What's New in This Release?

New Commands in API Integration v2.1

FLO i8 optimizes the API Integration by adding new commands and functions, including:

• Scan-Tip-Box: Scan for tip boxes in specified deck positions and retrieve the results. This enables you to review the remaining tips in the tip box before proceeding to the next protocol.
• Skip-Scan-Deck: Disable scanning for designated deck positions. Bypassing scanning allows you to keep labware which is not required for the protocol in the skipped positions without triggering a scanning error. You can also use this command to speed up the deck scanning process by skipping unused deck slots.

Go to API Integration v2.1 to learn more.

 

Optimizing Regular Pipetting Parameters

FLO i8 now accepts negative values in the Tip Position pipetting parameter field, enabling it to detect the liquid surface and dispense a set distance above the detected surface position.

For more information, see Using the Pipetting Parameters.

Tip Position Settings in Regular Pipetting Parameters

 

Other improvements and updates in FLO i8 2.7:

• We improved the Import Workflow feature to allow a 0 value in the Transfer Volume column of the .CSV file. Previously a Transfer Volume value of 0 would trigger an import error, which was inconvenient in some cases, for example when import files are generated programmatically or by template. Find out more about Importing Workflow.

.CSV File Sample with ‘0’ Transfer Volume Format

Authentication in API Integration v2

The new functionality in API Integration v2 requires authorized user credentials to operate the FLO i8 system, including accessing and running protocols and setting up pipetting profiles, using available API commands. This ensures that only authenticated users can access the FLO i8 software and enhances data security.

Go to API Integration v2 for more details.

Progress Indicator Tabs for Multitasking Operations

Now, you can track ongoing activity in real-time while continuing to use the software with progress indicator tabs on the bottom menu. This replaces the old loading screen which did not allow for UI interaction during certain processes. Find out more about each indicator state in Status Bar.

Progress Indicator Tabs on Status Bar

 

Estimated Run Time

Manage your time better with the estimated run time indicators:

• The Estimated Run Time indicator on the Preparing Required Labware page shows the approximate runtime of the current protocol.

  

  Estimated Run Time in Preparing Required Labware Page

• The Time Remaining bar on the Executing page counts down the remaining time as the protocol is running.

  

  Time Remaining Bar on the Executing Page

• The Elapsed Protocol Run Time is shown in the Dispense Report.

  

  Elapsed Protocol Run Time in Dispense Report Explorer Page

For more information, see Executing a Protocol and Dispense Report.

 

Easier Sample Mapping with Well Selection Patterns

The new Well Selection options in the Sample Plate of Serial Dilution page allow you to quickly map multiple wells at once when using a 384-well plate. You can choose from six available patterns. For more details, see Creating a Serial Dilution.

Well Selection Options in Sample Plate

Create and Run Protocols Via the API

The new functionality within the API allows you to create and run protocols from a .CSV input. This can be completed entirely within the API, no need to open the main UI. This allows for smoother, fully autonomous protocol generation and execution.

Go to FLO i8 API Integration to get the detailed description and best practices on how to use API in FLO i8.

Introducing the New Export Workflow Feature

The Export Workflow feature is now available in the Protocol Editor to help you export your pipetting steps in .CSV file for internal recordkeeping. You can select one or multiple pipetting steps — including Simple Transfers, Delays, and User Confirmations — save the .CSV file in your local drive, and import it onto other FLO i8 systems. This feature saves time and ensures consistency for users who run the same protocol on multiple instruments.

Learn more about this feature on Exporting Workflow.

Exporting Workflow in the Protocol Editor Page

 

Import Workflow Feature Improvements

FLO i8 optimizes the Import Workflow feature in the Protocol Editor page to provide a more efficient way of importing protocols. The improvements include the following:

• Enabling flexibility to import the .CSV file before assigning labware in the Protocol Editor. Previously, before importing protocol you needed to add labware to the Virtual Deck based on the defined labware in the .CSV file. Now, you can either define the preferred labware before or after importing workflow.

  Additionally, FLO i8 will automatically synchronize the labware name in the .CSV file if you rename it from the Virtual Deck.

  

  Defining Labware in the Virtual Deck After Importing Workflow

   

• Specifying the Transfer Volume column in the imported .CSV file as ALL, allows the FLO i8 to Aspirate until the well is empty at the preferred source well locations.

  

  .CSV File Sample with ALL Transfer Volume Format

   

  FLO i8 also provides a .CSV file template that you can download by clicking GET TEMPLATE from the Import Workflow window. For more information, see Importing Workflow.

  

  Click GET TEMPLATE in the Import Workflow Window

 

Revamped Error Recovery Function

The Error Recovery feature has been improved by adding the following options:

• Error Recovery Settings

  You can now customize the error recovery default settings from the Error Recovery Settings page. With this new approach, you can set the error recovery behavior based on your preference, from adjusting pipetting channel movements to setting the dispense/aspirate/mixing procedure. You can access the Error Recovery Settings page from the Tools menu.

  Find out more about personalizing your error recovery on Error Recovery Settings.

  

  Configuring Error Recovery Settings

• Auto Recovery Button

  With the new Auto Recovery button in the Preparing Required Labware page, you can control the error recovery execution based on your predefined Error Recovery Settings. By enabling this feature, you can automate the error recovery procedure with uninterrupted protocol execution, determining a streamlined error recovery process.

  This helps you keep the system running for a certain period of time without monitoring, even when any error occurs. Find out more on Error Recovery Settings.

  

  Auto-Recovery Button in the Preparing Required Labware Page

 

Ensures More Accurate Sample Mix with Pipetting Parameters

FLO i8 2.3 now provides you with more Tip Position options in the Pipetting Parameters for the Mixing Before Aspirate and Mixing After Dispense procedure. Previously, you could only define an aspirate and dispense mixing cycle from one well location. Now, you can add different locations for each aspirate and dispense process in one cycle, optimizing the sample mixing before aspirate and/or after dispense. The additional options can be found in both regular and Serial Dilution Pipetting Profile under the Mixing and Serial Dilution Settings tab.

See Using the Pipetting Parameters for the tutorial.

Mixing Tab in Regular Pipetting Parameters

 

Serial Dilution Settings Tab in the Serial Dilution Pipetting Parameters

 

Instant Serial Dilution Step Modification

FLO i8 2.3 now offers more options to modify the locations in the Sample Plate of your existing Serial Dilution steps. You can now delete, add, and change the sample well locations without affecting your predefined setup and parameters.

Find out more about Serial Dilution in Creating a Serial Dilution.

Modifying the Sample Plate in the Serial Dilution Step

 

Other improvements and updates in FLO i8 2.3:

• Improved the Protocol Explorer page for more organized protocol storage by enabling you to move the selected protocols to the desired folder using the click-and-drag function.

  

  Organizing Protocols in Protocol Explorer Page

• Updated the Date Executed filter to list the dispense report files from the newest to the oldest one, allowing you to easily access the most recent reports.

  

  Dispense Report Page

Customize Labware Placement on the Virtual Deck

Users will now have the ability to override the labware positioning recommended by the system and place labware in the deck position of their choosing.

This functionality can be accessed in the Preparing Required Labware page:

• Click and drag labware to the desired deck position.

  

  Customizing the Labware Mapping

• New toolbar with options to save, load, and reset the labware placement. The options to add, remove, and select tip available types have also migrated to this toolbar.

  

  Virtual Deck Layout Overview Toolbar

Find out more about customizing labware preparation on Virtual Deck Layout Overview.

 

Enhancements to Simple Transfer Feature

• You can now aspirate until the source well is empty without having to define the Dispense Volume. This may be used in cases where it is desired to aspirate all liquid from the well, especially if the exact volume in the well is unknown or variable. While designing on the Simple Transfer page, enable the Aspirate until well empty feature on the Setup Dispense Volume panel.

  

Activating the Aspirate Until Well Empty Feature

• It is now easier to remove mapped wells from the Destination Plate. Select the wells you want to remove and click the DELETE WELL button. You can also delete the mapped wells on both the Source and Destination labware by double-clicking the well.

Deleting the Mapped Volume

See Creating a Simple Transfer for the tutorial.

 

Updated Tip Change Options within Pipetting Parameters

There are now 2 options for Reusing Tips for the Same Source: Reuse Tips For Same Stock - Prioritize Speed and Reuse Tips For Same Stock - Tips Saving. These can be found within the Tip Change options on the regular pipetting profile. Reuse Tips For Same Stock - Tips Saving will use a single tip for each source well. Reuse Tips For Same Stock - Prioritize Speed will use up to 8 tips per source well to allow for parallel dispensing. To set up the pipetting profiles, see Using the Pipetting Parameters.

New Tip Change Options

Report Errors Using Log Packages

If an error occurs, you can create a report with information about what went wrong and system logs from the time of the error. The log package can be downloaded and emailed to the FORMULATRIX support technicians, so we can investigate the issue without remote access.

You can create log packages using the Report Error button, available on every FLO i8 software page. Access and download log packages from the Log Packages page found within the Help menu. For more information, see Reporting Errors Using Log Packages.

The Report Error Form

New User Role: Run-Only User

The Run-Only User role is now available for more controlled protocol execution. This role is granted access to run existing protocols, but unable to create or modify them. Find out more about the Run-Only User role on User Manager.

Run-Only User

 

Revert Software to Previous Version

You can revert to the previously installed software version from the About page. Find the tutorials on Software Upgrade and Revert.

Previous Software Version

Other improvements and updates in FLO i8 2.2:

• Direct access to the FLO i8 online help from the Help & Support page.

The Help & Support Page

• Pipetting step editor now provides Undo and Redo buttons to reverse and restore deleted sources.

The Undo and Redo Buttons

• New plate mapping patterns for Serial Dilution protocol designs.

New Mapping Patterns for Serial Dilution

See the System Status in a Glance

FLO i8 2.1 comes with a status bar to better display the system information, such as:

• The overall instrument status, from initialization to error notification.
• The door position; either open or closed.
• The waste bin position and capacity.

Tooltips appear when you hover over any of the icons, displaying more information about the system's status. Learn more about the Status Barhere.

The Status Bar

FLO i8 2.1 provides several other improvements for better usability:

• The workflow .CSV template now includes Pipetting Profile, User Confirmation, and Delay inputs to provide users more flexibility when programming protocols through a .CSV file. Learn more about Using the Import Workflow Featurehere.

  

  New Workflow .CSV Template

• More labware types are now available in our database with updated specifications to improve compatibility with your workflows. To learn more about our available labware types, see Labware Manager.