Here, we developed Chem Lab Auto – Pi Pico, a low-cost, open-source automation platform based on the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller unit (MCU) and other easily accessible electronic components. The apparatus is beginner friendly and requires as little specialized knowledge as possible. All parts can be purchased directly through the Webstore, making the project easy to practice for everyone. Programmed by the MicroPython language, the integration and automated operation of commercialized devices can be achieved. All documents required for assembling this apparatus are provided to facilitate students/researchers in the adoption and adaption based on this prototype, which makes it easily adapted to undergraduate classroom teaching and prepares them to become chemists proficient in automation tools. Through appropriate modifications, students and researchers can achieve seamless integration and automated control with existing commercial laboratory equipment, thereby fully leveraging the potential of their current device resources.
Chen et al. (2026) studied this question.