Seed automation made easy

Seed picking

For many process in the lab, seeds will have to be individualized for analysis or growth. This can be required for DNA extraction, germination, sowing, phenotyping and an range of other applications. Our SeedPickers will individualize seeds from multiple batches, fully automatically. This process is completely controlled by imaging, barcodes and vacuum measurements during each movement.

Seed automation made easy

Synchron offers several models, based on two different platforms: a desktop 3-axis gantry system and an industrial 6-axis arm. The larger system can easily be upgraded with more stacker capacity, a range of tools and modules and even be integrated into our conveyor based systems for further automating your process.

The SeedPicker systems allow for processing different types of seed within a single run with an almost 100% accuracy through the use of a special vacuum control on individual, autochangeable picking tools. For larger seed batch sizes, our soundwave controlled shaker can make every seed available to be individually picked as well as returning the unused seeds back into the original seed container. The software is comprehensive but can be adapted to specific customer needs. Our SeedPicker family automates and controls the individualization of your seeds with great accuracy in a fully automated manner.

The SeedPicker
The SeedPicker Compact
The SeedPicker XL

The SeedPicker Compact

This small desktop version is a system that allows for picking seeds on a small surface for when accuracy is more important than capacity. All input and output containers are placed on the deck before starting a run. Depending on the seed type the system can pick from a multi- or monolayer of seeds into any container, plate or tray that will fit the picking area. The LabPicker utilizes the imaging, vacuum control and software of it’s larger sibling, the SeedPicker. The 3-axis base allows for seed picking in an up-down (Z) direction and move between XY coordinates. The LabPicker is a cost efficient platform that will automate the individualization of your seeds for many applications.

The SeedPicker

The SeedPicker is our flagship system, based on an industrial 6-axis robot arm. This arm can move plates across the deck for (un)loading microplates and seed trays from stackers onto dierent deck positions. The 6-axis allow for tilting seed containers onto the shaker, orienting seeds (turn or tilt) before placing and many more functions. This size of the SeedPicker enables the integration of larger modules, like the soundwave controlled shaker, a balance, stackers, a grinding beads dispenser and imaging boxes for multiple phenotyping sensors. With a payload of up to 8kg, the SeedPicker carries a gripper, picking tool changer, barcode sensor and several other sensors, to allow for complex handling and control functions. Upgrading the SeedPicker with external automation modules like the TrayFeeder, PlateFeeder or integration in a conveyor based system is also possible.

The SeedPicker XL

The XL version of the SeedPicker has an external stacker system called the PlateFeeder. This system allows for the stacking of up to 200 plates in either random-access or FiLo stackers. The robot arm of the PlateFeeder will scan, identify and (un)load microplates in the stackers to/from the SeedPicker deck. This option will allow the SeedPicker to work for longer periods at the time, like overnight. Other that creating a higher capacity, the PlateFeeder also increases the operation speed of the SeedPicker as it (partially) takes care of the plate moving function.

Applications

Application includes, but are not limited to:

Germination

Batch to plate & batch to wells

Measurement

Sowing

lysis sample prep

Sorting

Storage

Orientation

Reformatting

Types of seeds picked

Corn

Onion

Rice

Rape

Soy

Carrot

Tomato

Beans

Pepper

Endive

Lettuce

Eggplant

Cucumber

Cauliflower

(Water)Melon

Standard Modules

Seed picking

Vacuum/pressure box

Each system includes our vacuum/pressure control box with a database of settings for each type of seed to allow accurate and fast pick & place.
Seed Picking

Vision

We offer optimized vision sensors to detect individual seeds.
Seed Picking

Orbital or soundwave controlled shaker

Choose between the cost effcient orbital shaker or the ultimate control of our sound wave controlled shaker, to individualize the seeds for picking.
Seed Picking

Auto-changeable picking tools

We offer a range of different picking tool shapes and sizes, so every type of seed can be picked. The auto-change tool allows for loading multiple tools on the deck and change of tools within a single run.
Seed Picking

Gripper

The gripper allows for object handling from and to stackers and TrayFeeder.
Seed Picking

Track & trace

Seed Track and Trace from source container to destination.

Virtual Assistant

More information