The handling of the grids and the sample preparation take place in the upper compartment.
You can access this zone via the upper doors. The sample preparation zone has the following major sub-sections:
| Sub-section | Function |
| Grid robot | Automated handling of the grid |
| Grid loading station | Manual loading of grids |
| Humidity shroud | Environmental control during the plunge |
| Sample station | Manual loading of the sample |
| Working fluid station | Automated level control for the dispense head |
| Dispenser robot | Automated movement of the sample dispenser |
| Pump station | Automatic fluid control for the dispense head |