Liquid Handling · Liquid handling (module-based) · Workflow automation · 2020 · HardwareX
OpenWorkstation: A modular open-source technology for automated in vitro workflows
Automation liberates scientific staff from repetitive tasks, decreases the probability of human error and consequently enhances the reproducibility of lab experiments. However, the use of laboratory automation in academic laboratories is limited due to high acquisition costs and the inability to customize off-the-shelf hardware.
Performance the paper reports
0 of 5- Motion—Motion accuracy: not reported
- Volume—Volumetric accuracy: not reported
- Viability—Cell viability: not reported
- Unattended—Unattended operation: not reported
- Standard—Standard compliance: not reported
The full text was read and states no figure for any of the five.
How hard this is to adopt
3.6 of 5, higher is easierEach score is shown against the range the other 59 builds actually occupy, because no criterion uses the full 1–5 scale. These describe how reproducible the build is, not how good the science is.
Resolution
4/1–5Positive-displacement pipetting range stated as 1-1000 uL with a GelMA microdroplet series from 1 to 10 uL; no volumetric accuracy data, only positioning (+/-100 µm).
Throughput
4/2–5Two independently mounted pipettes plus eight deck slots, a storage module holding six plates and automated plate transport for unattended runs; an 8-channel head is stated but never demonstrated.
Parts sourcing
4/2–4Mostly off-the-shelf or kit-based components.
Skill needed
4/2–4Build/operation described as low-skill or basic assembly.
Facilities needed
3/2–4Requires accessible but nontrivial lab/maker equipment.
Documentation
4/2–5Open resources include several build or operation artifacts.
Validation effort
3/2–4ISO 230-2 positioning (n=40, n=25), temperature dock 5.5-95 C, OrangeG dilution R2=0.9992 and 6-day culture, but only a spec-sheet comparison to an Eppendorf epMotion.
Cycle time
3/1–4No timing comparison reported; only build and setup durations (4-6 weeks assembly) and qualitative claims of time-efficiency versus manual workflows.
2 further criteria are recorded but not shown
- Application Level — scored 4 (75% of records share one value), so it cannot separate one build from another.
- Build Time (scored for only 6 of 60 records), so it cannot separate one build from another.
Both remain in the published dataset.
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Report what it took, including attempts that stalled. A failed build tells the next laboratory what the documentation leaves out.
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The index has no which files exist (CAD, bill of materials, firmware…) for this build. If you are an author or have built it, you know; a GitHub issue pre-filled with this record takes a minute.
Record metadata
Publication data
Matched by doi · retrieved 2026-07-21
Abstract
Automation liberates scientific staff from repetitive tasks, decreases the probability of human error and consequently enhances the reproducibility of lab experiments. However, the use of laboratory automation in academic laboratories is limited due to high acquisition costs and the inability to customize off-the-shelf hardware. To address these challenges, we present an Open Source Hardware concept, referred to as OpenWorkstation, to build an assembly line-inspired platform consisting of ready-to-use and customizable modules. In contrast to current standalone solutions, the OpenWorkstation concept enables the combination of single hardware modules -each with a specific set of functionalities -to a modular workstation to provide a fully automated setup. The base setup consists of a pipetting and transport module and is designed to execute basic protocol steps for in vitro research applications, including pipetting operations for liquids and viscous substances and transportation of cell culture vessels between the modules. We demonstrate the successful application of this concept within a case study by the development of a storage module to facilitate high-throughput studies and a photo-crosslinker module to initiate photo-induced polymerization of hydrogel solutions. We present a Systems Engineering framework for customized module development, guidance for the design and assembly of the presented modules, and operational instructions on the usage of the workstation. By combining capabilities from various open source instrumentations into a modular technology platform, the OpenWorkstation concept will facilitate efficient and reliable experimentation for in vitro research. Ultimately, this concept will allow academic groups to improve replicability and reproducibility in cell culture process operations towards more economical and innovative research in the future.
Bibliographic details
Access and metrics
Topics and keywords
Funding
- Central Queensland University
- Australian Research Council
Perspective and practical signals
Why it matters
Useful ‘platform’ paper for building modular open lab automation setups beyond a single device.
Limitations
No limitation note curated yet.