Step-Stop Centrifuge For Lab Automation
Supports robotic
handling for automated
workflows
Reduces operator
workload and helps
improve productivity
Two essential functions
in one compact unit
-
Improving efficiency and safety in research and production environments is always a priority. Two fundamental steps—mixing and centrifugation—often require manual transfers between devices. This not only increases time and labor costs but also introduces risks such as sample spills or tube drops. To address these challenges, RESO PRO developed an automation‑ready solution that combines both functions in a single, space‑saving unit.
What Is the Step-Stop
Mixer‑Centrifuge?
Robo Spin RS‑04M
A 2‑in‑1 model that combines mixing and spin‑down centrifugation of microtubes, providing two essential functions in one compact unit—ideal for workflows that require efficiency without increasing footprint. Designed for modern automated labs, the RS‑04M Step-Stop Mixer‑Centrifuge helps reduce intermediate transfers between mixing and spin‑down, helping streamline workflows, reduce handling risks, and support safer, more reproducible automated operations. A simplified standard model is also available for routine spin‑down tasks.
Our Approach to Addressing
Your Workflow Challenges
Safer. Smarter. More Efficient.
Supporting Robotic Handling
with Defined Position Stop
The Step-Stop centrifuge precisely stops the rotor at a defined position to minimize robotic gripping (pick) errors caused by sample‑tube misalignment—enabling safer operation, reproducible results, and reliable automation.
Like boarding a Ferris wheel at the same spot every time, RESO PRO’s Defined Position Stop feature brings the rotor to a precise, predetermined position. This design makes sample loading and unloading effortless, supporting smooth robotic assistance for automated workflows.
Always the same boarding point
Ferris wheel
Always the same pick-up point
Rotor
Toward Zero Lost Time
Robot‑ready tube holders for secure, repeatable gripping.
Robo Spin RS‑04M equips the rotor with four robot‑ready tube holders designed to provide a firm seat for screw‑cap microtubes. By supporting stable gripping and smooth handoffs, these holders help shorten takt time in mixing + spin mode workflows.
Important notes for automation:
-
Self‑rotating holders: Each holder rotates during operation:
Tube orientation is not defined at end‑of‑run.
-
Tube recommendation:
Snap‑cap microtubes are not recommended.
Use screw‑cap tubes for consistent gripping. -
Gripper recommendation:
Use rubber fingers with sufficient firmness and a non‑slip surface to support reliable load/unload.
Two Functions in a Letter‑Size Footprint
RS‑04M is a 2‑in‑1 Step-Stop Centrifuge with Integrated Mixing and Spin‑Down Functions. It helps reduce intermediate steps and tube transfers, allowing mode switching via external input signals for rapid transitions—helping shorten cycle times and reduce gripping errors.
Example
15 sec. / one tube × in case of 4 tubes = 60 sec.
60 sec. reduction!
Operation Overview
-
1
Load
Load one tube
→ send indexing signal to RS‑04M
→ rotor indexes to the defined position (Defined Position Stop)
→ repeat until the required number of tubes is loaded.
-
2
Mode Selection
Select the Spin or Mix mode via external input. You can also press the Spin or Mix front‑panel switch on RS‑04M.
-
3
Start of Operation
The robot closes the lid to start the run.
With the lid held closed, the unit operates for up to 6 minutes.
-
4
Stop (Safety Design)
When the robot arm disengages from the lid, RS‑04M stops operation automatically.
After the rotor reaches a complete stop, the lid lock releases, and the lid opens automatically.
This safety interlock prevents the lid from opening while the rotor is spinning.
-
5
Unload
After the run completes, the robot sends an indexing signal to RS‑04M (as in the loading step). RS‑04M indexes the rotor to the defined position (Defined Position Stop), and the robot unloads the microtubes.
Adopted planetary centrifugal mixing
Step-Stop Mixer-Centrifuge, SMCR-M004 equipped with centrifugal function for quick spin-down and mixing function by tube self-rotation. Self-rotating tubes generate up-and-down convection and vortex flow in the sample. These features enable the mixing with less foaming.
Emulsion Formation
Emulsion formation was performed using 0.1M sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution as the aqueous phase and 1-dodecanol added to liquid paraffin as the oil phase. With the vortex mixer, the interfacial tension between the aqueous and oil phases prevented sufficient stirring between the phases, and no emulsion was formed, whereas with the Step-Stop Mixer-Centrifuge an emulsion was formed.
Providing documents: FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation
Step-Stop Centrifuge
for Spin-Down
Robo Spin RS-08
RS‑08 is a purpose‑built spin‑down centrifuge for microtubes. With a letter‑size compact footprint, it integrates easily into space‑constrained robotic workcells. Its Defined Position Stop mechanism halts the rotor at a precise, defined position at end‑of‑run, enabling robots to load and unload microtubes using fixed approach coordinates. RS‑08 delivers up to 4,000 rpm (≈860 × g) and, with dedicated tube holders, enables robots to reliably grip and smoothly handle 1.5–2.0 mL microtubes.
Tube Holders: Purpose‑Built Geometry for
Secure Gripping
Reduce drop risk. Improve throughput. Support repeatable automation.
Supporting Robotic Handling with Guided Finger Channels.
Designed for RS‑08, our tube holders feature finger‑guide channels that lead the robot gripper to the correct position and depth. This design enables a stable, deep grip on microtubes, minimizes gripping errors, and supports safer, more predictable automated workflows.
With anti‑rotation features for consistent orientation, each tube holder keeps snap‑cap tubes aligned in a defined orientation—supporting smoother loading and unloading and helping deliver faster, more consistent cycle times.
Specifications
| Product | Step-Stop Mixer-Centrifuge | Step-Stop Spin-Down Centrifuge |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Robo Spin RS-04M | Robo Spin RS-08 |
| Rotor stop positions | 8 positions (45° increments) | 8 positions (45° increments) |
| Max speed (fixed) | Spin mode: 4,000 rpm Mixer mode: 2,500 rpm |
4,000 rpm |
| Max RCF (G) (with 2.0 mL microtube) * |
900 G (tube holder L) 970 G (tube holder S) |
930 G |
| Max capacity | 2.0 mL × 8 microtubes 2.0 mL × 4 microtubes (robot handling) |
2.0 mL × 8 microtubes |
| Timer (fixed) | 6 min | 6 min |
| Dimensions | 214 × 270 × 138 mm (W × D × H) Lid open: 214 × 270 × 231 mm (W × D × H) |
214 × 270 × 133 mm (W × D × H) Lid open: 214 × 270 × 226 mm (W × D × H) |
| Net weight | approx 2.5 kg | approx 2.4 kg |
| Power requirements | Dedicated AC adapter Single-phase AC100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1.8 A |
Dedicated AC adapter Single-phase AC100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1.8 A |
| External interface (discrete I/O) ** |
Inputs: - rotor indexing - spin mode - mixer mode Outputs: - lid open signal - error signal |
Inputs: - rotor indexing Outputs: - lid open signal - error signal |
| Safety features | Lid opening interlock Brake Overload protector (AC adapter, motor driver) |
Lid opening interlock Brake Overload protector (AC adapter, motor driver) |
* RS-04M: Not applicable to Mixer mode
** Inputs: photo-coupler (sinking) inputs. Outputs: transistor (sinking) outputs.
About TOMY
Contributing to the creation of a society where people can live in good health, both physically and mentally, as a company that provides solutions.
Since its foundation in 1958, TOMY is the leading autoclave sterilizer and centrifuge manufacturer in Japan, and providing superior services to customers across various industry segments, including biotechnology, biological engineering, medical science and food development worldwide.
With the mission of “contributing to the development of biotechnology and bringing happiness to people around the world”, we have been constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the times based on our abundant experience and knowledge for more than half a century since our establishment. We are proud that our proactive approach to development in response to our customers’ needs has become one of our strengths, and has led to our future-oriented foresight and deep trust.
The times are becoming faster, more complex, and more globalized. As “a company that provides solutions” that considers the problems of humankind as its own challenges, in addition to the achievements it has cultivated over the years, we will continue to work together with everyone to create a society where people can live in good health, both physically and mentally.
About RESO PRO
RESO PRO delivers automation-ready centrifuges with precision stopping, enabling seamless robotic integration and helping laboratories achieve higher efficiency and reliability. Built on TOMY’s long-standing expertise in laboratory equipment, RESO PRO represents a next-generation approach to automated laboratory workflows.
The specifications and appearance of the product are subject to change without notice.
Illustrations are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual color and shape of the product.
© 2026 TOMY SEIKO CO., LTD. All rights reserved.