ImageXpress HCS.ai High-Content Screening System
A fast, intuitive and versatile system delivering deeper insights for every lab
Deeper insights for every lab
The ImageXpress® HCS.ai High‑Content Screening System is an automated high‑content imaging platform used to acquire and analyze cellular images in cell‑based assays. The system supports image‑based measurement of multiple cellular features by combining automated microscopy with AI‑assisted image analysis within high‑content screening workflows.
The ImageXpress HCS.ai system operates with MetaXpress® Acquire Software for automated image acquisition and integrates with IN Carta® Image Analysis Software for AI‑assisted image analysis. Its modular design supports a range of 2D and 3D cell‑based assays and allows the system configuration to be expanded as laboratory requirements evolve.
Modular and intuitive for optimal versatility
The ImageXpress HCS.ai system features a modular design and a wide array of customizable configuration options to meet your current needs and on-site upgrades to match your future requirements. The newly upgraded MetaXpress® Acquire software is an intuitive solution for users of all experience levels, providing direct access to reliable and insightful data within minutes.
Higher quality images and superior data analysis for deeper insights
Acquire high-quality images with 2x better signal-to-background* across a vast range of assay types, obtain exceptional image quality from your 3D samples, and unlock new discoveries with AI-powered IN Carta® Image Analysis Software.
Twice the acquisition speed for accelerated high-throughput workflows*
Boost lab productivity by imaging more plates in less time and simplifying the learning curve for new users. A new, automation friendly design enables you to integrate easily into automated workflows for faster, more reliable results.
Discover the new ImageXpress HCS.ai High-Content Screening System
What does the AI component of the ImageXpress HCS.ai system do?
The AI component of the ImageXpress HCS.ai High-Content Screening System supports image analysis by assisting with the identification and quantification of features within cellular images. It is used during post‑acquisition analysis to help process large image datasets and extract measurable parameters from cell‑based assays.
At a high level, AI‑assisted analysis may include:
- Automated detection of cellular features within acquired images
- Quantification of predefined image‑based parameters
- Support for consistent analysis across large image datasets
Where the ImageXpress HCS.ai High-Content Screening System fits in a typical experiment
The ImageXpress HCS.ai High-Content Screening System is used during the imaging and analysis stages of a cell‑based experiment. After samples are prepared according to the experimental protocol, the system is used to acquire cellular images and support downstream image analysis. The resulting analysis outputs can then be used as part of the broader experimental dataset.
At a high level, a typical workflow includes:
- Preparation of cell‑based samples using established experimental methods
- Image acquisition using the ImageXpress HCS.ai system
- Post‑acquisition image analysis using associated analysis software
- Generation of quantitative image‑derived data for further review or integration
Features
Multiple imaging modes
The system offers brightfield label-free imaging, widefield and confocal fluorescent imaging.
Automated water immersion objective technology option
Offers greater image resolution and sensitivity with up to 4x increase in signal, which leads to lower exposure times.
Streamlined upgrade pathway
The modular design enables additional capabilities to be easily added to your system, allowing easy upgrades as your needs evolve.
Exclusive AgileOptix™ spinning disk technology
Provides increased sensitivity with specially designed optics, high-powered laser illumination, and sCMOS sensor. Swappable disk geometries provide flexibility between speed and resolution.
High-intensity laser light source option
The option of laser illumination enables you to capture images faster with shorter exposure times and multiplex your experiments with 7 lasers and 8 imaging channels.
Magnification changer option
Get access to 12 magnifications within a single configuration, including high NA (Numerical Aperture) and ELWD (Extra-Long Working Distance) options.
MetaXpress® Acquire Software
The MetaXpress® Acquire acquisition package streamlines complex workflows—new users can get started quickly, whereas advanced users can leverage its flexibility to create optimized protocols.
AI-powered IN Carta® image analysis software
Leverages machine-learning to improve the accuracy and robustness of high-content image analysis, delivering data insights that other technologies miss. Reduces the complexity of image analysis with intuitive guided workflows in a modern user interface.
Scalable by Design. Powerful by Choice.
The ImageXpress® HCS.ai system is built with a modular architecture that grows with your research. Whether you're starting with widefield imaging or advancing into confocal and deep tissue analysis, this system evolves with your needs—no full system replacement required. A broad range of configuration options and intuitive acquisition software make it easy to upgrade, adapt, and scale—future-proofing your investment and accelerating discovery.
Most enhancements can be installed on-site by our expert technicians, minimizing downtime and maximizing flexibility.
See the Science. Capture the Complexity.
The ImageXpress HCS.ai system empowers you to perform a wide range of assays on more physiologically relevant cell models—enabling deeper insights and more impactful discoveries. Capture stunning, high-quality images from long-term live-cell experiments, 3D models, and multiplexed phenotypic screens using the intuitive MetaXpress® Acquire software. Then accelerate your analysis with AI-powered IN Carta® Image Analysis Software, designed to decode even the most complex biological questions with speed and precision.
HepG2 spheroid acquired at 10X magnification
Organoid image acquired at 20X magnification
Zebrafish embryo acquired at 10X magnification
Cell painting assay at 60X magnification
Spheroid mask in 3D viewer in IN Carta Image Analysis Software
Scalable walkaway automation: Flexible solutions for high-content screening with ImageXpress HCS.ai system
For laboratories beginning their automation journey, Molecular Devices offers flexible, scalable solutions that simplify the transition to automated high-content screening workflows. Starter automation options—such as walkaway automation for the ImageXpress® HCS.ai High-content Screening System—streamline plate handling and integrate advanced imaging with AI-powered analysis. With this system, you can image more plates in less time—processing 40 microtiter plates (96-well format) in just 2 hours, or 80 plates in 4 hours, all with complete hands-off operation. This approach boosts throughput, ensures high data quality, and minimizes manual steps. As your research evolves, these modular systems scale from basic plate handling to fully integrated, customized workcells—delivering consistent, reproducible results with optimized efficiency.
Key advantages of scalable lab automation
- Walkaway efficiency: Process hundreds of plates unattended—freeing up valuable lab time.
- Higher throughput, better reproducibility: Automated imaging ensures consistent, reliable results.
- Modular and scalable: Expand your system as your research grows.
- Seamless integration: Compatible with your preferred software and lab setup.
- Future-ready: Upgrade easily with new capabilities as they emerge.
Ready to accelerate your research?
Download the flyer to see how scalable automation can transform your lab workflow.
FAQs
What is the ImageXpress HCS.ai High-Content Screening System used for?
The ImageXpress HCS.ai High-Content Screening System is used for automated acquisition and analysis of cellular images in cell-based assays as part of high-content screening workflows. It supports researchers who require quantitative, image-derived measurements of cellular features, enabling consistent image capture and post-acquisition analysis across a range of cell-based experimental designs.
How does AI assist image analysis in this system?
AI assists image analysis in the ImageXpress HCS.ai system by supporting the identification, classification, and quantification of features within acquired cellular images. AI‑assisted analysis is applied during post‑acquisition workflows using compatible IN Carta Image Analysis Software to help process large image datasets and generate measurable parameters based on assay‑specific analysis models.
What types of cell‑based assays can it support?
The ImageXpress HCS.ai system is used in a variety of cell‑based imaging workflows, with supported assay types depending on the system configuration and associated image analysis software. Commonly referenced assay categories in approved application materials include phenotypic profiling assays, cell migration and morphology studies, neurite outgrowth assays, and other image‑based cellular analyses.