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opentrons-gripper

Opentrons Flex Gripper - automated labware movement between deck locations, modules, waste chute, and off-deck storage with precise positioning and offset control for hands-free plate transfers

15stars2forksUpdated 3/3/2026

Security Assessment

Safe(100/100)
Security Score100/100

About opentrons-gripper

The Opentrons Flex Gripper is a specialized automation tool designed to move labware between various locations on the Opentrons Flex robot. It automates the movement of plates, reservoirs, and tip racks between deck slots, modules, waste chutes, and off-deck storage locations with high precision and offset control. This skill aims to eliminate manual plate transfers during protocols, enabling smooth multi-step workflows without the need for human intervention, thus improving efficiency and accuracy in laboratory processes. It is particularly useful in high-throughput environments where multiple labware transfers are required throughout a protocol.

FAQ

Can the Opentrons Flex Gripper be used on the OT-2 robot?

No, the Opentrons Flex Gripper is designed exclusively for the Opentrons Flex robot and is not compatible with the OT-2 robot.

What types of labware can the Opentrons Flex Gripper move?

The Gripper can move labware such as plates, reservoirs, and tip racks between deck slots, modules, waste chutes, and off-deck storage. However, the labware must have compatible geometry for the gripper to function.

What is the minimum API version required to use the Opentrons Flex Gripper?

The minimum API version required to use the Opentrons Flex Gripper is 2.15.

Can I manually control the Gripper for delicate operations?

Yes, you can disable the gripper by setting `use_gripper=False` in the `protocol.move_labware()` method, which pauses the protocol and allows manual control.

What are the main use cases for the Opentrons Flex Gripper?

The Gripper is ideal for automating labware transfers between deck slots, hardware modules (such as Temperature or Heater-Shaker), waste disposal, and off-deck storage, making it useful for eliminating manual tasks in complex workflows.

Install opentrons-gripper

Download and extract the skill files to your .claude/skills/ directory.

Quick Setup:

  1. Copy the skill folder to .claude/skills/
  2. Claude will automatically detect and use the skill

Repository

jkitchin/skillz