Opentrons Flex stands apart from traditional lab automation systems. It embodies flexibility, versatility, and liberation, addressing the evolving needs of modern laboratories.
Opentrons Flex: Learn how the Flex will fit your lab, your science, and you
Video Credit: Opentrons
Flex fits the needs
More freedom for lab automation
Uniquely flexible
Easily replaceable on-deck hardware, a gripper, and modular pipettes.
Uniquely accessible
The Flex NGS Workstation starts at $55,100, and configurations start at $26,400.
Uniquely open
Completely open-source firmware and software that is independent of reagents and labware.
Uniquely future-facing
Vast API that works with “design-of-experiment” programs, such as those involving AI-powered agents.
Powerful automation for application
Image Credit: Opentrons
NGS library prep
Users can increase efficiency, decrease errors, and save hands-on time by automating NGS library prep at the scale they require with the Flex NGS Workstation. Utilize any industry-leading reagent system to automate users’ pre-sequencing processes, including library prep based on fragmentation and tagmentation.
PCR
Using the Flex PCR Workstation, users can completely automate the PCR setup and thermocycling process for up to 96 samples. Fill a 96-well PCR plate with chilled reagents and samples, insert the plate into the Flex deck’s on-deck thermocycler using the Flex Gripper, and then run the PCR program of the user’s choice.
Protein purification
Up to 96 samples’ worth of proteomics sample preparation and small-scale protein purification can be automated with the Flex Magnetic Bead Protein Purification Workstation. Numerous widely used magnetic bead-based reagents work with this workstation.
Nucleic acid extraction
Users can automate the isolation and purification of DNA/RNA with the Flex Nucleic Acid Extraction Workstation. The Flex Magnetic Block for magnetic bead separation and the Opentrons Heater-Shaker for sample lysis and magnetic bead resuspension are included with this workstation.
Sample prep
Users can automate routine pipetting tasks like reagent aliquoting and sample transfers with the Flex Prep Workstation.
High accuracy in a benchtop format
Tech specs
Source: Opentrons
| |
 |
| Dimensions |
87 × 69 × 84 cm / 34.25 × 27 × 33 in (W, D, H)
Takes up half of your standard lab bench |
| Weight |
88.5 kg / 195 lb |
| Pipette overview |
Flex pipettes use air displacement technology to offer highly accurate pipetting from 1 to 1000 μL
Smart sensors support automatic calibration, real-time positioning, and error detection
1-, 8-, and 96-channel pipetting
The gantry supports any two Flex 1-Channel or 8-Channel Pipettes, or the Flex 96-Channel Pipette alone
Pipettes are easy to swap out yourself |
| Pipette volumes and specs |
Flex 1-Channel Pipettes: 1–50 µL, 5–1000 µL
Flex 8-Channel Pipettes: 1–50 µL, 5–1000 µL
Flex 96-Channel Pipette: 5–1000 µL |
| Gripper specs |
Opentrons Flex Gripper can manipulate well plates, reservoirs, and tip racks.
Depending on setup, the gripper can move labware to and from slots on the deck, to or from modules, or into the trash chute. |
| Deck |
12 main ANSI/SLAS-format deck slots (working area, accessible to pipettes and gripper)
4 additional slots for staging tips and labware (staging area, accessible to gripper only)
Deck can be reconfigured by removing deck slots and replacing them with other deck fixtures, including movable trash and module caddies |
| On-device touchscreen |
7-inch LCD touchscreen featuring scratch- and damage-resistant Gorilla® Glass 3
Enables running protocols and checking on the robot’s status directly from the lab bench |
| 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 |
Rigid steel and CNC aluminum design
Frame has openings for polycarbonate side windows and front door. These can be easily removed for integration of external devices, such as robotic arms. |
| Operating temperature & relative humidity |
Recommended 20–25 °C
Recommended 40–60% RH |
| 1-channel accuracy & precision |
| Pipette |
Volume |
Random Error |
Systematic Error |
| |
µL |
%D |
µL |
%CV |
µL |
Flex 1-Channel
Pipette (1–50 µL) |
1
10
50 |
±8.00%
±1.50%
±1.25% |
0.08 µL
0.15 µL
0.625 µL |
±5.00%
±0.50%
±0.40% |
0.05 µl
0.05 µl
0.20 µl |
Flex 1-Channel
Pipette (5–1000 µL) |
5
50
200
1000 |
±5.00%
±0.50%
±0.50%
±0.50% |
0.25 µL
0.25 µL
1.00 µL
5.00 µL |
±2.50%
±0.30%
±0.15%
±0.15% |
0.125 µL
0.15 µL
0.30 µL
1.50 µL |
|
| Sterility |
Full polycarbonate enclosure designed to limit exposure. The Opentrons Flex is not a sterile environment. An optional HEPA/UV accessory is in development. |
| Viscosity |
For guidance on automating viscous liquid handling, review our application note. This data was developed on the OT-2, but best practices remain the same for Opentrons Flex.
Viscous Liquid Handling Automation using Opentrons OT-2 › |
| API compatibility |
Opentrons software is open-source and users can make adjustments to the software as needed to interface with other products. While all integrations are possible, they all require custom code work: most customers will need to write custom libraries and install software packages that are not shipped with the robot. |
| Interface |
Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.10 or later, Ubuntu 12.04 or later.
Opentrons App › |
| Tip compatibility |
Use Opentrons Flex Tips and Opentrons Flex Filter Tips
Opentrons guarantees the performance of Opentrons Flex Tips which were specifically designed for the Opentrons Flex. Opentrons Flex tips do not have universal bore sizing.
Third-party tip performance cannot be guaranteed by Opentrons. |
| Labware compatibility |
Use common labware already in our Labware Library, or add your own. If your labware fits on the Opentrons Flex but is not in the Labware Library, you can add it using our Labware Creator or by our team. |
| Warranty |
One-year warranty against manufacturer defects |
| Return policy |
60 days, 100% risk-free |
| Certifications |
Certifications complete: CE, UL, FCC, ISO 9001
Not certified/validated: IVD, GMP |
| What’s in the box |
Flex robot
Trash bin
Power supply and regional IEC cable
Ethernet cable
Tool kit
Spare deck clips
Spare deck slot to take the place of trash bin
Calibration block
Lift handles |
Touchscreen for easy protocol setup
Image Credit: Opentrons
Using the touchscreen on the lab bench, users choose and execute protocols directly. Users can also follow its instructions for automated calibration and deck setup.
Gripper extends walkaway time
Image Credit: Opentrons
To increase throughput and walkaway time, the Flex Gripper can move plates and tip racks across the deck or on and off modules.
Modules to fit the workflow
Image Credit: Opentrons
Opentrons’ robots and software operate flawlessly with Opentrons modules, which are simple to replace by users. The thermocycler on deck, Heater-Shaker, Temperature, and Magnetic Block are available for selection.
Easily swap pipettes
Image Credit: Opentrons
Reliable liquid transfers with the swappable 1-, 8-, and 96-channel pipettes, covering volumes from 1 to 1000 µL.
1-CHANNEL
Image Credit: Opentrons
96-CHANNEL
Image Credit: Opentrons
8-CHANNEL
Image Credit: Opentrons
Flex fits the protocol
Shape the experiments more accurately. Select a protocol approach based on experience and workflow.
Protocol designer
Create new protocols with a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface.
Protocol library
Explore open-source, well-documented protocols.
Python protocol API
Use the Python Protocol API, which is open-source, to write user protocols.
Custom protocols
No matter how complicated the user experiment is, the experts will design an ideal protocol.