fireflyGO automated liquid handler

Simplify targeted oncology research with automated workflows

A rapid, accurate path from sample to analysis

Scalable oncology research workflows with automation

Leverage automated library preparation on the fireflyGO liquid handler for rapid, streamlined NGS workflows with fewer touchpoints and reduced errors.

Automated pipetting system

Cost‑efficient, accurate library preparation

Enable cost-efficient, accurate library preparation for targeted oncology research applications with Pillar Biosciences oncoReveal panels using SLIMamp technology.

Scientist starting a run on the MiSeq i100 Plus System

Fast, streamlined workflows

Achieve fast run times on the MiSeq i100 Series with breakthrough simplicity, paired with DRAGEN and Illumina Connected Insights for streamlined analysis.

Two female scientists are working together, looking down at a monitor on a laptop in a lab setting.

Reduce workflow complexity

Reduce workflow complexity and staffing constraints with the fireflyGO automated liquid handler.

Advantages of automated 
NGS workflows

Using automation can reduce hands-on time and minimize human error across your targeted oncology NGS workflow compared to manual approaches. With Pillar Biosciences oncoReveal panels on the fireflyGO automated liquid handler, you can perform next-generation sequencing (NGS) using the MiSeq i100 Series with DRAGEN and Illumina Connected Insights for analysis, all in a streamlined, end-to-end research solution.

Key benefits

  Increased throughput

  Reduced hands-on time

  Fewer errors

  Easy setup

  Intuitive interface

  Small footprint

  Cloud deployment of new protocols

Close up image of a scientist placing a plate on a carrier of a Hamilton ML Star

Reduce errors with intuitive workflows and fewer touchpoints using automation

Prepare, sequence, and analyze with a streamlined and standardized automated liquid handling system purpose-built for NGS-based targeted oncology research.

1
Prepare

Automated library preparation with an intuitive interface and a small footprint.

fireflyGO automated liquid handler

Reduce workflow complexity with easy setup and efficient automation.

2
Sequence

Rapid run times for oncology research.

3
Analyze

Secondary and tertiary analysis with a simplified user interface.

fireflyGO measurements: Adjustable height
80.5–81.5 cm
(31.6–32 in), Width 
67.0 cm (26.4 in) and Depth
59.5 cm (23.4 in)
fireflyGO specifications
Throughput 24-, 16-, 8-, or 1-samples
Capacity Up to 16 SBS labware positions on two independently moving decks
Integrated modules Gripper, active heating/cooling system, Inheco On-Deck Thermal Cycler 96
User interface LCD touchscreen with guided instrument setup and protocol execution; transferable cloud-based methods
Safety Fully enclosed with user protection systems

Additional resources

Oncology research solutions

Learn more about Illumina oncology research solutions that help laboratories generate high‑quality, reproducible genomic insights with intuitive and scalable workflows.

Illumina lab instruments

Explore the trusted portfolio of sequencers and microarray scanners from Illumina designed to support a wide range of applications.

Library prep automation

Reduce hands-on time and minimize errors with high- and low-throughput walk-away automation protocols.

FAQ

The fireflyGO automated liquid handler is optimized for the MiSeq i100 Series to deliver the fastest workflow and it is also compatible with the higher throughput NextSeq 1000 and NextSeq 2000 Sequencing Systems.

The fireflyGO automated liquid handler is intended to work with Pillar oncoReveal Panels from Illumina. Current compatible panels include Pillar oncoReveal Myeloid Panel, Pillar oncoReveal Core LBx Panel, Pillar oncoReveal Multi-Cancer CNV and RNA Fusion Panel. Additional Pillar oncoReveal panels will be available by the end of 2026.

The fireflyGO automated liquid handler increases laboratory throughput by enabling faster, more consistent processing of samples. By reducing manual steps and allowing workflows to run more efficiently, laboratories can scale sample volumes without proportionally increasing staffing or labor hours. The fireflyGO is able to handle up to 24 samples per run in 5–6.5 hours depending on the panel and sample type.

Laboratories should consider automated liquid handling when they need to improve reproducibility, reduce hands-on time, increase throughput, or support growing sample volumes. Automation is especially valuable for workflows that involve repetitive or time‑consuming liquid handling steps.

Yes. Illumina offers additional automation options and works with partners to support automated workflows across sequencing, library preparation, protein preparation, and microarray applications. These solutions help laboratories design automation strategies that align with specific needs. Learn more about automated library preparation.

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Speak to a specialist

Talk to an expert to learn more about the fireflyGO automated liquid handler.