Introduction
Opentrons Flex is a liquid-handling robot designed for high throughput and complex workflows. The Flex robot is the base of a modular system that includes pipettes, a labware gripper, deck fixtures, on-deck modules, and labware — all of which you can swap out yourself. Flex is designed with a touchscreen so you can work with it directly at the lab bench, or you can control it from across your lab with the Opentrons App or our open-source APIs.
Flex workstations come with all of the equipment — robot, hardware, and labware — that you need to get started automating common lab tasks. For other applications, Opentrons Flex runs on fully open-source software and firmware, and does not require proprietary reagents and labware, giving you control over how you design and run your protocols.
Flex-exclusive features¶
Opentrons Flex includes advanced features to help you automate any workflow, available only on the Flex.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pipette throughput |
|
| Gripper | The Opentrons Flex Gripper picks up and moves labware around the deck automatically, without user intervention. The gripper enables more complex workflows within a single protocol run. |
| Automated calibration | Positional calibration of Flex pipettes and the gripper is fully automated. Press one button, and the instrument will move to precision-machined points on the deck to determine its exact position, saving that data for use in your protocols. |
| Touchscreen | Flex has its own touchscreen interface that lets you control it directly, in addition to using the Opentrons App. Use the touchscreen to start protocol runs, perform quick transfers, check job status, and change settings right on the robot. |
| Module caddies | Flex modules fit into caddies that occupy space below the deck. Caddies place your labware closer to the deck surface and allow for below-deck cable routing. Caddies enable even more module and labware configurations on the deck. |
| Moveable trash | The trash bin can go in multiple deck locations on Flex. The default location (slot A3) is the recommended position. You can also use the gripper to dispose of trash in the optional waste chute. |
| Liquid detection | Pressure sensors in Flex pipettes detect liquid in wells, including tip contact and liquid level. This feature lets you control the Flex's pipetting relative to a liquid meniscus, and alerts you if wells are empty. |
| Liquid classes | Use liquid class settings to optimize Flex's pipetting behavior for your liquids, including fine-tuned control of pipette actions like flow rate and submerge speed. You can easily apply Opentrons-verified settings for aqueous, viscous, or volatile liquids using Python commands, in a quick transfer, or in Protocol Designer. |
Flex and OT-2¶
Both Flex and OT-2 robots run on our open-source software, and the Opentrons App can control both types of robots at once. While OT-2 protocols can't be run directly on Flex, it's straightforward to adapt them (see the OT-2 Protocols section of the Protocol Development chapter for details).
Flex workstations¶
Opentrons Flex workstations are pre-configured bundles that include the Flex robot, accessories, pipettes and gripper, on-deck modules, and labware needed to automate a particular application. Because Flex is a modular system, you can easily add or swap hardware and compatible consumables to change applications. See the workstations section of the Opentrons website to get started automating steps in next-generation sequencing, proteomics, nucleic acid extraction, and other workflows.