Opentrons Releases Code-Free Robot for Pipetting Tasks

Listen to this article

Opentrons Flex Prep robot can perform pipetting tasks such as sample reformatting, plate preparation, dilution, concentration normalization, best practice selection, and more. | Source: Opentrons

Opentrons Labworks, Inc. introduced its Flex Prep robot this week. It is paired with new no-code software that allows users to set up pipetting tasks and execute that workflow using a touchscreen. The company said the launch will expand its market reach by enabling scientists without prior lab robotics experience to incorporate automated pipetting into their workflows.

With Flex Prep, Opentron aims to combine the simplicity of a pipette with the power and versatility of a liquid handler, giving scientists both ease of use and enhanced capabilities. With the touchscreen software, users can develop, visualize, and run pipetting tasks in just a minute, the company says.

Flex Prep enables users to control basic pipetting tasks, such as those currently performed with multichannel or electronic pipettes, while offering the flexibility to perform more complex protocols as needed. The company advertises tasks such as sample reformatting, plate preparation, dilutions, concentration normalization, cherry picking, and more, with a wide range of supported tube and plate types.

“Liquid handling by robots doesn’t have to be complicated or require specialized knowledge,” said James Atwood, General Manager of Robotics at Opentrons. “With Flex Prep and its no-code software, we enable researchers to delegate repetitive pipetting tasks to our robots in just a minute or two, without any special training. It’s as simple as asking, ‘What pipetting tasks would you delegate to your Flex Prep?’”

“For researchers who have not yet implemented automation, these new capabilities offer a compelling reason to reconsider,” said Jonathan Brennan-Badal, CEO of Opentrons. “Our Flex Prep is not only a cost-effective entry point, but also a smart investment for labs looking to scale their automation with a system that evolves with their needs.”

According to Grand View Research, the global laboratory automation market was estimated at USD 6.87 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.64% from 2023 to 2030. Some of the key factors driving the growth in the market include the increasing gap between the availability of trained laboratory personnel and the demand for laboratory procedures and the high repeatability and accuracy achieved through laboratory automation.

Register now.