SpinPilot
SpinPilot is Bruker’s advanced NMR automation software designed to enhance laboratory efficiency by offering intuitive workflows, robust user management, and scalable automation solutions. Developed to streamline operations, SpinPilot allows researchers and laboratory managers to concentrate on scientific research rather than instrument administration or legacy system challenges. Integrated with TopSpin 5, SpinPilot supports remote-ready lab operations and is suitable for both academic and industrial research environments.
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Intuitive Automation: Modern UI and guided workflows simplify NMR for users at all levels.
- Secure Lab Management: Role-based access via BioSpin IAM (based on Keycloak) ensures safe, scalable user control.
- Flexible Integration: Modular design with Python API and TopSpin 5 compatibility supports evolving lab needs.
- Efficient Operations: Analytics and usage tracking help optimize resources and reduce downtime.
- Scientific Impact: Automates routine tasks, improves data quality, and empowers discovery.
- Remote Access & Multi-Site Support: Enables secure access and coordination across locations for collaborative lab management.
- Included with TopSpin License: Delivers advanced automation and management features at no additional cost.
Built to Integrate and Scale
SpinPilot is deeply integrated with TopSpin 5, ensuring reliable and consistent workflows within Bruker’s NMR ecosystem. Its modular design and Python API enable integration with LIMS and other lab systems, supporting both simple and complex lab setups. The Python API documentation can be found within the TopSpin Manuals.
SpinPilot FAQ for Customers
Do I need to switch immediately from IconNMR to SpinPilot?
No. Migration can be performed gradually. Both systems coexist today, allowing users to transition at their own pace.
Can I migrate my existing IconNMR users automatically?
Currently users are managed through BioSpin IAM and may need to be recreated. Migration support and tools are planned as part of the transition process, but not yet available.
How do IconNMR workflows translate to SpinPilot?
Most day-to-day sample setup and automation workflows have direct equivalents in SpinPilot. The goal is to preserve familiar workflows while providing a more modern and maintainable platform.
Why is SpinPilot browser-based?
A web-based architecture allows modern user interfaces, easier maintenance, remote accessibility, and platform-independent access.
Can multiple users access SpinPilot simultaneously?
Yes. SpinPilot is designed for multi-user environments and supports user- and group-based permissions.
How are users managed?
Users, groups, and permissions are managed through BioSpin IAM. Roles can be assigned to individual users or groups.
Does BioSpin IAM support LDAP or Active Directory?
Yes, BioSpin IAM is based on Keycloak and it supports such setups.
Where is SpinPilot history stored?
History is stored in a database rather than files. This improves data integrity and reduces the risk of tampering.
Does experiment history survive TopSpin upgrades?
Yes. History is persistent and can be transferred to new TopSpin installations.
Is an accounting solution available?
Yes. SpinPilot includes an Analytics Tool that supports accounting, utilization analysis, and workflow analysis. The tool is based on the SpinPilot Python API and can be customized.
Can SpinPilot display the current queue and sample status?
Yes. The Schedule and History views provide queue visibility and experiment status information.
Can I prioritize experiments?
Yes. Priority settings are available.
Does SpinPilot support day/night scheduling?
Yes. Experiments can be assigned to day or night execution modes, and quota mechanisms are available.
Can SpinPilot be used remotely?
Yes. Remote access is supported through the browser-based interface. Appropriate network and security settings must be configured upon installation of TopSpin.
Do I need a specific browser?
All modern browsers are supported. If you run into a problem with SpinPilot, we recommend to try another browser. Firefox generally works best in most cases.
Can SpinPilot send email notifications when experiments finish?
Currently this is one of the most frequently requested features from customers. Notification concepts are actively being evaluated.
Does SpinPilot have an API?
Yes. SpinPilot provides a Python API. Customers can use it for tasks such as experiment creation, data analysis, reporting, and workflow automation. The documentation can be found in the TopSpin help.
Does SpinPilot provide a REST API?
Customers are using REST interfaces in existing automation environments, and REST API support for SpinPilot is availalble. Please contact us if you are interested in using it.
Does SpinPilot support temperature-controlled experiments?
Yes. Temperature handling is supported since TopSpin 5.1.0 (released in November 2026) and continues to be expanded. Multiple customer enhancements are planned
Can lock and shim settings be customized per experiment?
This functionality has been requested frequently and development work is ongoing.
Which sample changers are supported?
SpinPilot supports widely used Bruker automation hardware including SampleXpress, SampleCase in all variants and SampleJet. BACS sample changers are not supported and never will be supported.
Does SpinPilot support Fourier 80?
Fourier 80 support is on the roadmap but not yet officially available.
Does SpinPilot support solids NMR?
Solids support is actively being developed and will be available with the next TopSpin release.
Is SpinPilot suitable for regulated environments?
GxP functionality is an active development area and a major focus for the next TopSpin release.
Are audit trails supported?
Audit trail capabilities are being implemented and expanded as part of GxP development.
Which major capabilities are planned?
Key roadmap areas include composite experiments, solids workflows, enhanced GxP support, archiving, notifications, central BioSpin IAM, full support for temperature handling for SampleJet, barcode workflows, Fourier 80 support, and MDrive integration.
Why should I move from IconNMR?
SpinPilot provides a modern browser-based interface, improved user management through BioSpin IAM, persistent database-backed history, advanced analytics, a Python API, and a maintainable platform for future Bruker automation capabilities.
Can I change the GUI language?
Yes. Recent SpinPilot releases support multiple languages including German, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Japanese.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Ready to future-proof your NMR lab? Contact us for a demo or more information.
