BD and Opentrons Unite: Robotic Automation Accelerates Single-Cell Multiomics for Enhanced Drug Development
- Oct 9
- 2 min read
In a significant move poised to revolutionize biomedical research, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a major global medical technology firm, has entered into a multi-year collaboration with Opentrons Labworks, Inc., a company recognized for its accessible lab automation technology. This partnership, which also involves Medpath Robotics according to earlier reports, centers on integrating advanced Robotic Automation into BD’s powerful single-cell multiomics instruments.
The core objective of this collaboration is clear: to accelerate disease research and Drug Development by automating critical experimental steps within the single-cell multiomics workflow. Single-cell multiomics is a rapidly growing field that is fundamentally transforming research in areas like oncology and immunology. It works by revealing the intricate, multiple layers of biological information contained within individual cells. By automating these complex steps, the companies aim to boost the adoption of this technology in translational and biopharma settings, enhancing speed, scale, and reproducibility for scientists seeking potentially life-changing insights.
The sources highlight that this is not just a theoretical partnership; it involves direct product integration. The companies intend to integrate the BD Rhapsody System—including the BD Rhapsody® HT Xpress System, which facilitates studies involving millions of cells—with the Opentrons Flex® platform. Opentrons currently boasts a broad deployment base, with over 10,000 robotic systems worldwide.
The integration specifically addresses the need for automating robotic liquid-handling capabilities for BD’s instruments. A key outcome will be the development of verified protocols, enabling researchers to conduct hands-free workflows during their single-cell multiomics experiments.
Crucially, the collaboration focuses on developing an automation-compatible module specifically for the BD Rhapsody™ System. This module is designed to automate two particularly critical steps: next-generation sequencing library preparation and cell capture. By tackling these time-consuming and often error-prone steps, BD and Opentrons are empowering scientists to access data faster and with greater confidence.
The multi-year collaboration was reported by BD Investor Relations and Trial Medpath News on October 7, 2025, with a broader press release detailing the integration appearing on October 8 and 9, 2025.
For interested research groups, early access opportunities for labs are expected to become available soon. The companies plan to discuss this collaboration and the early access program at the upcoming American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting in Boston, MA, scheduled for October 14-18, 2025. Attendees can find BD at Booth 447 and Opentrons at Booth 635 to learn more about how this Robotic Automation partnership is shaping the future of Single-cell multiomics and Drug Development.
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