Epson robot arm arrives
Big things are afoot at the SIBYLS beamline. Our Epson SCARA robot arm has finally arrived. This is the major component of our new auto crystal mounting robot. We have decided to install a system very similar to the Stanford Automated Mounting (SAM) system. Our decision was based on several factors:
1) It was within our budget.
2) It will be possible to integrate into the BLU-ICE beamline control software (also developed at the SSRL) which we are already using at the SIBYLS beamline.
3) This system has a large capacity (2 cassettes each holding 96 samples).
4) The robot is compatible with the uni-puck.
Essentially we will be able to adopt about 90% of the Stanford system with a few modifications to the sample dispensing dewar.
If you have any suggestions for a name please leave a comment. Berkeley Auto Mounter (BAM) is not an option because it is already used.