A 3D-Printed Plate Handler for Automated Handling of Well Plates on the Opentrons OT-2

Abstract

This paper details a 3D-printed plate handler designed to address the limitation of automated plate manipulation within the Opentrons OT-2 liquid handling robot. The hardware enables precise, automated labware transfer, expanding the OT-2’s capabilities for complex biological and chemical assays. Technically, it advances the state-of-the-art by providing a cost-effective, adaptable solution for labware handling, a feature often limited to more expensive robotic platforms but which can be crucial to expand capability through motion of plates into auxiliary devices or components of the robot, or stacking of plates to increase capacity of the instrument. The design utilizes open-source CAD software to create a custom mechanical structure, fabricated through replicable PLA 3D printing. Implemented with a Raspberry Pi Zero WH and integrated via the OT-2's serial communication, the plate handler achieves precise positional control. Functional testing validates its accuracy and stability in handling diverse labware. This hardware is applicable to various research areas requiring automated liquid handling and plate movement, offering a readily customizable and accessible tool for laboratory automation. Its open-source nature promotes reuse and adaptation for other robotic platforms.