Welcome to the github page for the SideKick liquid handler!
The Sidekick is a desktop liquid dispensing robot, compatible with standard SBS microplates designed for accessible laboratory automation. The Sidekick features an armature-based motion system and a fully 3D printed chassis to reduce overall mechanical complexity and build time, and accommodate user modification. Liquid dispensing is achieved by using four calibration-free solenoid driven positive displacement pumps that deliver 10 microliter increments. Control is provided over a USB serial interface using a simple vocabulary of commands, implemented in the form of a short Micro Python program. At a total price of $710, the Sidekick offers laboratories an easy to build, easily maintained, open-source liquid handling system for both research and pedagogical introductions to lab automation.
A complete description of the project and build instructions is available in R. Keesey, R, LeSeur, J. Schrier, “Sidekick: A Low-Cost Open-Source 3D Printed Liquid Dispensing Robot” Hardware X 12, E00319 (2022) doi:10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00319
You can also see a video of it in action online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTURNI88WFQ
But if you don't want to read the paper, and just want to get started with building, take a look at the assembly guide located in the "Supporting Documentation" folder. This currently covers the mechanical assembly, the wiring, and getting started with the Sidekick's software.
Copyright Rodolfo Keesey 2022.
This source describes Open Hardware and is licensed under the CERN-OHL-S v2.
You may redistribute and modify this source and make products using it under the terms of the CERN-OHL-S v2 (https://ohwr.org/cern_ohl_s_v2.txt).
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PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Please see the CERN-OHL-S v2 for applicable conditions.
Source location: https://github.com/rodolfokeesey/Liquid-Handler
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