Helen X Laboratory Collaborative Robot

Developed by X-Imaging, the Helen X series (智灵者) comprises a family of intelligent collaborative robots engineered specifically for laboratory environments. Ranging from fixed five-axis configurations to mobile seven-axis AGV units, the Helen X line addresses the distinct operational challenges found in research and testing facilities.

Product Overview

The Helen X series emerged from X-Imaging’s deep understanding of laboratory automation requirements, where conventional industrial robots often fall short. Laboratories typically present unique constraints including limited floor space, complex multi-step workflows, and the need for precise yet gentle handling of samples and consumables. The Helen X robots are designed from the ground up to operate effectively within these parameters.

Unlike industrial collaborative robots adapted for laboratory use, the Helen X incorporates design features tailored to scientific workflows. The robot family connects directly with X-Imaging’s iMagicOS platform, which interfaces with nearly 100 mainstream laboratory instruments from domestic and international manufacturers.

Key Features

The Helen X 5 (five-axis fixed configuration) delivers full reach coverage within compact laboratory spaces, enabling efficient execution of experimental tasks even in crowded bench environments. The design achieves what X-Imaging describes as “full coverage, extreme reachability” without requiring significant floor space allocation.

The robot features an integrated gripper system with modular tool libraries, allowing rapid reconfiguration for different task types. Smart interaction capabilities enable intuitive programming and operation, reducing the technical barrier for laboratory personnel.

For applications requiring mobility between workstations or different laboratory zones, the Helen X 7 AGV configuration adds autonomous navigation capabilities. This seven-axis mobile robot can traverse laboratory environments independently, servicing multiple workstations and enabling true whole-laboratory automation.

Technical Specifications

X-Imaging’s Helen X series spans a fixed five-axis model for single-workstation coverage to a mobile seven-axis AGV for multi-zone laboratory automation via the iMagicOS platform.

Clinical Applications

While not a medical device, the Helen X series finds extensive application in clinical and diagnostic laboratory settings for non-diagnostic automation tasks.

Life Sciences Research: High-throughput screening, cell culture maintenance including 96/24/6-well plate handling, media changes, and colony picking. The system supports integration with imaging systems like Cell Metric and Fortebio for positive clone selection workflows.

Pharmaceutical Development: Automated compound management, solubility screening, formulation preparation, and analytical sample preparation. The robots have been deployed at multiple pharmaceutical companies for drug discovery support.

Clinical Laboratory Support: Sample preprocessing, reagent preparation, and consumables management in diagnostic laboratories, reducing manual handling workload while maintaining sample integrity.

Environmental and Food Testing: Heavy metal analysis automation (in partnership with Shimadzu for EDX systems), microbiological testing, and quality control sample handling.

Software Integration

The Helen X series operates under X-Imaging’s iMagicOS platform, which provides standardized interfaces for nearly 100 types of laboratory instruments. The platform handles device control, data parsing, and visualization, enabling laboratories to build integrated automated workflows without custom software development for each instrument.

iMagicOS supports direct integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), enabling automated data capture and report generation. The cloud-based architecture allows remote monitoring and control of laboratory automation systems.

Regulatory Status

As laboratory automation equipment rather than medical devices, the Helen X series is not subject to NMPA, CE Mark, or FDA medical device regulations. The products are designed for research, development, and testing applications rather than direct clinical diagnostic use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What laboratory applications can Helen X automate?

Helen X robots can automate sample handling, liquid transfer, high-throughput plate processing, centrifuge loading/unloading, incubator management, colony picking, and instrument loading across chemistry, biology, and diagnostic testing laboratories.

Does Helen X require custom programming for each application?

X-Imaging has developed a library of standardized operation modules covering over 90% of common laboratory tasks. These pre-built modules can be combined and customized through the iMagicOS platform without extensive programming knowledge.

Can Helen X work with existing laboratory equipment?

Yes, the iMagicOS platform supports integration with approximately 100 types of mainstream laboratory instruments from various manufacturers. X-Imaging’s technical team can develop additional device interfaces as needed.