Next Generation High-Throughput Screening with zenCELL owl

High Throughput Screening with zenCELL OWL

96er well plate screened within 90 seconds

Enabling 96- and 384-well live-cell imaging for large-scale applications.

The zenCELL owl is evolving.
Together with Cybertron Berlin, we’ve developed a movable unit that extends the zenCELL owl’s imaging capabilities to high-throughput formats.

This new module enables automated scanning and analysis of 96- and potentially 384-well plates, allowing researchers to perform large-scale screenings with the same flexibility and precision the zenCELL owl is known for.

Thanks to its stitching capability, even smaller well plates can now be captured entirely — providing comprehensive, high-resolution overviews of your cell cultures.

Overview second 0 - 20

Overview second 0 - 20

Overview second 22 - 42

Overview second 22 - 42

Overview second 44 - 64

Overview second 44 - 64

Overview second 66 - 86

Overview second 66 - 86

Visualization

Step 1 – Initialization (0–20 s)
24 images captured in 20 seconds – quadrant 1 completed.
Step 2 – Transition (22–42 s)
2-second movement to quadrant 2.
Step 3 – Continuation (44–64 s)
Consistent imaging continues – quadrant 2 done.
Step 4 – Completion (66–86 s)
All 96 wells captured – ready for stitching and analysis.

Key Features

Designed for high-throughput experiments and multi-parameter assays.

The automated movement unit has been designed to integrate seamlessly into both standard and customized robotic environments.
It supports the most common liquid-handling and screening systems, including Hamilton, Beckman Coulter, and Tecan platforms.

With its flexible interface and precise control system, the module enables fully automated workflows — from plate handling and positioning to real-time imaging — without compromising reproducibility or throughput.

This makes the zenCELL owl ideal for integration into high-throughput screening pipelines, drug discovery, and automated cell culture environments.

Merges multiple fields of view into one complete, high-resolution image of the entire plate.

The zenCELL owl software is being continuously optimized for this module — in close collaboration with our users.

Your feedback directly shapes our future software releases.

Collaboration & Optimization

This innovation was developed in partnership with Cybertron Berlin, combining advanced motion control with zenCELL owl’s intelligent imaging technology.

We believe in co-creation with our users — therefore, software optimization will continue hand in hand with our research partners and customers.
Every lab setup is unique, and we want the zenCELL owl to adapt to your needs.

Integration with Existing Workflows

The new high-throughput module integrates seamlessly with existing zenCELL owl setups — including the Scratch Maker for migration assays and other end-to-end workflows.

This combination now enables:

  • Automated imaging of entire 96- or 384-well plates
  • Quantitative tracking of wound healing or cell growth across all wells
  • AI-driven analysis and documentation for research, QA, and drug screening


 Explore related workflows:

2D migration assay applications 

Live Cell Imager

Technical Overview

The automated movement unit operates on a precise XYZ motion system, enabling both horizontal scanning and vertical focusing for advanced applications.

  • Movement Type: XYZ – high-precision linear motion
  • Z-axis resolution: 10 µm – optimized for monitoring and screening of 3D cell cultures and organoid models
  • Compatibility: Supports integration with standard robotic systems including Hamilton, Beckman Coulter, and Tecan.

This ensures full flexibility for automated high-throughput screenings, 3D imaging workflows, and live monitoring of complex cell structures — all while maintaining consistent optical alignment and reproducibility.

6-, 24-, 96-, and 384-well plates

Brightfield (standard); compatible with future AI-extensions

Integrated with zenCELL owl Software Suite
 1 mm2 per image

Dimensions & Design

The automated adapter frame is designed as a compact, benchtop-compatible unit that easily integrates into existing lab setups and incubator environments.

Dimensions:
📏 468.5 × 300.5 × 141.8 mm (L × W × H)

Despite its compact size, the unit provides a large active imaging area suitable for 96- and 384-well plates, ensuring stable positioning, vibration-free movement, and precise XYZ control throughout each imaging cycle.

Its lightweight and modular design allows for seamless integration into laboratory automation workflows — making it ideal for high-throughput imaging, screening, and long-term live-cell monitoring.

Dimension of kinematic

Dimension of Kinematic

Call to Action

Be among the first to experience the High-Throughput zenCELL owl module.
Join our beta testing group and shape the next generation of automated live-cell imaging.