A mains electricity (AC-powered) laboratory instrument designed to cultivate adherent and/or suspension cells for various applications (e.g., T-cell expansion, mesenchymal stem cell expansion, dendritic cell maturation). It consists of a functionally closed hollow compartment with inputs/outputs for cell feeding, media exchange, waste removal and cell harvesting, and typically permits regulation of environmental factors that affect cell growth [e.g., temperature, pH, gas composition]. The device operates with minimal technician input and complete automation of all procedural steps.