opentrons flex fully automatic pipetting workstation is a new technological breakthrough of opentrons in the field of laboratory automation, with high flexibility and wide applicability. It can better adapt to the experimental process and be integrated into most mainstream projects or experiments in the life science field. It brings convenience through high throughput and expands the scope of experimental projects.

1. Functional modules of opentrons flex 1. Pipetting module: (1) flex pipette: supports multiple channel configurations, including any two single-channel or 8-channel pipettes, and a separate flex 96-channel pipette. These pipettes use air displacement technology to achieve high-precision pipetting of 1-1000 μL, and are equipped with smart sensors with automatic calibration, real-time positioning and error detection functions. (2) Flexibility of pipetting configuration: Users can choose the appropriate pipette configuration according to experimental needs and replace it at any time to adapt to different experimental needs. 2. Turning plate gripper module: (1) Flex's turning plate gripper is installed on the Z-axis gantry, which can grip laboratory equipment, such as test tubes, orifice plates, etc., and place it on magnetic bead separation plates, thermal cyclers, etc. Move the transfer plate on the module. This feature greatly increases the flexibility and automation of experiments. (2) The transfer plate gripper can also be moved to the side panel position to supplement suction tips or laboratory equipment, reducing manual intervention and improving experimental efficiency. 3. Temperature control module: (1) The temperature control module is used to control the temperature conditions during the experiment to ensure that the experiment is conducted in a stable temperature environment. This is especially important for experiments that require precise temperature control, such as PCR amplification, enzymatic reactions, etc. 4. Thermal cycle module: (1) The thermal cycle module is the core component of the PCR experiment, which can accurately control the temperature rise and fall and achieve rapid DNA amplification. Flex's fully automatic pipetting workstation can integrate a thermal cycler module to realize automated operation of PCR experiments. 5. Magnetic rack module: (1) The magnetic rack module is usually used for nucleic acid extraction and purification processes based on magnetic beads. Flex's magnetic rack module can work together with the pipetting module to automate the capture, washing and elution steps of magnetic beads. 6. Oscillation module: (1) The oscillation module is used to produce vibration or stirring effects in experiments to promote the mixing of reactants and increase the reaction rate. Flex's oscillation module can be customized and configured according to experimental needs. 7. Ultraviolet sterilization module (HEPA/UV module): (1) The ultraviolet sterilization module uses ultraviolet irradiation to kill harmful substances such as microorganisms and viruses in the experimental environment to ensure the purity and safety of the experimental environment. Flex's HEPA/UV module can sterilize the experimental area before and after the experiment, reducing the risk of experimental contamination. 8. Touch screen control system: (1) Flex is equipped with a 7-inch LCD touch screen, which is made of anti-scratch and anti-damage LCD material. Users can complete experimental settings and operation control through a simple touch screen, making the experimental process more convenient and intuitive. 9. Open source software ecosystem: (1) opentrons flex supports the open source software ecosystem. Users can access a large number of verified protocol libraries and customize and optimize according to their own needs. In addition, flex is also compatible with AI tools such as ChatGPT, which can further improve experimental efficiency and accuracy through AI empowerment.

2. Communication method of opentrons flex 1. Hardware interface: (1) Each module is connected through a standardized hardware interface (such as USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi, etc.) to ensure accurate transmission of data and instructions. (2) The controller (such as the main control board or microprocessor) serves as the core and is responsible for receiving user instructions, processing data and coordinating the work of each module. 2. Software protocol: (1) opentrons flex uses the Python-based Protocol API programming interface, allowing researchers to write customized experimental programs. These programs define the operation sequence and parameters of each module in the experimental process. (2) The software protocol ensures that each module can perform corresponding actions according to the predetermined program, and provides real-time feedback and adjustment through the control system.

As a pioneer in automated life science laboratories, opentrons flex not only greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of scientific research experiments, but also provides scientific researchers with unprecedented flexibility and customizability through its modular design and powerful software platform. It has successfully brought laboratory automation into a new era, allowing scientists to focus more on scientific research innovation rather than tedious manual operations.