An automated, high-throughput platform for gene assembly, amplification, transformation, strain growth, and metabolite analysis enables the production of bio-based monomers and polymers with precise repeat units, domains and chirality directly from microorganisms. By providing an equipment set focused on automation, control, and high-throughput pathway assembly at the gene level and metabolite detection at the cellular level, the Living Biofoundry will enable biosynthetic manufacturing of commodity monomers and polymers.