Labware

Labware in Galago represents physical plates, containers, and other laboratory equipment that robotic arms interact with. Labware definitions provide critical positioning data including offsets, dimensions, and pickup points that ensure precise automation across your laboratory workflow.

Table of Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Creating Labware
  3. Labware Components
  4. Using Labware in Automation
  5. Best Practices
  6. Labware Parameters Reference

Overview

Labware serves as the single source of truth for physical laboratory equipment dimensions and positioning. This information enables robotic arms to accurately pick up plates, position containers, and coordinate with specialized tools throughout your automated workflows.

Creating Labware

Labware Creation Process

1
Navigate to the Labware page and click "Create New Labware"
2
Enter basic labware information:
  • Labware Name
  • Description
  • Number of Rows and Columns
3
Configure physical dimensions:
  • Width and Height measurements
  • Z-offset for pickup positioning
  • Stack height for multiple plates
4
Set lid parameters if applicable:
  • Enable "Has Lid" option
  • Configure plate lid offset
  • Set lid offset for nest positioning
5
Add optional image URL and save your labware definition

Labware Components

Dimensions

Physical measurements including width, height, and z-offset that define the labware's spatial requirements and pickup points.

Grid Layout

Row and column configuration that defines the internal structure for wells, samples, or compartments within the labware.

Lid Management

Optional lid parameters that control automated lid handling, including offsets for both plate-mounted and nest-stored positions.

Stacking Properties

Stack height specifications that enable safe automated stacking and unstacking of multiple identical labware units.

Using Labware in Automation

1
Select appropriate labware from the library when configuring protocols
2
Robotic arms automatically use labware offsets for precise positioning
3
Specialized tools receive labware parameters for coordinated operations
4
System validates compatibility between labware and assigned locations

Warning: Incorrect labware dimensions can cause collisions or damage to equipment. Always verify measurements and test labware definitions with careful supervision before production use.

Best Practices

Labware Management

  • Measure labware dimensions precisely using calibrated tools
  • Use descriptive names that include manufacturer and model information
  • Document any special handling requirements in the description field
  • Test new labware definitions in safe environments before production
  • Maintain a standardized naming convention across your laboratory
  • Regular validation of labware positions with physical measurements

Labware Parameters Reference

Key Measurements

Physical Dimensions:

  • Width and height define the labware footprint
  • Z-offset determines vertical pickup positioning
  • Stack height enables safe multi-plate operations

Grid Configuration:

  • Rows and columns define internal layout structure
  • Used for addressing specific wells or positions within labware

Lid Handling:

  • Plate lid offset: vertical clearance when lid is mounted on plate
  • Lid offset: positioning when lid is stored separately in nest
  • Has lid flag enables automated lid management protocols