They are building one there, right?

For lab automation, I am typically surprised how low the bar is to be considered innovative, but for the same reason. Most labs can barely afford a liquid handler, let alone more sophisticated robotics.

What were/are the biggest challenges when you tried this?

I believe the i.dot is around $100k vs $400k for the 650 Echo (the 500 series might be cheaper). Service is typically a % of the purchase price.

That said, nothing beats the echo for integrated, small volume screening. As always, it depends on your science.

I fully agree with your integrated approach, but think you underestimate the importance of the software. If a scientist needs to go through an engineer every time they want to run an experiment, then it increases the activation energy to get science on the platform.

And $300k cheaper

Works well as a standalone device, but difficult to integrate because of the dispense plate. Additionally,store in the dispense plate is difficult.

Would love updates along the way on how it goes!

Everything is cyclical. Companies might realize that their AI investment is not worth much without well curated and large amounts of data.

This is my latest pet peeve!!! We just bought a DLS instrument used and the provider wants an insane amount to bring it online.

I think lots of organizations got burnt on Covid purchases during the biotech bubble.