Abstract: An incubator includes a housing (1) and a set (2) of shelves (3) for sample containers (8) containing cell cultures, for instance, positioned therein. In order to make it possible to use the incubator together with a robotic manipulator or similar device, the shelves (3) are fitted with guide elements (4) for the sample containers (8), the guide elements defining the relative positions of the sample containers. A door (6) in the front of the incubator permits access by a robotic manipulator. When the door (6) in the front of the incubator is closed, a door (6) in the rear of the incubator permits access to the inside of the incubator by operating personnel.