HighRes partners with life science organizations to implement intelligent data and lab automation workflows that empower every team member to plan and execute efficient and reproducible science. At SLAS2026, HighRes was joined by three distinguished partner organizations — Enveda, Pfizer, and Merck — each sharing their real-world experiences building and evolving high-throughput screening and sample management platforms powered by HighRes automation.
This customer spotlight series features the stories and insights shared by each partner, offering a window into the practical challenges, strategic decisions, and operational outcomes that define world-class lab automation in drug discovery.
Presented by Rich Frisbie, Principal Scientist, High-Throughput Screening, Discovery Biology & Pharmacology
Pfizer's High-Throughput Screening lab resides within the Discovery Biology and Pharmacology group in Groton, Connecticut, supporting all of Pfizer's early drug discovery portfolio. The group spans HTS, SAR labs, cell and protein reagent teams, and works across multiple therapeutic disease areas. Rich Frisbie has been part of small molecule drug discovery at Pfizer for almost 20 years.
The lab is a newer build, with the team growing rapidly from a small founding group into a fully equipped, production-ready HTS facility. Rich's presentation focused specifically on lessons learned while designing, constructing, and commissioning three major HighRes automation systems over the past year-plus.
Pfizer's automation journey began with a detailed retrospective evaluation of existing infrastructure and a clear set of forward-looking goals. Key requirements included:
The design phase with HighRes spanned into early 2024, with biweekly meetings to develop concepts. A concurrent lab renovation involving raised ceilings, new walls, plumbing, electrical, and data infrastructure added complexity but was managed in parallel with the system design process.
Pfizer commissioned three major Nucleus® automation systems, each designed with intentional flexibility and upgradability:
The largest and most complex of the three systems, the ZCell houses approximately 25 instruments, including dual centrifuges, dual PlateLocs, multiple Q1 BioShakes, Revvity readers, and a Prime®Liquid Handler currently configured for advanced plate storage. The system features three dockable cart configurations and integrates a SteriStore for cell-based work. All cell-based operations, including de-lidding, are performed within a HEPA-enclosed environment for EH&S compliance.
Born from the commissioning of the Echo FlexCart, a large, ~600-pound mobile unit, the Tri-Doc takes a unique approach: there is no central robotic arm. The ACell arm travels with the FlexCart itself, docking to the system and interfacing with adjacent carts. In its current configuration it supports biochemical HTS, with Prime Liquid Handler providing gantry-style plate storage for up to 100-plate assays. The system is also used extensively for plate reformatting and source plate preparation.
Designed primarily for fully automated online fixing and staining of cells, the ACell Rail includes a chemically vented enclosure for paraformaldehyde work, a HEPA-enclosed Tempest dispenser for cell-based workflows, and Lyconic temperature-controlled storage (capable of handling heavy metal lids that cause issues with standard AmbiStore/SteriStore units). The system supports up to 88 plates of daily imaging throughput, with the flexibility to run concurrent workflows such as qPCR alongside imaging.
Video 1. Pfizer’s Automation Journey
Rich shared several hard-won lessons for teams embarking on similar automation journeys:
Download a copy of Rich’s slides here.
Contact our applications and technology experts for personalized advice, recommendations, and demonstrations! Learn more about Pfizer or reach out to Rich about his systems.