the present invention is directed generally to devices and methods for manipulating laboratory pipettes in a programmable manner . the present invention is directed to an apparatus and methods for allowing a user to instruct the device to perform a specific process ; identifying the type , location and identity of the consumables to be used ; manipulating a plurality of pipettes for performing the liquid handling ; monitoring the process during and after its execution ; generating a detailed report for the plurality of actions . other aspects of this invention include optimization of the liquid dispensing performances of a pipette ; monitoring and controlling individual actions by means of vision ; virtualization of the protocol definition by means of a reality augmented software interface ; integration of the system in a conventional laboratory environment workflow .