pylabrobot

Coordinate cross-backend laboratory automation for pipetting, incubation, and data capture.

1|Updated Mar 11, 2026

Search Tags:#simulation #visualization #robotics #protocols #backends #lab-automation #liquid-handling

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/SciMate-AI/scicli --skill pylabrobot-scimate-ai

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pylabrobot
Source: https://github.com/SciMate-AI/scicli/tree/main/internal/skills/bundled/claude-scientific-skills/skills/pylabrobot
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/SciMate-AI/scicli --skill pylabrobot-scimate-ai

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

PyLabRobot unifies control of lab automation across multiple hardware backends, reducing integration complexity and enabling cross-vendor workflows.

Core Features & Use Cases

Backend-agnostic protocol development that runs on Hamilton STAR, Opentrons OT-2, or simulation backends.
Robust resource and deck management, with tracking of wells, tips, and deck layouts, plus state serialization.
Visualization and simulation integrations to validate protocols before hardware runs, and to support education and CI testing.

Quick Start

Install PyLabRobot, create a LiquidHandler with a STAR or OT-2 backend, and start writing a backend-agnostic protocol.

Frequently Asked Questions about pylabrobot

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I write liquid handling protocols that work across Hamilton STAR and Opentrons OT-2?▼

Write liquid handling protocols using a backend-agnostic API by creating a LiquidHandler instance with your chosen backend. This abstracts vendor-specific commands, allowing the same protocol code to run on Hamilton STAR, Opentrons OT-2, or simulation backends.

Can I simulate lab automation protocols before running them on physical hardware?▼

Yes, you can simulate lab automation protocols before hardware runs. The Skill provides visualization and simulation components that validate pipetting and incubation steps, which also supports education and CI testing.

What is backend-agnostic lab automation and when do I need it?▼

Backend-agnostic lab automation uses a unified API to control multiple hardware backends. You need it to reduce integration complexity when developing cross-vendor research workflows or protocols that must execute on different robotic platforms.

Does this approach support tracking deck layouts and resource states for liquid handling?▼

Yes, this approach supports tracking deck layouts and resource states. It includes robust resource and deck management for tracking wells, tips, and layouts, plus state serialization to maintain accurate laboratory configurations.

What are the limitations of using a unified API for cross-backend laboratory automation?▼

A limitation of using a unified API for cross-backend laboratory automation is that it requires a backend-agnostic API and resource models. Complex or highly vendor-specific hardware features may not be fully abstracted across Hamilton STAR, OT-2, and simulation backends.

How do I start automating pipetting and incubation workflows with PyLabRobot?▼

To start automating pipetting and incubation workflows, install the library and create a LiquidHandler configured with a STAR, OT-2, or simulation backend. You can then begin writing backend-agnostic protocol code immediately.