Opentrons develops the Flex, a versatile pipetting robot that automates liquid handling tasks in laboratory settings, allowing for precise transfers of 1 to 1000 μL using swappable pipettes. This technology addresses the inefficiencies of manual pipetting by enabling rapid setup and execution of experiments, thereby increasing throughput and reducing the potential for human error.
Funding
$240M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
+2Founders
Product
Problem
Manual pipetting in laboratory settings is prone to human error, can be time-consuming, and often limits experimental throughput, especially when dealing with repetitive liquid handling tasks. This can lead to inconsistencies in results and hinder the pace of research and development.
Solution
Opentrons' Flex is a lab automation platform designed to streamline liquid handling processes. The Flex automates precise liquid transfers, ranging from 1 to 1000 μL, using interchangeable single, 8-channel, and 96-channel pipettes. The system features a configurable deck with 12 main slots for labware and modules, plus 4 additional staging slots. A touchscreen interface facilitates protocol selection, guided deck setup, and automated calibration, enabling rapid experiment setup and execution. The integrated gripper further enhances automation by moving plates and tip racks across the deck and on/off modules, maximizing walkaway time and throughput.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes research labs, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical organizations seeking to automate liquid handling tasks, increase experimental throughput, and reduce human error.
Features
- Automated liquid handling with 1 to 1000 μL pipetting range
- Swappable single, 8-channel, and 96-channel pipettes for versatile applications
- Configurable deck with 12 main slots and 4 staging slots for flexible experiment design
- Integrated gripper for automated plate and tip rack manipulation
- Touchscreen interface for direct protocol selection, deck setup, and calibration
- Guided deck setup and automated calibration for ease of use
- Open-source software and hardware for community-driven development