TinyLab: Open Source Laboratory Robotics

TinyLab is a collection of hardware design, protocols, and parts for building a modern biological laboratory using off-the-shelf parts and a 3D printer. Started as a liquid handling kit for 3D printers, TinyLab is an open, collaborative project that seeks to provide researchers around the world the ability to create their own low cost, high quality tools for molecular biology, protein design, and organism design.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! This project is still in its early stages, and we welcome contributions at any level, from high-level approach advice to detailed plans and designs. Send us a pull request, or an email if we have help. Thanks!

Hardware

Block: Pipet Affector

A open source design of a single-channel pipet affector module that can be built from off-the-shelf parts and 3D-printed designs provided here.

Assembly

1. 3D print the provided parts
2. Purchase the items from the BOM
3. Assemble according to instructions in README.md in pipet directory

Much4: Cartesian Frame Bot

Open build from OpenBuilds.org (Much4) showing a simple XY Cartesian bot that accepts our pipet design.

Jordan: Liquid Handler

Second iteration (cantilever) liquid handling robot, nicknamed "Jordan".

Assembly

1. Print the parts in parts/cantilever and parts/pipet
2. Bolt the frame together
3. Bolt on printed parts
4. Install motors and electronics and test
5. Run belts and pulleys
6. Instal pipet assembly (see pipet)

Software

Autoprotocol-GCode Compiler

Originally, this project was based on Transcriptic's Autoprotocol language for specifying biological protocols. However, since Transcriptic is no longer available for use, this may be of only historical interest.

WetTraffic: Liquid Handler Control

Enables control of Jordan Liquid Handler using Python.

Trains: Scheduler

Scheduler for handling the carriages that move plates between instruments in the work cell.