Automating PCR with the UFACTORY xArm 6 Lite

Primary Materials

Project Summary

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a fundamental technique in molecular biology, extensively employed in genetic analysis, disease diagnostics, and forensic science. Despite its critical role, the preparation of PCR reactions remains a labor-intensive process that relies on precise pipetting of reagents, a task susceptible to human error and variability. Manual pipetting can lead to inconsistencies in sample preparation, impacting the accuracy and reproducibility of experimental results. To address these challenges, computer automation has gained significant attention, aiming to improve efficiency, precision, and scalability in laboratory workflows. This work presents an innovative robotic system designed to automate the pipetting process for PCR preparation using the xArm 6 Lite robotic arm. Our approach combines computer vision for precise object localization and volume verification, a custom 3D-printed gripper for micropipette manipulation, and motorized actuation controlled by an Arduino-based system. By leveraging the Robot Operating System (ROS) and Python, along with deep learning-based image analysis techniques, we enhance the precision and repeatability of the PCR process.