Orca Overview

Inspiration

The inspiration for Orca comes from using the Serverless Framework to deploy AWS systems to the cloud. Michael realized that just as configuration files could be used to deploy complex IT infrastructure, they could also be utilized to manage and deploy workflows to automation infrastructure. This innovative approach underpins Orca’s design, making it a powerful tool for orchestrating intricate lab processes.

How It Works

Orca simplifies the orchestration of complex lab automation workflows through a YAML configuration file. In this file, users define labware, resources, system options, methods, and workflows. The configuration file supports the integration of custom scripts, allowing users to tailor their workflows to specific needs. Variables in the format ${module:object.property} can be used to deploy different configurations depending on the context of the deployment.

Orca is currently operated via the command line to allow external systems to drive the scheduler. Users can choose to run entire workflows or individual methods as needed, offering flexibility to adapt to changing lab environments.