All these goodies would be useless if we did not have a way to program and control the movements of the "robot". This can be done by directly exploiting the 3D printer programming language. Almost all printers on the market use open-source Marlin firmware and G-Code as the programming language. G-Code is highly intuitive, can be written in any text editor, and does not require any prior knowledge of programming. For example, the "G1 X10 Y12 Z5" string will move the printhead to the 10/12/5 X/Y/Z space. G-Code writing can also be automated using FullControlGCode. Now we have cheap mechanical and electronic components and a simple way to program and control them. This opens endless opportunities for affordable and personalized automation in the laboratory. One of the first proofs of this approach was achieved in our laboratory, where we acquired a cheap 3D printer, and with its components and some 3D printed parts, we built three programmable syringe pumps (Figure ). These three programmable pumps cost less than half of a single, non-programmable commercially available syringe pump. We also modified a 3D printer for automating histological staining procedures. Here a simple add-on for holding glass slides is attached to the printhead. According to a histological staining procedure, the 3D printer is then programmed to move these glass slides in different solvent tanks (Figure ). This process can be easily used for programmable coating purposes as well, in contrast to high-priced dip coating machines. Cheap 3D printers have also been modified to print soft materials and be bioprinters at all effects (Figure ).[113] I am convinced this is only the tip of the iceberg for automating laboratory procedures using the mechanics and electronics of 3D printers. Exploiting the consumer market for obtaining cheap and personalized laboratory equipment coupled with the expanding DIY and makers movement will result in new ideas and, at the same time, a democratization of science.