LEAF

The UNLOCK FAIR Data Platform uses LEAF (Lab Equipment Adapter Framework) to establish direct connections to devices. This page gives a brief introduction of this system.

For more details, visit the dedicated documentation: https://leaf.systemsbiology.nl

Overview

LEAF is modular, open-source software that enables access to data streams from various devices. These could be bioreactors, their sensors, HPLC devices, and much more. It was developed to address the challenge of fragmentation in laboratory equipment, wherein existing structures oftentimes are not standardized. This is due to some manufacturers restricting third-party access to device firmware, or they may want to retain control over data formats, software licensing, or service agreements. LEAF incorporates adapters that are developed for specific devices and their corresponding protocols, and it automatically collects datastreams in standardized formats. The FDP captures this streamlined data and further processes it in the WIDE system. For the time being, LEAF enables the monitoring of both input and output data, but the ultimate goal is to be achieve full bidirectional control through its adapters.