opentrons-integration

# Opentrons Integration — Lab Automation ## Overview Opentrons provides a Python-based Protocol API (v2) for programming OT-2 and Flex liquid handling robots. Protocols are structured Python files with metadata and a `run()` function that controls pipettes, labware, and hardware modules. All protocols can be simulated locally before running on physical hardware. ## When to Use - Automating liquid handling workflows (pipetting, mixing, distributing) - Writing PCR setup protocols with thermocycler control - Performing serial dilutions across plates - Replicating plates or reformatting between plate types - Controlling hardware modules (temperature, magnetic, heater-shaker, thermocycler) - Setting up multi-channel pipetting for 96-well plate operations - Simulating protocols before running on the robot - For **multi-vendor automation** (Hamilton, Beckman, etc.), use pylabrobot instead - For **flow cytometry analysis** of automated experiment results, use flowio/flowkit ## Prerequisites ```bash pip install opentrons # Simulate protocols locally (no robot needed) opentrons_simulate my_protocol.py ``` **Protocol API Version**: Always use the latest stable API level (currently `2.19`). Set `apiLevel` in protocol metadata. Protocols are forward-compatible within major versions. **Robot Types**: Flex (newer, larger deck, 96-channel pipette) vs OT-2 (smaller, 8-channel max). Key differences: deck slot naming (Flex: A1-D3, OT-2: 1-11), available pipettes, and module support. ##...