1. Understand the current scope
Locus is currently an Engineering Alpha. The validation listed on the product page includes a complete RNA analysis workflow covering computation, viewing, export and reopening, as well as selected single-cell analyses. Work on the stability of autonomous analysis and additional analysis methods is ongoing.
Instrument integration is a later development stage. The autonomous laboratory shown in the concept film is a long-term direction, not the scope of the current software trial. The application lists several data types to understand demand; it does not mean every data type or analysis method is already supported.
Before applying, read the current progress of Locus, then decide which question you would like to discuss.
2. Make your research question specific
An application that is easy to assess explains the question you want to answer, the inputs you already have and the outputs you want to examine. A clear comparison or a specific difficulty in your current workflow makes it easier to assess the fit with the current Alpha than a general request to “analyze my data.”
“We already have data for RNA analysis and want to compare differences between two groups and review the interpretation of related pathways. Our current difficulty is connecting the analysis outputs to the checks we need to perform.”
This is only an example of describing a trial request. It is not an analysis result produced by Locus, nor does it establish suitability for a particular dataset.
Include the tools and workflows you currently use, and identify the steps that take the most time or are hardest to review. This helps keep the discussion focused on a clear question.
3. Organize the information you have
The application asks about your research area, data types, approximate sample count and computing environment. You can prepare a short overview in the following order:
- Data types: Describe the data you already have. The form includes RNA-seq, single-cell transcriptomics and other categories to describe your trial requirements.
- Data scale: Select the closest sample-count range, or choose “Not sure” if it is not yet determined.
- Computing environment: Indicate whether you currently use a personal computer, laboratory server, university or institute cluster, or a cloud environment.
- Current workflow: Outline your current tools, analysis steps and the parts you hope to improve.
The current application collects text only and has no field for uploading raw data files. For your initial application, a clear overview is enough; details about the data and environment can be confirmed during the assessment discussion.
4. Decide what you want to verify
Locus records model responses, completed computations, generated files, numerical checks and scientific interpretation separately. Before a trial, consider which materials you need to examine for your chosen question to judge whether the research has moved forward.
For example, do you need to inspect code and run logs, confirm data sources, reopen output files, or understand which numerical checks were performed? These questions follow the existing product design description; they are not new performance findings.
A completed computation does not establish a scientific interpretation. Researchers still need to confirm the interpretation and retain a record of the checks performed and any unresolved questions.
5. Submit and update your application
Required information includes your name, email, institution, role, research area and research question, along with consent to use your submitted information to contact you. Details about data types, scale, computing environment and your current approach help describe the proposed trial.
Go to the Alpha application page to submit. After a successful submission, the page confirms receipt. While the original browser session remains available, returning to the form restores your submitted information so you can update it. Submitting an application does not directly create a Locus product account.
If the page cannot connect to the online submission service, the submit button remains disabled and a connection message appears. A disabled button does not mean your application has been saved.
6. Assess the fit before enabling access
The current process has three stages: application, assessment and discussion, and enabling trial access. Alpha places are limited. Teams with clear questions and data ready to use receive priority, followed by confirmation that the current capabilities are a good fit.
An application alone does not secure a place, set an access date or confirm support for every analysis request. If your main interest is instrument integration, use the separate partner laboratory application.
Sources: the current Locus product and Alpha application pages. This guide adds no experimental validation, performance metrics or service-time commitments. Read in Chinese.