Relocation

This section provides instructions about how prepare your OT-2 for moving and transportation to another location.

Short moves

A short move could encompass anything from repositioning the OT-2 across the lab, to down the hall, or to another floor in your building. In these cases, you and a lab partner could just pick it up and walk it over to the location. Transporting your OT-2 on a hand cart is also a good option. Use your best judgement on whether or not to the remove modules from the deck or detach pipettes. Of course it's always a good idea to remove labware and any containers holding liquid from the deck before shifting the robot to a new location.

Long-distance moves

A long-distance move transports your OT-2 off the grounds of your university, facility, or institution. Across town, to a new city, state, province, or country are all examples of a long-distance move. In this case, you'll need to lock the gantry and pack the OT-2 to protect it from the elements, shocks, and rough movements that may occur while in transit. For a long distance moves Opentrons recommends that you:

• Disconnect the power cable from the robot.
• Disconnect the ethernet cable from the robot and your computer.
• Remove any deck-mounted modules.
• Detach any gantry-mounted instruments.

Secure any valuable equipment removed from the OT-2 in separate, padded moving containers.

Working with a reputable shipping company is also a good idea. They can manage the packing, transportation, and delivery process for you.

Locking the gantry

Before moving your OT-2, use a 3 mm hex screwdriver to reattach the red transport brackets to the gantry. These shipped attached when you first received the robot. Reattaching the brackets prevents the gantry from moving during shipping.

Final thoughts about moving

Your OT-2 is a precision scientific instrument designed to exacting tolerances. As a result, you should treat it with care when relocating it within your local work area or sending it across the country. This means following the guidance provided here and using your own common sense about how to transport an expensive piece of laboratory equipment. Bottom line: when moving your OT-2, err on the side of caution and extra padding.

If you have questions or concerns about relocating your robot, contact us at support@opentrons.com.