submitted 4 days ago by tristynalxander@mander.xyz to c/foss@beehaw.org

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I want to learn about Open Source Hardware and Robotics for science laboratories by which I mean not only hardware with open source software for operating it but hardware that has well documented parts for repair -- open operating software and open blueprints, I guess.

I work in academic science, and I'd really like to automate my lab someday, but it seems most equipment gets dropped by the companies that make it after some time or the company goes out of business. While there are a few companies that have started making accessible APIs, most try to suck you into their ecosystem. Oh, and don't get me started on the absolutely insane service contracts -- 50k/yr for an evenings work and some parts. Maybe companies can pay for all that and an upgrade every five-to-ten years, but it's not sustainable for academic labs. My boss repairs his own aktas, but I want to automate way more.

Ideally, I was hoping there might be some other scientists out there who can point me to things that might already have been done. I'd rather not re-invent the wheel unless I absolutely have to.

Alternatively, any advice on where to start learning this? It seems like many universities have "maker spaces" to work on proto-typing, and I think MIT's "how to make almost anything" is on their open course catalog. Is there anything more lab focused?

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[-] BeatL@pawb.social 2 points 20 hours ago

Yes, thank you, my comments are praise and amazement towards contribution like those. There is a lot of work done and ambition it warm my heart. It is still very dangerous and experimental. And should not be attempted.

I have far too little background in chemistry and microbiology to attempt such a project.

Furthermore, mass spectrography (the machine that allow to know the chemical composition of a sample, which for this type of project is critical) is not open source ready (though some attempt were made and were kinda successfull)

I do not have a personal vital need of such project, rest assured. I am still amazed of the work, dedication and selflessness that make this possible.

For thoses that want clarification. Endotoxins are toxins that are present on the surface of bacteria. On ingestion it provoke an immune response like fever or likely an anaphylactic choc that can lead to death.

[-] tristynalxander@mander.xyz 1 points 20 hours ago

For thoses that want clarification. Endotoxins are toxins that are present on the surface of bacteria. On ingestion it provoke an immune response like fever or likely an anaphylactic choc that can lead to death.

Just to add a bit of practical information (in case somebody desperate is reading this in five years), they're very hard to separate from other things and tend to stick around largely invisibly. Very small amounts can provoke deadly immune responses. Labs who do make endotoxin free samples often have entirely separate sets of equipment for endotoxin free preps.

What we really need for companies or non-profits to take the expired patent versions of these drugs and produces them cheaply and safely.

this post was submitted on 13 May 2026

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