A group of researchers in Japan has developed a low-cost, open-source robot capable of automating chemical synthesis—opening the doors to advanced experimentation for labs everywhere, regardless of budget.
Key Points at a Glance
- FLUID is a 3D-printed, open-source robotic system created by scientists at Hokkaido University.
- It automates material synthesis processes using common electronic components and modular hardware.
- Researchers successfully used FLUID to co-precipitate cobalt and nickel with precision.
- The system’s design files are freely available, enabling global replication and customization.
- Future upgrades will expand its functionality to include pH, temperature sensing, and macro recording.
Automation has transformed many fields of science, but in chemistry and materials research, the costs of robotic platforms can be prohibitively high. This often puts cutting-edge tools out of reach for smaller labs, especially those in developing countries. Now, a team at Hokkaido University has developed a compelling solution that could change the game.
The robot, called FLUID (short for Flowing Liquid Utilizing Interactive Device), is a fully open-source and 3D-printed system designed to carry out precise chemical processes. Built from off-the-shelf components and printed parts, FLUID promises to make automation accessible where it’s needed most—without sacrificing precision or flexibility.
“By adopting open source, utilizing a 3D printer, and taking advantage of commonly-available electronics, it became possible to construct a functional robot customized to a particular set of needs at a fraction of the cost,” said Mikael Kuwahara, the study’s lead author. The team demonstrated the robot’s capabilities by automating the co-precipitation of cobalt and nickel, a reaction frequently used in the development of battery materials and catalysts.
The heart of FLUID is its modular hardware: four independent units, each with a syringe, servo- and stepper-motors, valves, and sensors. These modules are managed by microcontroller boards and a central computer interface that gives users full control over every aspect of the operation—from the movement of fluids to real-time monitoring of system status.
What sets FLUID apart isn’t just its affordability—it’s the open accessibility of its design. All files, schematics, and software are available to download, meaning that researchers worldwide can build their own version of the system or tailor it to meet unique experimental requirements. This flexibility is especially valuable in research areas where commercial robots either don’t exist or are too specialized and costly to justify.
Professor Keisuke Takahashi, who led the project, sees FLUID as a key enabler of a more inclusive and accelerated future for materials science. “This approach aims to democratize automation in material synthesis, providing researchers with a practical, cost-effective solution to accelerate innovation,” he said.
The potential impact is wide-ranging. FLUID could make advanced chemical workflows feasible in remote regions, small institutions, or educational labs where budgets are tight but curiosity is boundless. Its modular, printable nature also supports rapid iteration and experimentation, encouraging a new generation of chemists and engineers to design, tinker, and share.
Looking forward, the team plans to integrate sensors for measuring temperature and pH—broadening the range of experiments the robot can handle. Planned software updates will add macro recording for automating repetitive tasks, as well as expanded data logging features to improve reproducibility and analysis.
As science becomes more collaborative, decentralized, and driven by open innovation, tools like FLUID exemplify the possibilities when accessibility and ingenuity go hand in hand. It’s not just a robot—it’s a blueprint for a more equitable and inventive research ecosystem.
Source: Hokkaido University
