L3-CRY-INV-RET
CRITICAL
PRESERVATION
Level 3 · hardware
Robotic Sample Retrieval System
Automated Cryogenic Sample Pick-and-Place Robot
Robotic system retrieving and replacing individual samples without warming adjacent specimens
Purpose
Robotic system retrieving and replacing individual samples without warming adjacent specimens
Context
Child of L2-CRY-INV
Principles
- ▸Cryogenic gripper operates at -196C using materials designed for extreme cold
- ▸Localized warming zone isolated to target sample only via thermal barriers
- ▸Retrieval cycle time minimized to limit heat ingress into storage vessel
- ▸Carousel or drawer-based storage enables efficient access to any sample position
Typical implementations
- ▸Hamilton BiOS automated -80C sample management robot
- ▸Brooks Automation BioStore compound management
- ▸Thermo Fisher CryoExtra high-efficiency freezer with auto-inventory
Lunar considerations
- ▸Robotic mechanisms must function reliably at -196C (most lubricants freeze)
- ▸Sample retrieval must not warm adjacent samples above -180C critical threshold
- ▸Millions of samples means retrieval system must be fast and accurate
- ▸Robot maintenance requires warming a section - must be carefully managed
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | Robotic system retrieving and replacing individual samples without warming adjacent specimens |
Physical
| materials | Beryllium copper gripper jaws, MoS2 solid lubricant, PEEK thermal isolators, Stepper motors with ceramic bearings |
Interfaces
Provides
- Sample retrieval and replacement for genetic archive
Requires
- Robotic control integration for retrieval operations
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "Robotic Sample Retrieval System" (L3-CRY-INV-RET). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L3-CRY-INV-RET
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.