Apparatus, cluster tool, and method for processing multiple substrates

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide apparatus and methods for loading and unloading a multiple-substrate processing chamber segment by segment. One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for processing multiple substrates. The apparatus includes a substrate supporting tray having a plurality of substrate pockets forming a plurality of segments, and a substrate handling assembly configured to pick up and drop off substrates from and to a segment of substrate pockets of the substrate supporting tray.