What Is Lab Automation? A Guide to Increased Lab Efficiency

Modern laboratories face mounting pressure to deliver faster results while maintaining accuracy and reliability. Manual processes can create bottlenecks that limit throughput, introduce human error, and consume valuable staff time. Laboratory automation systems can decrease or even eliminate these pain points by reducing repetitive tasks and enabling 24/7 operation capabilities.

In this post, you’ll learn how the benefits of automated lab solutions extend beyond efficiency. We cover how automation can help with lab safety while also reducing operational costs, the different types of lab automation, and what processes can be automated.

What Is Lab Automation?

Lab automation refers to the use of technology, robotics, and software to handle routine tasks, reducing the need for manual input. This includes everything from automated liquid handling systems and robotic sample processors to integrated LIMS and sophisticated analytical instruments, allowing them to work together to create efficient laboratory operations.

The Benefits of Lab Automation

Lab automation can streamline every aspect of lab operations. The combination of advanced robotics engineering, AI, and lab automation software achieves levels of precision previously unattainable through manual processes.

Modern automation solutions, such as Ginkgo Bioworks’ Reconfigurable Automation Carts (RACs), show how flexible, modular systems can adapt to diverse laboratory needs while delivering consistent performance improvements and scalability for future growth.

Below, we go over six of the primary benefits lab automation can bring to your workflows.

1. Better Data Management and Integrity

Automated laboratory systems create seamless digital workflows that accurately capture, store, and analyze information. Unlike manual data entry, which is often prone to transcription errors, automated systems create digital records directly from instruments, reducing the risk of manual data errors.

These systems integrate with advanced data management platforms, creating detailed audit trails crucial for regulated industries requiring documentation of all processes and results.

2. Enhanced Laboratory Safety

Laboratory automation can significantly reduce exposure to hazardous materials by replacing manual handling with robotic systems that can operate safely in controlled environments. These systems work with toxic chemicals, radioactive materials, biological hazards, and biomedical samples without putting humans at risk while also maintaining exposure control.

3. Improved Data Quality and Reproducibility

Lab automation software can help reduce the variability in manual processes, creating consistent, reliable results for scientific research and clinical diagnostics. Robotic systems perform repetitive procedures with precisely controlled parameters, ensuring each sample receives identical treatment regardless of timing or operator.

Standardization allows for more consistent results, making it easier to compare data over time and across different labs. This reproducibility is ideal for longitudinal studies, quality control programs, and regulatory compliance.

4. Increased Throughput and Efficiency

Automation enables continuous operation and parallel processing capabilities exceeding manual methods, allowing labs to process samples more efficiently. These systems can operate 24/7, effectively tripling available processing time compared to traditional eight-hour shifts.

This efficiency also branches into resource utilization and reduced waste. Automation ensures precise reagent use, reduces waste, and helps optimize scheduling to keep lab equipment running smoothly.

5. Optimization of Staff and Resources

Automation allows laboratory personnel to focus on higher-value activities like method development, data interpretation, and complex problem-solving rather than routine manual tasks. This can often improve job satisfaction by eliminating repetitive work while better utilizing skilled staff expertise.

Optimizing staff roles is crucial as the demand for skilled lab workers grows, especially with onshoring manufacturing rising in the United States. 

6. Reduced Operational Costs

One of the biggest benefits of automation is that it can save your lab money in the long term. Automation not only reduces labor costs by taking over tedious jobs, but it also cuts costs associated with errors, rework, and waste.

Cost benefits compound over time as systems operate continuously without the ongoing costs associated with hiring, training, and retaining additional staff. 

Types of Lab Automation

Lab automation can be implemented in various ways, depending on the scale and needs of the laboratory. 

Partial/Task-Oriented Automation

Best for: Automating workflow bottlenecks

Automation features:

• Single-task robotic workstations for specific procedures
• Integration with existing manual workflows
• Modular implementation is expandable over time

Partial automation focuses on automating specific, well-defined tasks within laboratory workflows while maintaining manual processes for other activities. This approach addresses particular bottlenecks or quality issues without completely redesigning existing workflows.

The modular nature makes task-oriented automation an easy entry point for laboratories new to automation, allowing the implementation of automated systems while making targeted improvements. Modules can also be added to expand automation coverage as staff becomes comfortable with the systems.

For example, StudioRed used design thinking in collaboration with Labcyte to develop the Access Dual Robot System (DRS). This system automates the production of assay-ready plates from acoustic sample tubes, showcasing task-oriented automation in action.

Total Laboratory Automation 

Best for: High-volume laboratories with standardized workflows

Automation features:

• Fully integrated sample processing
• Automated sample tracking and management throughout entire workflow
• Integration with laboratory information systems

Total laboratory automation integrates all sample processing aspects into a single coordinated system. This typically involves track-based systems that physically transport samples between analytical stations with automated sample identification, sorting, and routing capabilities.

The benefits are most apparent in high-volume laboratories with standardized testing menus, like clinical chemistry laboratories. These systems maximize efficiency by eliminating manual sample handling and reducing error potential, though they sometimes require significant equipment and infrastructure investments.

For example, StudioRed collaborated with Promega to design the Spectrum CE Robotic Sampling System to assist with total laboratory automation. This new product was designed to enhance accuracy and speed in forensic labs, particularly for Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis. With thoughtful design and engineering, this system enhances ease of use, assembly, and servicing — critical factors for labs with high throughput needs.

Modular Lab Automation

Best for: Laboratories with diverse testing requirements

Automation features:

• Flexible, reconfigurable automation components
• Standardized interfaces to mix and match automation modules
• Scalable solutions that grow with laboratory needs

Modular automation offers greater flexibility than task-specific solutions, providing a more scalable alternative to fully integrated systems. This approach uses standardized automation components that can be configured and reconfigured to meet changing laboratory needs with common interfaces and communication protocols.

Flexibility makes modular automation particularly suitable for research laboratories or facilities with diverse testing requirements that may change over time. Systems can be reconfigured to accommodate new assays or different sample types without complete system replacement.

Lab Processes That Can Be Automated

From sample preparation to result reporting, lab automation streamlines a wide range of processes. Understanding which processes can be automated helps labs achieve higher efficiency, better accuracy, and faster turnaround times.

Pre-Analytical Processes

Automation transforms the most labor-intensive front-end processes through integrated systems that handle everything from sample arrival to preparation. Barcode scanning and RFID technology instantly log specimens into LIMS while eliminating manual data entry errors, and robotic sorting systems intelligently route samples based on test orders and priorities.

Automated centrifuges and aliquoting systems ensure consistent sample preparation with precise volumes and timing, reducing variability that can impact downstream analyses. These systems integrate seamlessly with laboratory workflows to create efficient, error-free specimen processing from receipt through analysis readiness.

Examples: Automated sample accessioning with barcode scanning, robotic specimen sorting and routing, automated centrifugation and aliquoting

Analytical Processes

Modern analytical instruments can leverage sophisticated automation to perform complex assays with minimal human intervention. Liquid handling robots pipette exact reagent volumes and sample aliquots, while integrated thermal cyclers and optical systems execute programmed protocols with consistent timing and temperature control.

Advanced systems may incorporate machine learning algorithms that optimize reaction conditions in real time and automatically adjust parameters based on quality control data. This intelligent automation provides optimal assay performance while reducing the need for manual intervention and troubleshooting.

Examples: Automated chemistry analyzers with liquid handling robots, robotic immunoassay systems with integrated incubators, automated molecular diagnostics platforms with thermal cycling

Post-Analytical Processes

Result processing automation applies validation rules and delta checks to identify outliers while calculating reference ranges and applying interpretive algorithms. These systems ensure data integrity by automatically flagging questionable results for review while allowing valid results to proceed directly to reporting.

Electronic reporting systems streamline result delivery by formatting outputs according to specifications and automatically distributing reports through secure portals, email, or direct EHR integration. This automation reduces turnaround times while maintaining detailed audit trails for regulatory compliance.

Examples: Automated result calculation and validation with delta checking, electronic result reporting with custom formatting, automated quality control review with exception flagging

How To Plan for Lab Automation

Planning automation involves reviewing your current processes, identifying areas for improvement, and creating a clear strategy for implementation.

The following are some steps you can take before implementing automation within your lab: 

• Assess lab needs: Conduct a full workflow analysis to identify bottlenecks, error-prone processes, and areas where automation provides the greatest benefit while considering current and future volume requirements.
• Choose automation systems: Evaluate different laboratory automation solutions based on technical requirements, integration capabilities, scalability, and total cost of ownership while considering vendor support and reliability.

• Consider integration needs: Consider how the solution will integrate with existing laboratory information systems, analytical instruments, and quality management systems to ensure data integrity and workflow continuity.

• Train your staff: Develop training programs covering system operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety procedures while ensuring all personnel understand their automated workflow roles.

Let StudioRed Give Your Lab an Automated Helping Hand

StudioRed specializes in developing innovative laboratory automation solutions that transform traditional lab operations into efficient, technology-driven environments.

Contact StudioRed today to learn how our expertise in lab automation can help your facility achieve new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and productivity.