Overview
FRAME
Prescan CamEra, Multi-Channel Fluorescence, Objective Switcher, Nvidia Jetson Nano (R) computer
Modules
Enhance the functionality of your Scope
Community-driveN Software
ImSwitch
Modular Microscopy Software
Open-Source
A Cube inside a Cube
A frame holds both the optics and the sample in place.
FRAME
Alpha
FRAME stands for Fast and Rigid Automated Microscope Engine – a fully automated XYZ scanning platform that separates optical pathways from mechanical motion, offering unparalleled flexibility and precision. Easily integrate new optical setups without realignment, capture high-quality images, and experience microscopy like never before.
FRAME
Alpha
FRAME’s modular concept simplifies assembling, testing, and exchanging optical setups. Standardized UC2 interfaces let you slide in your custom or third-party modules and instantly begin imaging. The system is open-source at every level—hardware, firmware, and software—enabling full customization to suit your research needs.
Modularity
The adaptable System for your modular Idea
Customize your features by stacking layers.
Motion
Flexible in all Directions
The optics stay fixed, only the sample moves. Get ready for on-sample pipetting!
Automated XYZ Motion
A robust motion system propels your samples with sub-micrometer precision over a spacious 130×90×11 mm travel range. The optical components remain fixed, ensuring consistent alignment. Seamlessly add or exchange modules—like brightfield or fluorescence illumination—without extensive recalibration, speeding up workflows and enhancing throughput.
Rapidly prototype new optical methods, integrate advanced modules, and scale up for automated sample handling. This approach democratizes high-end microscopy and paves the way for breakthroughs in research and diagnostics.
CONTROL
Browser-based control
Have full control over your microscope from anywhere using our open-source browser-based control software.
Browser-Based Control & Open-Source Processing
FRAME runs on modular electronics with open-source UC2-ESP32 firmware and CAN Bus communication. Control everything through a simple web browser, a game controller, or advanced scripts using the REST-API. A Docker-based environment allows easy remote updates and expansions. Automation is straightforward—connect external devices like robotic arms and pipetting stations through the flexible SDK.
Enhance Your Microscope with Plug-and-Play Optics
Pre-test your custom optical paths externally and insert them directly into FRAME’s stable structure. We support standard objectives, dichroics, and various illumination add-ons. Whether you need brightfield, phase contrast, or multi-laser fluorescence, just slot in the relevant module. With proven collaborations (e.g., FLIMLabs, ARKITEKT.live), FRAME is ready for advanced techniques such as fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM).
API
Open Interfaces
Add external modules to enhance your setup.
Control
Interface for open workflow interaction
The FiveD microscope can be integrated into your existing workflow. The electronics enable wireless control via a PS4 game controller, USB-serial or Wifi-based interaction via the open-source UC2-REST interface that can be integrated into a variety of different programming languages (a Python API/package is provided as an example), an interactive touchscreen, and a fully supported ImSwitch version that can control the microscope.
The microscope’s REST-API backend can be used directly to implement it as an adapter into an automated workflow including, for example, robotic arms, liquid handling robots or automated imaging pipelines. Curious? Contact us if you would like to learn more!
FRAME is fully compatible with ImSwitch for real-time microscopy control and advanced imaging protocols. A Jupyter Notebook interface lets you script bespoke experiments, while a REST-API ensures easy integration with any programming language. This open infrastructure accelerates development for both routine imaging and cutting-edge research.
CONTROL
Exchange ideas with other microscopists.
Features
- Modular & Open Design – Standardized UC2 interfaces for consistent, stable alignment
- Fully Automated XYZ & Objective Revolver – 130×90×11 mm range, multi-objective flexibility
- Browser-Based Operation – No software installation needed, fully configurable from anywhere
- Rich API & SDK – Simple integration with robotics, liquid handling, or external pipelines
- High-Throughput & Multi-Modal – Brightfield, fluorescence, phase contrast, FLIM, and more
Features
| Standard Objectives | 4x/10x/20x/60x |
| (automated motorized two-position turret) | Customization possible |
| Excitation Wavelengths | 405 nm (e.g. DAPI) |
| (single-laser, dual laser or quad laser configuration) | 488 nm (e.g. GFP) |
| Emission Wavelengths | 520 nm, (e.g. mCherry) |
| 635 nm (e.g. AlexaFluor®647) | |
| Custom Cube Setup (typically DAPI 488 nm, GFP 520 nm, mCherry) 635 nm, AlexaFluor® 647) | |
| Imaging Modes | Brightfield, Colored Brightfield, Phase Contrast, Fluorescence |
| Operating Range (XYZ) | 130 x 90 x 10 mm |
| Labware Supported | Microplates (6x-384x), cell culture flasks (T25, T75), Petri- and cell culture dishes, microscope slides (4fold holder), count- and flow chambers, adapter for customized formats |
| Camera Compatibility | Single/Dual-camera in cube assembly (e.g. RGB for Histology, Monochrome for Fluorescence), overview camera top |
| Optical Interface | UC2 Cube system in 3x3x2 grid, 3x1x2 from the sides or 3x1 from above |
| Control Software | ImSwitch running in Docker self-hosted or on internal Raspberry Pi; REST-API; USB Serial and Camera driver (HIK Robotics), PS Controller |
| Data Format | OME-ZARR, OME-TIF, JPEG, MP4, PNG, customized |
| Software Interface (SDK & API) | Comprehensive, for integration and automation |
| Dimensions & Weight | 300x300x300 mm3, 11, <16 Kg (without Top Illumination part) |
| Electric Input | Power Supply: 110/230V, 50/60Hz |
| 12V, 5A (optional: battery-driven) | |
| Environmental Conditions | 10-40°C, <95% humidity |
