We present the AutoGDE instrument, which automates the preparation and operation of a gas diffusion electrode sample, demonstrated herein for electroreduction of CO2 with a polycrystalline copper catalyst supported on a PTFE GDL. While automation of sample handling has been well demonstrated in the field, the automation of liquid and gas handling in gas diffusion electrochemical cells, as well as integration with analytical detection of reaction products, is uniquely enabled by AutoGDE. We present this open hardware design to enable future development of MAPs for GDE-based electrochemical devices.