Modular
It changes with your research
A frame holds both the optics and the sample in place.
FRAME
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
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
Customize your features by stacking layers.
Automated
It runs itself
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 130×90×10 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.
Open
You own it
Have full control over your microscope from anywhere using our open-source browser-based control software. An APP-based system enables adding plugins and drivers freely.
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. Everything available through Github.
API
Open Interfaces
Add external modules to enhance your setup like the on-stage incubator from Okolab.
The stage that adapts to your sample
Bring your sample
AF488 labelled FluoCells on the FRAME in motion.
Room for your ideas!
A fast xyz scanning stage with loads of room for your beloved instruments. Add your stage top incubator, your light-sheet system or additional cameras. The stage is yours!
Features
Customize your Microscope to your needs
Exchange ideas with other microscopists.
Feature Highlights
- Modular & Open Design – Standardized UC2 interfaces for consistent, stable alignment
- Fully Automated XYZ & Objective Revolver – 130×90×10 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 Full table
| 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, DPC, FLIM (through FLIM Labs) |
| 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, <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 |
Samples Captured on the FRAME
The Inner Cube
Prototype on the bench. Slide it into FRAME.
At the heart of FRAME is a removable optical engine, the Inner Cube. Take it out, work on it as an open bench setup and test new imaging methods or full light paths, from simple brightfield to FLIM with galvo-scanned lasers.
When it works, slide it back into the FRAME housing and it becomes a robust, automated instrument with the same stage and software. Because optics and mechanics are decoupled, ideas go from sketch to integrated microscope in minutes, not weeks.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR FRAME IN THE OPTIKIT (SOON)
With OptiKit create the KiCad for optics: you design a light path like a circuit board. Every lens, mirror, dichroic, laser and camera becomes a standardised 50 mm cube on a grid, and OptiKit traces the light through them, optimises the beam path and flags collisions before anything is built.
The FRAME wizard is an APP inside the APP: Fully customize the FRAME to your needs including light-source, autofocus, objectives, sample holder, cameras and filters and you get a price directly. Customization? No problem! The Open community is a big part of it!
