What HighRes does

HighRes Biosolutions is a privately held laboratory automation and orchestration company founded in 2004 and headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts, with a European headquarters in Manchester, England. Since 2015 it has been owned by Axel Johnson, Inc., a private investment company, and the firm employs more than 300 people globally. Its core product is the Cellario Platform — a cloud-based orchestration layer built on an API-first architecture with more than 500 device drivers — which connects the company's modular hardware portfolio (Nucleus, FlexPod, FlexCart automation platforms, the Prime liquid handler, PreciseDrop II dispenser, MicroSpin centrifuge, sample storage systems, and the AutoPod mobile robot) into unified workflows for life sciences customers.

HighRes serves pharmaceutical companies (Pfizer, Merck, AstraZeneca), AI-native biotechs (Iambic Therapeutics, Enveda, Recursion), and contract research organizations (Sygnature Discovery) across drug discovery, genomics, and synthetic biology use cases. Quantified outcomes include Merck processing millions of samples annually on systems running for 9+ years, Iambic reaching Phase 1 in under two years, and Enveda operating full end-to-end high-throughput screening at 1536-well scale with an 8-person team.

The business combines capital-equipment sales (modular automation platforms and instruments) with recurring Cellario software subscriptions, professional services for installation and validation, and multi-tier service contracts. Direct enterprise field sales and a global field-services organization handle deployment, with demand generation driven by SLAS conferences, partner webinars (NVIDIA, Opentrons, Benchling, Iambic), and an active content-marketing program. Strategic posture in 2025–2026 has shifted decisively toward AI: acquisition of Let's Go Robotics (March 2025), a rebrand around AI-driven lab orchestration at SLAS2026, and flagship partnerships with Opentrons (agent-to-agent workflows), Benchling (Automation ecosystem), and NVIDIA (BioNeMo execution layer) position Cellario OS as the physical-execution bridge between AI-generated protocols and lab instruments.

Name

HighRes

Legal name

HighRes Biosolutions

Website

https://highres.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Short description

HighRes Biosolutions provides modular laboratory automation hardware (Nucleus, FlexPod, FlexCart, Prime) and the Cellario orchestration software to pharmaceutical, biotech, and CRO customers, unifying instruments, workflows, and data into AI-driven drug discovery and genomics operations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Laboratory Automation Systems

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821)

akta.pro primary industry

Lab Automation, Instrument Control & Workflow Orchestration Software (HLAGAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Liquid Handling & Laboratory Automation (Pipettes, Robots, Workstations) (HLAGAIAD), Lab Middleware, Instrument Connectivity & Automation (HLACAMAI), General Lab Equipment (Centrifuges, Incubators, Shakers, Ovens) (HLAGAIAC)

Keywords

• Lab automation systems
• Lab orchestration software
• Modular laboratory robotics
• Liquid handling instruments
• Drug discovery automation

Headquarters

HQ city

Beverly

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Lab Automation Hardware: Sale of modular automation platforms (Nucleus, FlexPod, FlexCart), liquid handlers (Prime), instruments (MicroSpin, PreciseDrop II, PlateWeigh), and storage systems. Hardware forms the core product portfolio with modular systems designed for scalability from entry-level to enterprise.
2. Software and Orchestration: Cellario Platform software including Cellario OS, Scheduler, Lab Assistant, and related software modules. Provides lab-wide orchestration layer for coordinating instruments and workflows.
3. Professional Services: System design, installation, validation, training, and ongoing support services delivered by global network of automation and field support engineers. Includes service contract tiers with remote, field-based, and dedicated on-site support options.
4. Service Contracts: After warranty support including preventative maintenance, software updates, troubleshooting, and parts coverage. Multiple service level tiers available to match operational needs and budgets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

HighRes designs, manufactures, and sells intelligent laboratory automation and orchestration systems for life science organizations. The company offers modular hardware platforms (Nucleus, FlexPod, FlexCart), liquid handlers (Prime, PreciseDrop II), supporting instruments (MicroSpin centrifuge, automated storage, lid management, PlateOrient), and the Cellario orchestration software platform. These integrated solutions enable pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and contract research organizations to automate drug discovery, genomics, and synthetic biology workflows.

Product overview

HighRes provides intelligent laboratory automation and orchestration solutions, combining a portfolio of modular hardware systems with the Cellario Platform software suite. The core offering includes FlexPod, FlexCart, and Nucleus lab automation platforms (gold standard), paired with the Prime Liquid Handler and PreciseDrop II for liquid handling, plus supporting instruments including MicroSpin centrifuge, Sample Storage (AmbiStore, SteriStore, TundraStore), Consumable Storage (MicroServe, NanoServe, PicoServe), Lid Management (LidValet, LidDiscard), and PlateOrient. The software layer centers on Cellario Platform with Cellario OS (cloud-based orchestration), Cellario Lab Assistant (natural language interface), Cellario Scheduler (workflow scheduling), Cellario Lab Designer, Cellario Insight, and Cellario Edge, all connected via an API-first architecture with 500+ device drivers. Solution Software powers the Prime Liquid Handler. AutoPod Mobile Robot enables autonomous sample transport.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cellario: Lab orchestration software platform that unifies instruments, workflows, and data into a single operational framework
• Cellario OS
• FlexPod
• FlexCart
• Nucleus
• Prime
• AutoPod
• MicroSpin
• PreciseDrop II
• PlateWeigh
• AmbiStore
• SteriStore
• TundraStore
• MicroServe
• PlateOrient
• LidValet
• LidDiscard

Products and services

• Cellario Platform Unified lab orchestration platform that connects instruments, workflows, and data into a single operational framework. Cloud-based with 500+ device drivers, RESTful API architecture, natural language interface, scheduling, and partner platform integrations for life science laboratories conducting drug discovery, genomics, and synthetic biology research.
• Nucleus Systems Gold standard modular and scalable lab automation platform with dockable cart configurations and flexible reconfiguration capabilities. Architecture evolves with science and supports enterprise-scale configurations housing 25+ instruments. For pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research organizations running complex multi-instrument workflows.
• FlexPod Systems Compact, configurable lab automation platform that delivers automation redeployable across the lab while preserving valuable space. Entry-level modular automation system for organizations seeking flexible, space-efficient automation.
• FlexCart Systems Compact configurable lab automation platform with robotic arm providing high device density in a small footprint. Enables more automation with less space and supports assay-ready plate production workflows.
• AutoPod Mobile Robot Autonomous mobile robot that navigates laboratories delivering samples precisely where needed. Reduces manual sample transport between instruments, storage, and workcells for enhanced lab automation.
• Prime Liquid Handler High-throughput liquid handler with integrated collaborative robot providing precision and throughput for demanding life science workflows. Features vertical design minimizing footprint, exchangeable pipette heads (96, 384, 1536-well), and dual pipetting trays for continuous operation.
• PreciseDrop II Low-volume, non-contact dispenser for accurate and precise dispensing from 50 nL to hundreds of milliliters. Enables efficient NGS library preparation, PCR plate preparation, cell-based assays, and compound dose response. Integrates with mechanoporation technology for intracellular delivery.
• PlateWeigh Automated weighing system for verifying liquid handling performance. Delivers fast, precise volume verification with accuracy to 1.0 µg for quality control and method validation.
• Prime NGS Workstation Integrated system for 384-well NGS library preparation combining Prime Liquid Handler with Formulatrix Tempest, BlueCatBio BlueWasher, Inheco ODTCs, and QInstruments BioShake. Processes eight 384-well plates in eight hours.
• Sample Storage Systems Automated sample storage solutions including AmbiStore (ambient), SteriStore (incubation), and TundraStore (cold storage) protecting sample integrity while enabling scalable workflows.
• Consumable Storage Systems Plate hotels and labware management devices including MicroServe (high-density), NanoServe (medium-density), and PicoServe (low-density) for sequential storage of plates, tips, and labware.
• MicroSpin Centrifuge Automated centrifuge with max speed of 3000 x g, supporting plates and tubes up to 65mm height. Fully integrated with Cellario Platform for protocol generation, scheduling, and error handling.
• Lid Management Systems Automated lid handling solutions including LidValet for automatic lid removal/replacement during workflows and LidDiscard for automated lid disposal when no longer needed.
• PlateOrient Automated plate alignment system that ensures plates are correctly oriented before downstream processing, removing orientation errors and ensuring reliable instrument handoffs.
• Solution Software Intuitive software for Prime Liquid Handler featuring graphical Method Designer for drag-and-drop protocol building, real-time dashboard, advanced scripting, and integrated Cellario platform integration.
• Professional Services Global team of automation and field support engineers providing installation, service, maintenance, training, and single-point support for hardware, software, and service. Includes service contract tiers with remote, field-based, and dedicated on-site support options.

Quantifiable outcome

• Merck processes millions of samples annually across HighRes automation systems
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration32 records

AI capability13 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• NVIDIAcoreTechnology or Integration · 23 June 2026HighRes positioned Cellario OS as the open execution layer for AI Scientists, integrating with the NVIDIA BioNeMo Agent Toolkit. The integration enables AI-designed experiments to be run on real instruments with results returned as validated, provenance-rich data. HighRes aims to become the standard execution layer for any AI Scientist platform.
• BenchlingcoreTechnology or Integration · 28 May 2026Ecosystem partner for Benchling Automation platform. HighRes Cellario OS connects lab instruments, workcells, and scientific records into continuously updated loop. Integration eliminates need for bespoke integrations and custom code per instrument, enabling AI scientists to route data back to notebook entries tied to samples.
• Opentrons LabworksflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 February 2026Strategic partnership to co-develop the industry's first AI agent-to-agent laboratory workflow, demonstrated live at SLAS 2026. Combines Opentrons Flex robotic platforms and OpentronsAI with HighRes FlexPod automation platform and Cellario orchestration software. Enables scientists to translate AI-driven protocols directly into physical execution using natural language.
• Let's Go RoboticscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 4 March 2025Acquisition of Let's Go Robotics (LGR), provider of low-volume dispensing technology. Carlsbad, CA headquarters will remain open to drive innovation for automated liquid handling product line expansion. Integration with Cellario OS enables semi-automated and fully automated workflows for genomics and drug discovery labs.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Agilent Technologies: Agilent provides analytical instruments, automation, and laboratory software across pharma and genomics workflows, overlapping with HighRes in NGS sample preparation and drug discovery screening applications.
• Revvity: Revvity (formerly PerkinElmer) provides life science instrumentation, lab automation, and software for drug discovery and diagnostics, including readers integrated into HighRes systems (Pfizer ZCell) and competing sample management offerings.
• Beckman Coulter Life Sciences (Danaher): Beckman Coulter is a broad incumbent in life science instrumentation and laboratory automation, offering liquid handlers, centrifuges, and sample management solutions with significantly greater scale and global reach than HighRes.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Fisher offers laboratory automation, liquid handling, and lab informatics as part of a vast life sciences portfolio, competing with HighRes in pharma R&D and genomics applications through its PPD and specialty diagnostics businesses.
• Eppendorf: Eppendorf is a broad incumbent in liquid handling, sample preparation, and cell handling instrumentation, with overlapping offerings in automated pipetting and laboratory consumables serving pharma and academic research customers.

Emerging players

• Opentrons Labworks: Opentrons is a strategic partner and emerging competitor in affordable, AI-native lab robotics, with over 10,000 robots shipped globally. OpentronsAI generates Python protocols from natural language, intersecting with HighRes's Cellario Lab Assistant.
• Formulatrix: Formulatrix is an integration partner and adjacent competitor providing liquid handling dispensers (Tempest) used in HighRes Prime NGS Workstation, with parallel products in protein crystallization and sample preparation.

Others

• Benchling: Benchling is a strategic partner providing cloud-based ELN and R&D data platform; Benchling Automation directly integrates with Cellario OS, positioning Benchling as a complementary ecosystem partner rather than direct competitor in physical automation.

Direct peers

• Tecan: Tecan is a direct peer providing automated liquid handling workstations, reader-based detection systems, and software for drug discovery and genomics workflows, competing head-to-head with HighRes Prime and Cellario platforms.
• Hamilton Company: Hamilton is a direct competitor in modular laboratory automation, offering the Microlab STAR and other configurable liquid handling and sample management platforms serving the same pharmaceutical and biotech customers as HighRes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/HighResBiosolutions
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/highres-biosolutions

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HighRes