Greetings PyLabRobot Community,
We are excited to announce that we’re soft-launching the UniteLabs platform for liquid handling today! This is the first “module” of our integration infrastructure for lab automation. After successful alpha tests, we’re now looking for beta customers to partner with us.
While we think that pyLabRobot and the people behind it are amazing and have pioneered lab automation, we believe there is a need for a holistic alternative for developer-centric lab automation that is conceptualized and built based on software engineering best practices.
Our industry needs tooling for automators that is built, maintained, and supported by a full-time team supporting standards such as SiLA 2 and OPC UA.
The key aspects that define our solution are:
- General integration platform: UniteLabs supports various devices beyond the scope of liquid handling and will continue to increase the library of supported devices. Today, the platform is compatible with almost 100 lab devices including plate readers and incubators. Any device that supports e.g. SiLA is automatically compatible. We also provide an open-source Connector Development Kit, so users can add devices based on a standardised framework.
- Modular and Cloud-enabled: A main conceptual difference is that UniteLabs is a cloud platform offering access and control of connected devices. Lab data and device interfaces can be accessed from anywhere, at any time.
- Python SDK and Workflows: At the heart is our SDK which is growing constantly and covers devices beyond liquid handling like robots and bioreactors. The SDK can be used either in our Platform’s workflow engine or installed locally and used in any IDE with minimal effort.
- Documentation and training: We put a lot of emphasis on comprehensive documentation extended by guides and example notebooks empowering automation specialists.
- User management: Access control and logging are instrumental to many lab operations. Therefore, user management and seamless integration into the company’s IT architecture are enabled by design.
- Error handling: The platform and Connectors built by UniteLabs come with built-in error handling capabilities. Workflows written with the UniteLabs SDK can be monitored and recovery functionality is easy to implement. Obviously, error recovery is a complex topic and will still require application-specific testing, but we try to make life easier.
- Production-ready: Ultimately, we’re building a product for live usage in high-demand, -throughput, and -stake laboratories. We are building up extensive unit tests and versioning to ensure safe, uninterrupted updates and operation without bad surprises.
- Regulatory compliance on the horizon: We made every decision with regulatory requirements in mind so we can eventually go for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
- Testing with simulated and mocked devices: We’re adding mocked devices for most connectors (where possible) to enable testing of not just our code base, but also for your workflows.
Initially, we are starting with Hamilton’s Star series. Our roadmap includes connectors for firmware and software of vendors like Tecan, Opentrons, Beckman, and more.
We are currently wrapping up our tests with alpha users on the main modules and are now at a stage at which we’re keen to get more feedback from a broader community. So, we’re on the lookout for 3 beta testers to partner with us. Please note that this beta test is a paid partnership with UniteLabs. While it may require additional work based on your specific requirements, it’s an opportunity to contribute to the shaping of a platform designed with nerds like you in mind. 
We are happy to give demos and talk you through what we can and cannot do as of now and what the vision looks like for the future. Interested in being part of this? You can apply to be a beta tester here.
We eagerly look forward to your applications and are excited to embark on this journey with you!