pylabrobot

PyLabRobot - Multi-Vendor Laboratory Automation Python Framework

Capabilities Overview

PyLabRobot is a hardware-agnostic, pure-Python laboratory automation development framework that controls multi-brand liquid handling robots, microplate readers, temperature-control devices, and other lab instruments through a unified interface. It supports brands such as Hamilton, Opentrons, and Tecan.

Use Cases

1. Unified Control of Multi-Brand Lab Equipment

When you need to control lab equipment from different manufacturers at the same time, PyLabRobot provides a unified Python programming interface, avoiding the need to learn a different API for each brand. It supports mainstream liquid handling workstations like Hamilton STAR/STARlet, Opentrons OT-2, and Tecan EVO, as well as analysis devices such as the BMG CLARIOstar microplate reader, Mettler Toledo balances, temperature-controlled shakers, centrifuges, pumps, and more.

2. Protocol Simulation and Validation

Before connecting to real hardware, use the built-in ChatterboxBackend simulation mode and browser visualization tools to test your automation protocols and validate logic, avoiding waste of expensive reagents and consumables. The 3D visualization interface displays deck state, tip positions, and liquid volumes in real time, helping quickly identify protocol issues.

3. Automation of Complex Workflows

Suitable for complex multi-step laboratory automation scenarios that require coordination, such as sample preparation, serial dilutions, plate replication, and liquid transfers. Supports state management, resource serialization (save/load deck layouts), temperature control, asynchronous error handling, and other features to help create reproducible and maintainable protocols.

Core Features

Liquid Handling Robot Control

Control multi-brand liquid handling robots through a unified Python API to perform basic operations like aspirate, dispense, and transfer, as well as advanced techniques like multi-channel pipetting, continuous dilution, and plate copying. Automatically track tip status and liquid volumes, and switch between different robot brands by changing backends without rewriting code.

Laboratory Resources and Deck Management

Manage microplates, tip racks, troughs, tubes, and other consumables hierarchically, with support for defining deck layouts and coordinate systems. Save and load deck states to JSON files to enable reproducible experiment configurations. Access wells, tips, and containers via an intuitive API.

Analytical Device Integration and Visualization

Integrate microplate readers (absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence detection), electronic balances, temperature-controlled shakers, incubators, centrifuges, peristaltic pumps, and other instruments. Combined with 3D browser visualization tools and simulation mode, monitor device status in real time, validate protocols during design, and track experiment progress during runs.

FAQ

Which brands of devices does PyLabRobot support?

It supports Hamilton STAR/STARlet (full support), Opentrons OT-2, Tecan EVO and other liquid handling robots; BMG CLARIOstar microplate readers; Mettler Toledo balances; Hamilton HeaterShaker, Inheco ThermoShake, Thermo Fisher incubators; Agilent VSpin centrifuges; Cole Parmer Masterflex pumps; and more. The framework is cross-platform and supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.

Can it be used without real devices?

Yes. PyLabRobot provides the ChatterboxBackend simulation mode, allowing you to test and validate lab protocols without connecting to any hardware. Together with the browser 3D visualization tools, you can view deck state, tip positions, and liquid volume changes in real time, helping find and fix protocol issues before running real experiments.

How does it differ from the Opentrons official API?

If you only use Opentrons robots and want to use the official API, opentrons-integration may be simpler. PyLabRobot’s advantage is multi-vendor support—the unified interface can control Hamilton, Tecan, and other brands, which is useful for scenarios that need to integrate multiple devices or may change hardware in the future. PyLabRobot also offers stronger simulation and visualization capabilities.