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IvoryOS: an interoperable web interface for orchestrating Python-based self-driving laboratories

Author

Listed:
  • Wenyu Zhang

    (The University of British Columbia)

  • Lucy Hao

    (The University of British Columbia)

  • Veronica Lai

    (Telescope Innovations Corp)

  • Ryan Corkery

    (Telescope Innovations Corp)

  • Jacob Jessiman

    (The University of British Columbia)

  • Jiayu Zhang

    (The University of British Columbia)

  • Junliang Liu

    (Telescope Innovations Corp)

  • Yusuke Sato

    (Telescope Innovations Corp)

  • Maria Politi

    (The University of British Columbia)

  • Matthew E. Reish

    (The University of British Columbia)

  • Rebekah Greenwood

    (The University of British Columbia)

  • Noah Depner

    (The University of British Columbia)

  • Jiyoon Min

    (The University of British Columbia)

  • Rama El-khawaldeh

    (The University of British Columbia)

  • Paloma Prieto

    (The University of British Columbia
    Telescope Innovations Corp)

  • Ekaterina Trushina

    (The University of British Columbia)

  • Jason E. Hein

    (The University of British Columbia
    Telescope Innovations Corp
    University of Bergen)

Abstract

Self-driving laboratories (SDLs), powered by robotics, automation and artificial intelligence, accelerate scientific discoveries through autonomous experimentation. However, their adoption and transferability are limited by the lack of standardized software across diverse SDLs. In this work, we introduce IvoryOS – an open-source orchestrator that automatically generates web interfaces for Python-based SDLs. It ensures interoperability by dynamically updating the user interfaces with the plugged components and their functionalities. The interfaces enable users to directly control SDLs and design workflows through a drag-and-drop user interface. Additionally, the workflow manager provides no-code configuration for iterative execution, supporting both human-in-the-loop and closed-loop experimentation. We demonstrate the integration of IvoryOS with six SDLs across two institutes, showcasing its adaptability and utility across platforms at various development stages. The plug-and-play and low-code feature of IvoryOS addresses the rapidly evolving demands of SDL development and significantly lowers the barrier to entry for building and managing SDLs.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenyu Zhang & Lucy Hao & Veronica Lai & Ryan Corkery & Jacob Jessiman & Jiayu Zhang & Junliang Liu & Yusuke Sato & Maria Politi & Matthew E. Reish & Rebekah Greenwood & Noah Depner & Jiyoon Min & Rama, 2025. "IvoryOS: an interoperable web interface for orchestrating Python-based self-driving laboratories," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60514-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60514-w
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