As sequencing demand continues to grow, genomics laboratories need workflows that improve throughput, reproducibility, and efficiency without increasing operational complexity. SPT Labtech’s firefly® is an innovative all-in-one liquid handling platform designed to simplify automated genomic sample and library preparation workflows, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications.
Unlike conventional systems that require multiple instruments or extensive programming expertise, firefly® integrates pipetting, dispensing, incubation, and shaking technologies into a single compact platform. This design helps laboratories maximize valuable bench space while reducing workflow complexity. Powerful, intuitive software enables users to automate protocols with minimal barriers to adoption, making advanced automation more accessible to genomics teams of varying experience levels.
The platform supports highly accurate liquid handling across low-volume workflows commonly required in genomic research and NGS library preparation. With compatibility for 96- and 384-well formats and validated workflows for widely used library preparation kits, firefly® helps laboratories standardize processes and improve consistency between runs. Prevalidated methods support applications including DNA and RNA library preparation, PCR setup, and single-cell transcriptomics workflows.
For researchers seeking more extensive automation, firefly+ expands capabilities with an integrated thermocycler and enhanced labware support, enabling fully automated end-to-end NGS library preparation with increased walkaway time. This allows scientists to redirect effort from repetitive manual processing toward data interpretation and experimental design.
The firefly® ecosystem also supports cloud-based protocol sharing and access to validated workflows, promoting collaboration and accelerating implementation of standardized methods across laboratories. Recent collaborations have further expanded automated workflows for leading NGS library preparation kits, reinforcing the platform’s role in supporting higher-throughput and more reproducible genomic research.
By combining automation, flexibility, and ease of use within a compact footprint, firefly® helps genomics laboratories streamline NGS library preparation and scale research with greater confidence and efficiency.
Product Specifications:
| Specification | Value |
| Pipetting module | 384 pipetting core capable of loading 384 and 96 format |
| Pipetting range and performance | 0.5 to 125 µL pipetting range (100 µL with filter tips), <5% CV and +/- 5% inaccuracy at 1 µL* *Based on QC performance checks using aqueous reagents and specific microplates |
| Dispense volume range | 200 nL to 4 mL |
| Bulk dispense speed starting from | 30 seconds per 96-well plate |
| Dead volume | 75 - 200 µL recoverable dead volume, depending on reservoir type |
| Primary SBS/ANSI plate formats | 96 and 384-well labware including deepwell blocks and 96 format tubes up to 45mm in height |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 670 mm x 570 mm x 800 mm |
| Optional accessories | Microplate cooler/heater block Microplate shaker Dispense module reagent cooler/heater HEPA filter |
