Democratizing self-driving labs: advances in low-cost 3D printing for laboratory automation

Abstract

Laboratory automation through self-driving labs represents a transformative approach to accelerating scientific discovery, particularly in chemical sciences, biological sciences, materials science, and high-throughput experimentation. However, widespread adoption of these technologies faces a significant barrier: the prohibitive costs of commercial automation systems, which can range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. This financial hurdle has created a technological divide, limiting access primarily to well-funded institutions and leaving many research facilities unable to leverage the benefits of automated experimentation. 3D printing technology emerges as a democratizing force in this landscape, offering a revolutionary solution to the accessibility challenge. By enabling the production of customizable laboratory equipment at a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives, 3D printing is transforming how researchers approach laboratory automation. This approach not only reduces financial barriers but also promotes innovation through open-source designs, allowing researchers to share, modify, and improve upon existing solutions. This review addresses a critical gap in the current literature by exploring both the transformation of low-cost Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printers into sophisticated automation platforms and the use of FDM 3D-printed components to develop a broad range of affordable laboratory automation systems. Furthermore, we explore how strategic modifications enable these systems to serve as automatic liquid handlers, robotic arms, automated sample preparation and detection systems, chemical reactionware, automated imaging systems and bioprinting units. The integration of these modified 3D-printed components with machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms creates unprecedented opportunities for developing accessible, highly flexible self-driving laboratories.