Kamome: A 3D-printable Sample Positioning and Scanning System for Autonomous Characterization

Abstract

Laboratory automation has demonstrated significant potential in accelerating the discovery and optimization of novel materials. However, the lack of low-cost, high-throughput characterization has been a limiting factor in the widespread adoption of autonomous self-driving laboratories. To address the challenges in automating characterization, we developed an open-source 3D-printable robotic framework, capable of precise sample position control to enable high-throughput measurements at a pace up to 4 times greater than manual methods. The system operates on a gantry system that moves the spectrometer probe across the sample plate as the scanning progresses. It is low-cost, easy to construct, and fully compatible with the Opentrons OT-2 liquid handling robot. In addition, we outline potential applications for the system through the characterization of perovskites for photovoltaics and energy-efficient lighting, and discuss challenges in the integration of the device into a completely autonomous materials synthesis and characterization workflow. By facilitating high-throughput characterization through affordable, open-source technologies, this device enables materials researchers to accelerate progress in key areas such as green technology development.