The Best Automated Liquid Handling Systems of 2026

Automated liquid handling systems have become indispensable tools for modern laboratories seeking to increase throughput and reproducibility while minimizing human error. As the demand for genomic sequencing, drug discovery, and clinical diagnostics grows, selecting the right automated liquid handling systems for 2026 requires a careful balance of speed, precision, and budget. This article evaluates five industry-leading models, highlighting recent innovations that are reshaping standard operating procedures in life sciences.

Quick Summary

• Best Overall / High-End: Hamilton Microlab STAR V — Offers unmatched speed and precision with MagPip capabilities and CO-RE II technology.

• Best On A Budget: Opentrons Flex — Provides accessible, open-source automation with modular hardware at an entry-level price point.

• Best For Genomics: SPT Labtech firefly — A compact, all-in-one platform combining pipetting and dispensing specifically for NGS workflows.

• Most Versatile: Beckman Coulter Biomek i7 — Highly configurable deck space and hybrid pipetting heads suitable for complex, multi-stage protocols.

• Best Compact Option: Eppendorf epMotion 5075 — A reliable, user-friendly tabletop workstation ideal for routine PCR setup and nucleic acid purification.

Microlab STAR V – Hamilton

Price Range: $100,000 – $200,000+ (Highly dependent on configuration)

Best For: High-End Performance & Throughput

Primary Category: High-End / Throughput

The Microlab STAR V, released in 2023, represents a significant leap forward in the Hamilton lineage, merging the flexibility of the STAR series with the high-throughput capabilities of the VANTAGE platform. It is designed for laboratories where speed and pipetting range are critical constraints.

Key Specs

• Pipetting Technology: MagPip air-displacement channels (350 nL to 750 µL range).

• Deck Capacity: High-capacity deck with 270-degree accessibility for integration.

• Tip Technology: CO-RE II (Compressed O-Ring Expansion) for precise tip alignment and aerosol-free ejection.

• Software: VENUS software with Power Steps for simplified programming.

• Dimensions: Benchtop footprint with expanded vertical workspace.

Performance & Applications The STAR V excels in environments requiring rapid processing of variable volumes. The inclusion of MagPip channels allows for extremely fast acceleration and precise liquid transfer, significantly reducing cycle times for large sample sets. Its operational strengths lie in its ability to handle wide volume ranges without changing tools, making it ideal for high-throughput screening (HTS) and complex assay development. Laboratories conducting large-scale drug discovery or diagnostic testing benefit most from this system's robust error recovery and walk-away reliability.

Shop Hamilton on LabX

Opentrons Flex – Opentrons

Price Range: $15,000 – $45,000

Best For: Budget-Conscious Labs & Open-Source Flexibility

Primary Category: Budget

Entering the market in mid-2023, the Opentrons Flex serves as a powerful successor to the OT-2, addressing the need for a more robust yet affordable automation solution. It democratizes access to automation by offering advanced features typically found in six-figure systems at a fraction of the cost.

Key Specs

• Pipetting Heads: Swappable 1-, 8-, and 96-channel pipettes.

• Volume Range: 1 µL to 1000 µL.

• Interface: Integrated touchscreen with drag-and-drop protocol software.

• Hardware: Modular deck with magnetic blocks, thermocyclers, and HEPA filter options.

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi/Ethernet with API access for custom integrations.

Performance & Applications The Opentrons Flex is designed for adaptability, featuring a quick-swap mechanism for pipettes and grippers that allows users to reconfigure the robot in minutes. While it may not match the raw speed of the Hamilton STAR V, its open-source nature allows for extensive customization, appealing to startups and academic labs developing novel protocols. It is particularly suitable for NGS library prep, PCR setup, and general reagent aliquoting where budget constraints previously forced manual handling. The active community library of protocols further reduces the barrier to entry for new users.

Shop Opentrons on LabX

firefly – SPT Labtech

Price Range: $60,000 – $100,000

Best For: Genomics & NGS Library Preparation

Primary Category: Genomics

The SPT Labtech firefly is an innovative, all-in-one liquid handling platform that bridges the gap between bulk dispensing and accurate pipetting. Released to target the genomics sector, it combines technologies to streamline the specific bottlenecks found in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows.

Key Specs

• Pipetting Core: 384-channel air displacement head.

• Dispensing: 3 or 6 positive displacement syringes for non-contact dispensing (200 nL to 4 mL).

• Footprint: Compact benchtop design (approx. 66cm width).

• Tips: Disposable tips with automatic loading/unloading.

• Software: Visual, cloud-capable interface designed for genomics protocols.

Performance & Applications The firefly distinguishes itself by incorporating non-contact dispensing for reagents alongside standard pipetting for samples, reducing tip consumption and waste. This dual capability makes it exceptionally efficient for miniaturized genomics applications, such as qPCR setup and NGS library preparation. Its compact size allows it to fit into standard hoods, and the intuitive software requires minimal training. Research facilities focused on genomic precision medicine find the firefly valuable for maximizing reagent efficiency and ensuring high-quality sequencing data.

Biomek i7 – Beckman Coulter

Price Range: $100,000 – $180,000+

Best For: Versatility & Complex Workflows

Primary Category: Versatility

The Beckman Coulter Biomek i7 remains a dominant force in the high-end automation market in 2026 due to its proven reliability and "hybrid" deck configuration. It is engineered to handle everything from simple transfers to end-to-end workflow automation involving third-party device integrations.

Key Specs

• Pipetting Heads: Dual-arm capability (Multichannel + Span-8).

• Deck Layout: 45 deck positions with grid-based design.

• Volume Range: 0.5 µL to 5,000 µL.

• Safety: Light curtain and optional full enclosure.

• Cameras: Deck observation cameras for error handling and monitoring.

Performance & Applications The Biomek i7 is defined by its versatility; the ability to combine a multichannel head for plate stamping with a Span-8 pod for tube-to-plate transfers enables seamless workflow transitions. This system is extensively used in clinical research, cell culture maintenance, and forensic analysis. Its open-platform architecture supports the integration of plate readers, washers, and shakers, making it a complete workstation solution. For labs running diverse protocols that change frequently, the Biomek i7 offers the necessary flexibility without sacrificing process security.

Shop Beckman Coulter on LabX

epMotion 5075 – Eppendorf

Price Range: $40,000 – $70,000

Best For: Compactness & Ease of Use

Primary Category: Compact / User-Friendly

The Eppendorf epMotion 5075 continues to be a favorite in 2026 for laboratories requiring precise, automated pipetting in a manageable footprint. Known for its robust build and user-friendly epBlue software, it provides a straightforward transition from manual Eppendorf pipettes to automation.

Key Specs

• Pipetting Tools: Automatic exchange of 2 single-channel and 2 multichannel tools.

• Positions: Up to 15 worktable positions.

• Sensor: Optical sensor for liquid level, labware, and tip detection.

• Accuracy: High precision at low volumes (< 2% systematic error at 1 µL).

• Accessories: Integrated ThermoMixer, vacuum manifold, and magnetic finger options.

Performance & Applications The epMotion 5075 focuses on reproducibility and ease of operation rather than extreme throughput. It features an optical sensor that verifies labware and liquid levels before a run begins, virtually eliminating user setup errors. This model is a staple in academic and biotech labs for routine tasks such as serial dilutions, nucleic acid purification (using the MagSep module), and PCR setup. Its CleanCap option and completely enclosed housing also make it suitable for applications requiring strict contamination control.

Shop Eppendorf on LabX

Comparison Table

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Automated Liquid Handling System

Selecting the best automated liquid handling systems for 2026 depends heavily on the specific throughput requirements and budget of the laboratory. While the Hamilton STAR V dominates high-speed, high-volume industrial applications, the Opentrons Flex has successfully lowered the barrier to entry for smaller labs needing reliable automation. Specialized tools like the SPT Labtech firefly demonstrate the industry's shift toward application-specific designs, particularly for genomics. By integrating any of these top-tier systems, laboratory professionals can ensure higher data quality, reduced physical strain, and significantly improved operational efficiency in the coming year.

_{This article was created with the assistance of Generative AI and has undergone editorial review before publishing.}