GUI for creation of Python protocols and custom hardware (Marlin) support

[DerAndere1]

overview

I am not an OT user, so this is low priority: I needed a graphical protocol designer that allows the following workflow:

1. flexible configuration of workspace dimensions and slot-layout for individual arrangement of labware
2. Allow protocol design with a simple graphical user interface. This generates an opentrons APIv2-compatible python script
3. Manual editing of the pyhon protocol in an embedded text editor.
4. Conversion of the python protocol to G-code and export of the G-code
5. Run the opentrons-compatible protocol on third-party hardware (DIY robots, converted CNC machines or modified 3D printers).

If the community is interested: I started implementing this in "GGCGen". Its backend "pyotronext" can translate Python protocols to G-code (Marlin firmware compatible). This might help with teaching / promoting of opentrons API programming with Python: Students can run basic opentrons protocols on a 3D-printer with Marlin firmware which can be more entertaining than virtual simulation.

current behavior

User has to choose between the great opentrons Python API or the intuitive Protocol Designer

steps to reproduce

N.A.

expected behavior

Graphical protocol designer that auto-generates python protocols, sends warnings for unreasonable input and allows editing of the pyhon code in a second step.

[DerAndere1]

I put this to the archive for now as it is probably not so relevant for the Opentrons core project.

[naikymen]

Hi! I just found this. The work you've done looks awesome.

A couple friends and I have been working on very similar stuff, and also posted in this repo a while ago: #11542

I was hoping there is a chance for us to collaborate. Please let me know if you want to have a chat :)

You can find me as naikymen at the GOSH forum, the PLR forum, and elsewhere.

Cheers!