Lab Automation & Robotics
Opentrons
by Opentrons Labworks, Inc.
Affordable open-source lab robots making automation accessible to every lab
Category
Lab Automation & Robotics
Founded
2014
Headquarters
New York, NY, USA
Overview
Opentrons develops affordable, open-source liquid handling robots that democratize lab automation for academic labs, startups, and core facilities. The OT-2 and Flex platforms handle common workflows including PCR setup, NGS library prep, nucleic acid purification, ELISA, and cell culture — at a fraction of the cost of traditional liquid handlers from Hamilton or Beckman Coulter. Over 4,000 labs worldwide use Opentrons robots, from individual academic research groups to COVID testing facilities that deployed Opentrons at scale during the pandemic. The open-source Python API allows researchers to write and share custom protocols, creating a community library of validated workflows that lower the barrier to automation adoption. Opentrons' key differentiators are its price point (starting under $25,000 vs. $100,000+ for competitors), open-source protocol library, and modular design supporting thermocyclers, magnetic modules, and temperature modules. The Opentrons Flex extends capabilities with a 96-channel pipette head and gripper arm for higher throughput workflows.
Key Features
Python-Based API
Custom protocol development using Python without proprietary scripting languages or vendor lock-in.
Open-Source Protocol Library
Community-driven method development and sharing with pre-validated protocols for common assays.
Automated Liquid Handling
Precision liquid handling reduces human error and improves reproducibility across experiments.
Scheduling & Queue Management
Intelligent scheduling optimizes instrument utilization and manages experiment queues.
Barcode & Sample Tracking
Integrated barcode scanning for sample identification and chain-of-custody tracking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Python-based API enables custom protocol development without proprietary scripting languages
- +Modular hardware design supports configuration for genomics, proteomics, and cell biology workflows
- +Open-source protocol library enables community-driven method development and sharing
- +Automated liquid handling reduces human error and improves reproducibility across experiments
- +Cloud-connected platform enables remote protocol execution and real-time experiment monitoring
- +Affordable pricing democratizes lab automation for academic labs and small biotechs
Cons
- −Limited customer support infrastructure compared to established automation vendors
- −Precision limitations compared to high-end liquid handlers for sub-microliter volume applications
- −Initial setup and protocol optimization requires significant hands-on time from experienced users
- −Ongoing maintenance and calibration requirements add to total cost of ownership
- −Protocol compatibility issues may arise when adapting published methods to automated execution
Use Cases
High-Throughput Screening
Automated liquid handling and assay execution for screening thousands of compounds or conditions in parallel.
Sample Preparation Automation
Robotic automation of repetitive sample preparation workflows reducing human error and improving reproducibility.
Protocol Development & Sharing
Open-source protocol libraries enabling community-driven method development and standardization.