opentrons-heater-shaker

The Opentrons Heater-Shaker Module skill is designed to automate protocols that require simultaneous temperature control and orbital mixing. It offers precise temperature control (37-95°C) along with adjustable shaking speeds (200-3000 rpm), enabling the automation of temperature-sensitive processes. This skill effectively replaces manual incubation transfers and provides a hands-off solution for protocols that require both heating and mixing, ensuring reproducibility and consistency in your experiments. By integrating temperature control directly on the deck, the Heater-Shaker module streamlines workflows and reduces the risk of human error.

Main features of the Heater-Shaker module include customizable temperature settings within the 37-95°C range and adjustable shaking speeds for precise control over agitation. It allows for both blocking and non-blocking operations, depending on whether you need the protocol to pause while reaching the target temperature or speed. The module supports various labware adapters, allowing you to use different types of plates, such as flat-bottom plates, PCR plates, and deep-well plates. The system also features a latch control to secure labware during shaking operations, ensuring reliable performance in automated setups.

This skill is perfect for researchers and labs working with cell culture, enzymatic reactions, or any experiment requiring precise temperature and agitation control. Ideal use cases include bacterial transformations, ELISA washing steps, hybridization reactions, and protocols requiring bead resuspension with controlled agitation. The module is compatible with both the Opentrons Flex and OT-2 platforms, offering flexibility in deck configurations and compatibility with a wide range of labware setups.