The Opentrons Flex liquid-handling robot is intended for high throughput and complex processes. The Flex robot serves as the foundation for a modular system that incorporates pipettes, a labware gripper, on-deck modules, and labware that users can swap out themselves. Flex is equipped with a touchscreen, allowing users to interact with it immediately at the lab bench or remotely via the Opentrons App or open-source APIs.
Performance data
Source: Opentrons
| Pipette |
Volume
(μL) |
Random
Error (%D) |
Random
Error (μL) |
Systematic
Error (%CV) |
Systematic
Error (μL) |
| Flex 1-Channel Pipette (1–50 µL) |
1 |
±8.00% |
0.08 |
±5.00% |
0.05 |
| |
10 |
±1.50% |
0.15 |
±0.50% |
0.05 |
| |
50 |
±1.25% |
0.625 |
±0.40% |
0.20 |
| Flex 1-Channel Pipette (5–1000 µL) |
5 |
±5.00% |
0.25 |
±2.50% |
0.125 |
| |
50 |
±0.50% |
0.25 |
±0.30% |
0.15 |
| |
200 |
±0.50% |
1.00 |
±0.15% |
0.30 |
| |
1,000 |
±0.50% |
5.00 |
±0.15% |
1.50 |
Key features
- Adaptable modular system for changing needs.
- Pipette options include 1, 8, and 96 channels.
- An optional Gripper is available to carry plates and labware across the deck.
- On-instrument display.
- Bundled workstations for applications like NGS.
- Engineered for quicker protocol runs and a longer walkaway time.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 87×69×84 cm/34.25×27×33 in (W, D, H).
- Weight: 88.5 kg/195 lb
- Deck: Twelve major deck slots in ANSI/SLAS style. Reconfiguring the deck involves taking out the deck slots and adding other fixtures, like module caddies and moveable garbage cans, in their stead.
- On-device touchscreen: Operating protocols and monitoring the robot’s status straight from the lab bench is made possible by the 7-inch LCD touchscreen with Gorilla® Glass 3 protection against scratches and dents.
- Connectivity: 802.11 ac/a/b/g/n Dual-Band (2.4/5 GHz), USB 2.0, ethernet.
- Video: Integrated video camera (included for future or custom functionality)
- Power requirements: Power Adapter Input: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 4.0 A/115 VAC, 2.0 A/230 VAC
- Frame composition: CNC aluminum and rigid steel design. Openings in the frame accommodate the front entrance and side polycarbonate windows. These are easily removable to integrate external devices, like robotic arms.
- Operating temperature and relative humidity: Recommended 20–25 °C, recommended 40–60% RH
- Sterility: Enclosed in a full polycarbonate structure to reduce exposure. It is not a sterile atmosphere in the Opentrons Flex. A UV/HEPA optional add-on is being developed.
- Viscosity: The OT-2 was used to produce this data; however, Opentrons Flex best practices are still the same.
- Interface: Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.10 or later, Ubuntu 12.04 or later.
- Tip compatibility: Make use of the Opentrons Flex and Flex Filter Tips. The functionality of Opentrons Flex Tips, which were created especially for the Opentrons Flex, is guaranteed by Opentrons. The universal bore size is not available for Opentrons Flex tips. Opentrons cannot guarantee third-party tip performance.
- Labware compatibility: Utilize the existing array of labware from our extensive Labware Library, or introduce your own items. Should your labware be compatible with the Opentrons Flex yet not featured in our Labware Library, you have the option to incorporate it yourself utilizing our Labware Creator tool or enlist our team's assistance to do so.
- Warranty: One-year warranty against manufacturer defects.
- Certifications: Certifications complete: CE, UL, FCC, ISO 9001. Not certified/validated: IVD, GMP
What is in the box?
- Tool kit
- Spare deck clips
- Spare deck slot to take the place of trash bin.
- Calibration block
- Lift handles
- Flex robot
- Trash bin
- Power supply and regional IEC cable
- Ethernet cable
The Opentrons Flex liquid handling robot. Capable of automating applications such as NGS library prep, Nucleic Acid Isolation & Extractions, Protein Purification, PCR, ELISA, and many more. Image Credit: Opentrons
The Opentrons Flex liquid handling robot. Capable of automating applications such as NGS library prep, Nucleic Acid Isolation & Extractions, Protein Purification, PCR, ELISA, and many more. Image Credit: Opentrons
The Opentrons Flex liquid handling robot. Capable of automating applications such as NGS library prep, Nucleic Acid Isolation & Extractions, Protein Purification, PCR, ELISA, and many more. Image Credit: Opentrons
The Opentrons Flex liquid handling robot. Capable of automating applications such as NGS library prep, Nucleic Acid Isolation & Extractions, Protein Purification, PCR, ELISA, and many more. Image Credit: Opentrons
The Opentrons Flex liquid handling robot. Capable of automating applications such as NGS library prep, Nucleic Acid Isolation & Extractions, Protein Purification, PCR, ELISA, and many more. Image Credit: Opentrons