systems.

Enter Pluto: Affordable, Personalized Automation

The Pluto product family offers a range of solutions tailored to different lab sizes and workflows. These precision pipetting systems automate the most error-prone steps of sample prep: washing, staining, and antibody cocktail preparation. Using programmable robotic pipettes, Pluto eliminates centrifugation and resuspension without compromising cell viability or assay quality.

Pluto isn’t a single system—it’s a flexible ecosystem:

Product	Throughput	Key Functions	Starting Price
Pluto ALPHA	1–96 wells	Washing only	<$30K
Pluto LT Workstation	Up to 32 wells	Washing, staining, antibody preparation	~$50K
Pluto MT Workstation	Up to 72 wells	Washing, staining, antibody preparation	~$80K
Pluto HT Workstation	Up to 96 wells	Washing, staining, antibody preparation	Request Quote
Pluto Code	Variable	Software license for 3rd party workstations	Custom

Whether you want a standalone washer or complete walkaway automation, there’s a Pluto for your lab.

Case Study: Scaling Cytometry in Under Two Months

A U.S.-based immunotherapy startup faced growing pains as demand for flow data surged. After struggling with assay variability and prep delays, they deployed the C-FREE Pluto system.

Results in 60 Days:

2x throughput
Reproducibility increased by 45%
Hands-on sample prep time cut in half
ROI achieved within 8 months

"What impressed us most was how easy it was to integrate Pluto without changing our existing protocols. We were skeptical about automation, but this system just works."

- U.S.-based immunotherapy startup

The 4-Step Path to Automation with Pluto

We know that adopting automation can feel overwhelming. That’s why Pluto systems are designed for easy onboarding, not steep learning curves:

1. Protocol Adaptation

Upload your manual SOP
Pluto specialists adapt it to robotic execution
You can write your own automation-friendly SOP after a 4 hour training session

2. Precision Scripting

Choose from pre-templated protocols or request customized scripts
You can write your own scripts after an easy-to-follow 1-day training session

3. Reagent Optimization

Reduce dead volume and standardize volumes
Optimize for panel size and vial compatibility

4. Calibration & Launch

One-time volume and position calibration
Start running walkaway workflows within hours

Build vs. Buy: What’s the Smart Move?

Factor	Traditional Automation	Pluto Systems
Setup Time	6–12 months	Days to weeks
CapEx	$400K+	$25K–$180K
Footprint	Large automation lines	Compact (fits in biosafety cabinet)
Maintenance	High	Minimal (simple pipette workstation)
Assay Optimization	Extensive	Minimal
Consumable Cost	Moderate, standard format	Moderate, standard format

ROI That’s More Than Just a Line Item

Let’s do the math.

Say you process 96 samples/day. Each wash step by centrifuge consumes 25 minutes and 600 pipette tips. With Pluto workstation:

Time saved: 90–120 mins/day
Tip usage: Reduced by up to 80%
Labor reallocation: Scientists focus on analysis, not pipetting
ROI timeline: 4–12 months

How long does it take to fully implement Pluto in a lab?

Implementation typically takes 4–6 weeks from consultation to live sample testing.

Does Pluto support high-throughput screening workflows?

Yes. Pluto is compatible with 96-well and deep-well plates, supporting high-throughput demands.

What type of assays are best suited for Pluto automation?
Pluto is ideal for immunophenotyping, intracellular cytokine staining, and other complex staining workflows.

Is it necessary to change our current labware?
No. Pluto integrates with standard microplates and Laminar Wash plates, minimizing transition effort.

Can we customize Pluto’s automation protocols ourselves?
Yes. Pluto features a GUI that allows user-friendly editing of protocols, with Curiox support available.

Final Thoughts: A Smart Path Forward

Automation doesn’t have to mean all-or-nothing. Pluto offers a pragmatic path: start small, scale fast, and automate only where it matters most.

Whether you’re a research core, biotech startup, or clinical lab, Pluto transforms how you prepare your samples—affordably, efficiently, reproducibly.

➡️ Ready to transform your lab?