Donation of Opentrons OT-2 Liquid Handling Robots to UCL Chemical Engineering

The UCL Department of Chemical Engineering is deeply grateful for the generous donation of three Opentrons OT-2 liquid handling robots, along with associated modules and consumables, from Opentrons Labworks Inc. on 24 February 2025.

This invaluable contribution will significantly enhance hands-on learning experiences, particularly within the Data-Driven Materials Manufacturing module, led by Dr. Solomon Bawa, Lecturer (Teaching) in Digital Manufacturing of Advanced Materials at UCL Chemical Engineering, as well as support outreach activities in the field of robotics.

This donation is a testament to the strong collaboration between Dr. Solomon Bawa and Opentrons' education initiatives, reinforcing our shared commitment to advancing robotics and automation in scientific education. The Data-Driven Materials Manufacturing module is a key part of the MSc programme in Digital Manufacturing of Advanced Materials (DMAM), which operates within the Manufacturing Futures Lab at UCL East. This MSc programme places a strong emphasis on robotic automation, equipping students with highly sought-after skills essential for the future of industry and research.

With the addition of these three new robots, our teaching lab now boasts a comprehensive suite of automation tools, including two Opentrons Flex and two OT-2 liquid handling robots, further enriching the learning environment. The MSc students have already begun utilising these liquid-handling robots in hands-on lab sessions, which has enabled smaller group sizes, fostering more interactive and effective learning experiences.
 

We extend our sincere appreciation to Opentrons Labworks Inc. for their generosity and commitment to supporting education in robotics and digital manufacturing. This donation will have a lasting impact on our students, empowering them with cutting-edge skills that will shape the future of materials science and manufacturing.

Links

• Dr Solomon Bawa's UCL profile
• Opentrons Labworks Inc
• Digital Manufacturing of Advanced Materials MSc
• Study at UCL Chemical Engineering

Image credit

Dr Solomon Bawa

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