Hitachi High-Tech launches iACE3 automated cell culture system

Hitachi High-Tech began selling iACE3, an automated system for mass culture of iPS cells and other cells, on October 2, 2026. It succeeds the iACE2, which was commercialized in 2019 as the first equipment in Japan with the functions needed to comply with the GCTP Ministerial Ordinance (GCTP省令), Japan's manufacturing and quality control standard for regenerative medicine products. According to Hitachi High-Tech, the iACE2 is used in part of the manufacturing process for Amchepry, an iPS cell-derived regenerative medicine product manufactured and marketed by Sumitomo Pharma and its partners. The update changes the machine's size and how operators watch over it. It does not change how much one unit can grow.

The footprint is 42% smaller than the previous model. Hitachi High-Tech folded the control unit's functions into the reagent unit and redesigned the observation mechanism inside the incubator unit, the part that holds the culture vessels at temperature. The company says this makes it easier to place several units in the same space. On footprint alone, the same floor would hold about 1.7 times as many units as before.

Capacity per unit is the same as the iACE2: up to 10 mass-culture vessels with a culture area of 512 cm² each. There are two ways to make more cells. One is bigger vessels (scale-up), the other is more units (scale-out). The iACE3 makes the second easier to run.

The new feature is remote monitoring and control. From outside the cleanroom, staff can check error information and cell images for up to 6 units and run certain predefined operations. Hitachi High-Tech says the goal is to cut the work of preparing to enter the cleanroom and of checking each unit in person.

The iACE2 already connected culture vessels and medium lines through a fully closed module, so seeding, culture and observation stayed sterile. A closed system does not stop people from walking in to look, though, and every gowned entry is another chance to disturb the room's cleanliness. Remote access cuts the number of those entries. Remote control covers only the predefined operations, and buyers should confirm that scope before they order.