Carts (or “cahts” as my friend Tony from Boston says) have been part of laboratories for generations. At first, they were simple, rattly four-wheeled conveyances for small objects and disposables. As lab equipment got smaller and lighter, carts became relocatable equipment stands that incorporated storage for equipment-specific accessories.
As some lab equipment became smaller, lighter, and more specialized, carts changed too. Adjustable-height work surfaces, multi-tier shelving, and integrated electrical raceways became essential features. Mobility was no longer just about transport — it was about flexibility.
Over time, equipment placed on carts started to require mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) connections from overhead service carriers. That created a new problem: those carriers were often too high to reach safely without a ladder. Connections became inconvenient, and safety concerns grew.
At the same time, modern flexible workstations with integrated MEPs and quick-disconnect hoses connected to overhead service panels became more common. As a result, fully mobile carts designed for overhead connections started to disappear from many labs.
That’s where the Sigma Cart™ comes in…
Sigma Carts™ bridge the gap between traditional fixed workstations and fully mobile carts. They combine the flexibility labs have always valued with designs that allow for safe, easy integration to MEP services.
Sigma Carts™ can be used to create laboratories with the same functionality as fixed, floor-mounted systems — while still adapting as needs change. Overhead service carriers and floor docking systems allow carts to be repositioned throughout the lab or used alongside fixed casework when only partial mobility is required.
Storage that evolves with your work
Sigma Carts™ are built as modular platforms, so storage can change as your workflow changes. They can accommodate:
• Upper and lower shelving
• Suspended, mobile, and floor-mounted casework
When it comes to casework, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Cabinets are available in a range of materials — including steel, stainless steel, wood, plastic laminate, and phenolic resin — with steel cabinets offering the added flexibility of interchangeable front materials. Shelving options follow that same theme, with choices like steel, stainless steel, wood, plastic laminate, epoxy resin, and phenolic resin.
The real flexibility shows up in how everything is configured. You might start with mobile cabinets tucked under a cantilevered work surface or opt for suspended casework above or below the worktop. Mobile cabinets can be moved as needs change, while suspended storage helps you take advantage of vertical space without cluttering the floor.
Some labs even begin with something as simple as a low-profile cart, then grow over time by adding uprights and shelving as requirements evolve. It’s a practical, scalable approach that lets the lab adapt as the work does.
Adaptable from day one
Sigma Carts™ are available in both low-height and full-height configurations, giving you flexibility right from the start. From there, they can be customized with a wide range of accessories to suit how the lab actually works, including:
• Cabinets, drawers and shelving systems
• Plumbing, electrical and data
• Grommet holes
• LED task lighting
• Monitor arms, CPU holders and keyboard trays
• Tackboards and markerboards
Fits right in
Sigma Carts™ are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing lab furniture. They can be arranged along perimeter walls, placed back-to-back in island layouts, or configured in peninsula-style workstations — giving labs the flexibility to reconfigure spaces without starting from scratch.
At the end of the day, Sigma Carts™ are about choice and adaptability. Whether you’re building a new lab or rethinking an existing one, they give you a way to stay flexible without sacrificing function. Because in modern labs, the ability to change is just as important as the equipment itself.
Want to explore whether Sigma Carts™ are the right fit for your lab?
Every lab works differently — and your workspace should too. Connect with our experts to discuss your application, workflow, and mobility needs.
Contact Mott or your local Mott dealer today, and let’s talk about how Sigma Carts™ can help you build a more flexible, future-ready lab.