pylabrobot

Orchestrate diverse lab devices through a single Python API.

94|11|Updated Mar 26, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/swaruplab/operon --skill pylabrobot-swaruplab
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pylabrobot
Source: https://github.com/swaruplab/operon/tree/main/src-tauri/protocols/pylabrobot
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/swaruplab/operon --skill pylabrobot-swaruplab

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

PyLabRobot provides a vendor-agnostic interface to orchestrate multiple lab devices with a single Python API, reducing integration complexity and accelerating protocol development.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Unified backends for Hamilton STAR, Opentrons OT-2, Tecan EVO, and more, enabling cross-device protocols.
  • Rich resource/deck management, simulation, and back-end swapping without rewriting code.
  • Real-world use cases include coordinating multi-device experiments and teaching lab automation concepts in education and research.

Quick Start

Install PyLabRobot, instantiate a STAR backend with STARLetDeck, call setup(), and start a simple cross-backend protocol.

Frequently Asked Questions about pylabrobot

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I control multiple liquid handlers from different vendors in one Python protocol?

Lab automation across vendors is coordinated through a single Python API that abstracts device commands, enabling you to orchestrate liquid handlers, plate readers, and shakers without writing vendor-specific logic.

Can I test lab automation protocols in simulation before running them on physical hardware?

Yes, you can test protocols in simulation by instantiating a simulation backend, allowing you to validate deck management and liquid handling logic before deploying to real devices like Hamilton STAR or Opentrons.

Does pylabrobot support switching between Hamilton STAR and Opentrons backends without rewriting code?

Yes, backend switching is supported without rewriting protocol logic, enabling you to execute the same Python script across Hamilton STAR, Opentrons OT-2, and other supported platforms by changing the backend instance.

What is vendor-agnostic lab automation and when do I need it for biology research?

Vendor-agnostic lab automation provides a unified programming interface to control diverse lab devices, needed when coordinating multi-device biology workflows that span instruments from different manufacturers.

How do I set up deck management for a cross-device liquid handling workflow?

You set up deck management by instantiating a backend like STAR with its corresponding deck model such as STARLetDeck, then calling setup() to initialize resource coordinates before starting the protocol.

Can I coordinate plate readers and incubators alongside liquid handlers in the same script?

Yes, you can coordinate plate readers, incubators, and shakers alongside liquid handlers within the same Python workflow, orchestrating multi-device experiments through the unified API.