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The next generation of lab automation is here

Flex fits you, not the other way around
Flex fits you, not the other way around

Opentrons Flex is everything today’s lab automation systems are not.
It’s flexible, versatile and liberating

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Compare to the OT-2

Compare to the OT-2

Are you unsure which pipettingrobot is the right one for you? Compare them below.

Join the LinkedIn community

Join the LinkedIn community

Share experiences, tips & tricks and help eachother troubleshoot workflows.

Flex fits your needs

More freedom for your lab automation

Uniquely flexible

Uniquely flexible

Modular pipettes, gripper, and on-deck hardware that you can swap out yourself

Uniquely accessible

Uniquely accessible

Affordable, high quality and reliable pipette automation workstations

Uniquely open

Uniquely open

Fully open source software and firmware, and reagent- and labware-agnostic

Uniquely future-facing

Uniquely future-facing

Extensive API compatible with "design-of-experiment" programs, including AI-driven agents

Powerful automation for your application
NGS setup
PCR setup
Nucleic Acid Extraction
Protein Purification
SynBio
Plasmid Prep
Sample Prep
NGS Library Prep

NGS Library Prep

With the Flex NGS Workstation, you can automate NGS library prep at the scale you need to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and save hands-on time. Automate all your pre-sequencing workflows using any leading reagent system, including fragmentation- and tagmentation-based library prep, on the market.

PCR Setup

PCR Setup

With the Flex PCR Workstation, you can fully automate your PCR setup and thermocycling workflow for up to 96 samples. Aliquot chilled reagents and samples into a 96-well PCR plate, use the Flex Gripper to load the plate into the on-deck thermocycler on the Flex deck, and then run your chosen PCR program.

Nucleic Acid Extraction

Nucleic Acid Extraction

With the Flex Nucleic Acid Extraction Workstation, you can automate DNA/RNA isolation and purification. This workstation comes with the Flex Magnetic Block for separation of magnetic beads, and the Opentrons Heater-Shaker for sample lysis and resuspension of magnetic beads.

Protein Purification

Protein Purification

With the Flex Magnetic Bead Protein Purification Workstation, you can automate small-scale protein purification and proteomics sample prep for up to 96 samples. This workstation is compatible with many popular magnetic bead-based reagents.

SynBio

SynBio

With the Flex SynBio Workstation, you can automate a variety of synthetic biology workflows such as cloning and DNA assembly. The workstation is equipped with our Magnetic Block and Temperature Module to support any bead-based chemistry. You may choose to add the Thermocycler Module to your configuration for heated lid incubations and amplifications.

Plasmid Prep

Plasmid Prep

With the Flex Plasmid Prep Workstation, you can automate your magnetic bead-based plasmid extraction and purification workflows. This workstation is equipped with high-volume pipettes, Heater-Shaker Module, and Magnetic Block to accommodate for most bead-based chemistry.

Sample Prep

Sample Prep

With the Flex Prep Workstation, you can automate your simple pipetting workflows such as sample transfers and reagent aliquoting.

High accuracy in a benchtop format
Accuracy8% at 1 µL
Deck slots12 deck slots + 4 slots for staging tips and labware
Precision7% at 1 µL
Dimensions87 × 69 × 84 cm (W, D, H)
Touchscreen for easy protocol setup

Touchscreen for easy protocol setup

Select and run protocols directly from the lab bench using the touchscreen. It also guides you through deck setup and automated calibration.

Gripper extends walkaway time

Gripper extends walkaway time

The Flex Gripper can move plates and tip racks across the deck or on or off modules, maximizing throughput and walkaway time.

Modules to fit your workflow

Modules to fit your workflow

Opentrons modules work seamlessly with our robots and software, and can be easily swapped out yourself. Choose from on-deck Thermocycler, Heater-Shaker, Temperature and Magnetic Block.

Udskift nemt pipetterne

Reliable liquid transfers from 1–1000 µL with our swappable 1-, 8-, and 96-channel pipettes

1chan

1chan

SINGLE-CHANNEL

1–50 μL

5–1000 μL

8chan

8chan

8-CHANNEL

1–50 μL

5–1000 μL

96chan

96chan

96-CHANNEL

5–1000 μL

FlexPipettesHERO

Flex fits your protocol

Shape your experiments more precisely. Choose a protocol method that’s right for your workflow and experience

Protocol Designer

Protocol Designer

Use our intuitive drag-and-drop interface to create new protocols.

Protocol Library

Protocol Library

Browse well-documented, open-source protocols.

Python Protocol API

Python Protocol API

Write your own protocol using our open-source Python Protocol API.

Custom Protocol

Custom Protocol

Our experts create a protocol optimized for your experiment, no matter how complex.

Services

Flex as much or as little support as you need.

Support Center

Support Center

Browse in-depth support articles.

Service

Service

Maximize instrument uptime by proactively identifying issues before they occur.

Setup and installation

Setup and installation

From onsite installation to custom protocols, we've got you covered.

Tech specs

Opentrons FLEX FRONT Protocol Screen

Dimensions
Dimensions

87 × 69 × 84 cm / 34.25 × 27 × 33 in (W, D, H)
Takes up half of your standard lab bench.

Weight
Weight

88.5 kg / 195 lb

Pipette overview
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.

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
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

Single-channel accuracy and precision
Single-channel accuracy and precision

1 channel Flex

8-channel accuracy and precision
8-channel accuracy and precision

8 channel Flex

96-channel accuracy and precision
96-channel accuracy and precision

96 channel

Gripper specs
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
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
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
Connectivity

802.11 ac/a/b/g/n Dual-Band (2.4/5 GHz), USB 2.0, ethernet

Video
Video

Integrated video camera (Included for future or custom functionality)

Power requirements
Power requirements

Power Adapter Input: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 4.0 A/115 VAC, 2.0 A/230 VAC

Frame composition
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 and relative humidity
Operating temperature and relative humidity

Recommended 20–25 °C
Recommended 40–60% RH

Sterility
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
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 ›
Interface
Interface

Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.10 or later, Ubuntu 12.04 or later.

API compatibility
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.

Tip compatibility
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
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, it can be added by you using our Labware Creator, or by our team.

Warranty
Warranty

One year warranty against manufacturer defects.

Certifications
Certifications

Certifications complete (CE, FCC, NRTL, CB, ISO 9001)
Not certified/validated (IVD, GMP)

What's in the box
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 place of trash bin
  • Calibration block
  • Lift handles
Compare to the OT-2

Compare to the OT-2

Are you unsure which pipettingrobot is the right one for you? Compare them below.

Resources

MANUALS AND WHITEPAPERS

CERTIFICATIONS, SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

BROCHURES AND FLYERS

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to code to use the Opentrons Flex?

You do not need to know how to code to use the Opentrons Flex platform. Protocols can be created using Opentrons’ plug-and-play protocol design tools. We also have a team that can build custom protocols for you.

What are the service offerings for Flex?

The Opentrons Flex requires on-site installation. We also offer both remote and on-site services solutions, as well as annual preventative maintenance.

Can I use irregular labware with the Opentrons Flex?

Yes. Just like the OT-2, the Flex has full capability to accept custom or irregular labware. Opentrons' custom labware creation tools can be used to help create the compatible labware definitions that are required to use irregular labware with our software.

Do I need a computer connected to the Opentrons Flex, or can i work solely off of the display?

Users do not need a computer connected to the Opentrons Flex to run a protocol. Users will need to build the protocol on a computer and upload it to the Flex. Once uploaded, the protocol can be ran solely off the display.

Can I use OT-2 pipettes with the Opentrons Flex?

No, Opentrons’ OT-2 pipettes will not be compatible with the Opentrons Flex. The Opentrons Flex is intended for use with our Flex Pipettes.

Are the side panels of the Opentrons Flex removeable?

Yes, the Opentrons Flex’s side windows and front door are removable.

Does the Opentrons Flex have crash detection?

Crashes will be detected by the Opentrons Flex by comparing the actual vs. intended move of the embedded motors.

For example, If the robot expected 2 motor rotations, but only 1 rotation is completed due to a crash(which stops the motors from moving), then the robot would detect a discrepancy between intended move and actual. This would then throw an error and let you know you need to recalibrate.

Can I use one computer for multiple Opentrons Flex robots?

You can use one computer running the Opentrons App to connect to multiple robots. This is true for both the Opentrons Flex and OT-2 robots.

How many protocols can i save on the Opentrons Flex display?

Users can save up to 8 protocols to the Opentrons Flex display.

What is the rear clearance of the Opentrons Flex for power & ventilation?

20 cm (8 in) of side and back clearance for cables, USB connections, and to dissipate exhaust from instruments like the Thermocycler or Temperature Module.

Free demo

Free demo

Schedule a demo with our Opentrons experts, no strings attached