Insider Brief
- Opentrons Labworks, Inc. announces the launch of a new protocol library for all its robots, including Opentrons Flex™, aiming to simplify and scale lab automation through an ecosystem that combines this library with generative AI tools for protocol development.
- The protocol library aims to be the largest open-access collection of liquid-handling automation protocols to aid research in fields such as genomics and cell biology, with the company’s initiative including rigorous verification processes for both wet- and dry-lab applications.
- The initiative is designed to enhance research efficiency by automating laborious tasks, enabling scientists to focus on discovery, and will be showcased at the SLAS2024 International Conference and Exhibition, highlighting the company’s commitment to advancing collaborative and knowledge-driven scientific research.
PRESS RELEASE — BROOKLYN, N.Y./February 01, 2024— (BUSINESS WIRE) — Opentrons Labworks, Inc., a leader in lab automation and makers of accessible lab robotics, today announced the launch of its new protocol library, offering plug-and-play protocols for all Opentrons robots, including the Opentrons Flex™. Opentrons is building a first-of-its-kind ecosystem for simplifying and scaling lab automation, which comprises the protocol library along with generative AI tools for protocol development, coupled with stringent wet- and dry-lab verification processes. The aim is to create the largest open-access set of robust liquid-handling automation protocols to streamline research across genomics, proteomics, cell biology, and synthetic biology.
Using the latest highly modular robotics system, the Opentrons Flex, scientists will be able to leverage a comprehensive database of protocols and AI-powered protocol generation tools that can enhance the efficiency of research, allowing scientists to overcome manual limitations and concentrate on discovery. This makes complex research more accessible, promoting a collaborative and knowledge-driven scientific community.
“Our objective is to eliminate the hands-on, laborious tasks in the lab with easy-to-use software so that researchers can place more focus on scientific breakthroughs, rather than spending time at the bench with manual, time-consuming activities,” said Jonathan Brennan-Badal, CEO of Opentrons. “With hundreds of protocols already developed by our community of users and internal scientific team, the easily accessible protocol library and our latest innovation in generative-AI protocol development tools both mark a major milestone for scientists. Our approach will help scientists unravel the complexities of the genome and accurately capture large-scale genetic variations in disease, especially in areas where there is a growing need for accessible automation solutions, such as sample prep for long-read and single-cell sequencing.”
Along with Opentrons’ open-access protocol library, Opentrons has created an AI-powered protocol generation tool that leverages large language models to allow users to create novel workflows for Opentrons robots. This endeavor aligns with other prominent initiatives led by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and MIT, aiming to create AI-driven lab assistants capable of designing and executing automated experiments utilizing Opentrons robots.
The new protocol library will be on display at the Opentrons booth and showcased at an Exhibitor Tutorial at the SLAS2024 International Conference and Exhibition from February 3–7, 2024 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
- Exhibitor Tutorial: No python, no problem! New and improved protocol design options for Opentrons robots
- Date and Time: Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 2:00 pm — 3:00 pm EST
- Room/Location: 103
Discover Opentrons’ generative AI-powered automated protocol creation system at SLAS2024 in a Solutions Spotlight talk.
- Solutions Spotlight: Generative AI-powered programming for Opentrons robots
- Date and Time: Monday, February 5, 2024, 12:30 pm — 12:50 pm EST
- Room/Location: Solutions Spotlight Theater (Exhibition 1290)
For additional information, contact Opentrons at SLAS Booth #1216.
About Opentrons Protocol Library:
The Protocol Library is an open, searchable repository of downloadable and configurable protocols for lab automation on Opentrons robots. Within the library, researchers can find protocols for multiple scientific workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, NGS library prep, protein purification, ELISA, and cell-based assays. Scientists will be able to easily access verified protocols, which have undergone rigorous evaluation and testing by the Opentrons science team, from Opentrons’ reagent partners including QIAGEN, Integrated DNA Technologies, Zymo Research, MACHEREY-NAGEL, and more. The library also features contributions from the global Opentrons community, fostering open science and collaborative validation of research.
Key features and benefits of the protocol library aimed at enhancing research efficiency include:
- Verified protocols for Opentrons Flex and OT-2
- Advanced search and filtering by categories, such as NGS library prep, protein purification, and nucleic acid extraction
- Personal user accounts to enable users to easily access, share and return to their custom protocols
- Intuitive protocol visualization for easier implementation
- Streamlined identification and purchasing of equipment needed for each protocol
To learn more about the Opentrons Protocol Library, please visit https://opentrons.com/intro-to-protocol-library/.
About Opentrons:
Opentrons Labworks, Inc., a disruptive life science company and the current market leader in entry-level lab automation, accelerates innovation in research and healthcare through its integrated lab platform, which includes business units Opentrons Robotics and Neochromosome. Opentrons has raised over $200 million in funding and achieved unicorn status based on its first- and second-generation robots, OT-One and OT-2. The recently launched Opentrons Flex is Opentrons’ next generation of liquid-handling lab robot, offering open-source accessibility and compatibility with generative AI tools. Opentrons Robotics provides thousands of institutions with flexible, easy-to-use lab robots, automating R&D operations and making robotics, a vast open-source library accessible to life sciences researchers worldwide. Opentrons is used in labs at all of the top 20 research universities in the US and 14 of 15 leading global biopharmaceutical companies. Learn more at https://opentrons.com/.
Contacts
Consort Partners for Opentrons
[email protected]
