Lab Automation: A Market Leader’s Perspective
Laboratories across pharmaceuticals, clinical diagnostics, and life science research are under constant pressure to increase efficiency, improve reproducibility, and accelerate discoveries. Lab automation, once limited to isolated robotic arms or simple liquid handlers, has evolved into an integrated ecosystem of software, hardware, and AI-driven decision-making tools that transform how research is conducted.
But what exactly is lab automation, and why is it becoming a necessity rather than a luxury? This post explores the evolution of lab automation, its role in modern science, and how you can begin to think about embarking on an automation journey of your own.
The Evolution of Lab Automation
Lab automation has its roots in the 1950s and 60s, when automated sample analyzers were first introduced to clinical and research laboratories. These early instruments handled basic functions like blood chemistry analysis and microbial identification. As computing power grew in the 1980s and 90s, automation expanded to high-throughput screening (HTS) in drug discovery, using automated liquid handlers to process thousands of compounds per day. By the 2000s, advances in robotics and software enabled more sophisticated automation. HighRes pioneered modular and flexible automation with platforms that allowed labs to integrate different instruments and customize workflows, making automation more adaptable than ever before.
Today, lab automation is more than just robotic arms moving plates—it’s an interconnected ecosystem of hardware and software working in unison. Platforms like CellarioOS go beyond device-level automation, providing an intelligent control layer that orchestrates entire workflows across multiple instruments. By managing scheduling, data flow, and real-time decision-making, orchestration software enables labs to optimize throughput, increase reproducibility, and scale operations efficiently. This shift from purely mechanical automation to dynamic, software-driven coordination represents the next evolution in lab automation.
HighRes has been at the forefront of this evolution, helping industry leaders like AstraZeneca and Exscientia (now recursion) scale their automation efforts. Unlike traditional automation vendors that provide rigid, isolated systems, HighRes specializes in modular, future-proof automation, enabling laboratories to:
- Seamlessly integrate third-party instruments and software
- Adapt to new workflows without overhauling infrastructure
- Leverage AI and machine learning for data-driven automation decisions
Explore our case studies on AstraZeneca DISC, Exscientia (Now Recursion), Sygnature, and Iambic to learn more about the impact of HighRes automation.
Why Do Labs Need Automation?
Lab automation is more than just a tool for increasing efficiency. Automation is a strategic investment that enhances data integrity, scalability, and scientific discovery. Later in this post we will discuss that labs can enter automation at different levels, from standalone instruments to fully orchestrated, multi-system environments. Regardless of where a lab begins, automation delivers significant advantages across several key areas.
1. Reproducibility & Data Integrity: The Foundation of Scientific Progress
One of the most critical challenges in modern research is ensuring experiment reproducibility. Variability in manual processes can introduce inconsistencies that compromise scientific integrity. Automation directly addresses this by:
- Eliminating human variability – Automated liquid handlers, robotic arms, and scheduling software ensure that protocols are executed identically every time.
- Ensuring traceability and auditability – Orchestration platforms like CellarioOS capture and log every step of an experiment, allowing full reproducibility and regulatory compliance.
- Reducing sample handling errors – Integrated barcode scanning and automated data capture prevent mix-ups and ensure every sample is accounted for.
HighRes' Cellario platform provided Sygnature Discovery with an adaptable automation ecosystem that ensures precise, reproducible workflows while maintaining flexibility. Read the case study.
2. Increased Throughput & Scalable Operations
As labs move from standalone automation to fully integrated systems, throughput naturally increases. With automation, labs can process more samples, run more assays, and scale without additional personnel. This is achieved through:
- Continuous, unattended operation – Fully automated systems can run overnight or over weekends, maximizing productivity.
- Seamless multi-system coordination – Lab orchestration allows multiple instruments across different locations to work as a single cohesive system.
- Elimination of bottlenecks – Intelligent scheduling and parallel processing optimizes sample processing, minimizing idle time between steps.
Example: Exscientia (now Recursion) implemented HighRes automation to accelerate high-throughput screening, seamlessly integrating multiple workflows for higher efficiency. Read the case study.
3. Flexibility & Future-Proofing: Adapting to Scientific Change
Traditional automation systems were often rigid and difficult to adapt, but modern automation, especially modular and orchestrated solutions, enables labs to evolve without overhauling infrastructure. Key advantages include:
- Modular, configurable workcells – Platforms like Nucleus allow labs to integrate new devices or reconfigure workflows as research evolves.
- Scalability without disruption – Labs can start with standalone automation and expand into fully integrated or orchestrated systems as needs grow.
- AI-enhanced decision-making – Next-generation automation enables adaptive workflows, where AI-driven systems optimize processes in real-time.
Example: Iambic integrates automation into its AI-driven drug discovery pipeline, ensuring flexibility and scalability as its research evolves. Read the case study.
4. Cost Efficiency & Resource Optimization
Automation isn’t just about speed—it’s about doing more with fewer resources. By optimizing workflows, automation reduces:
- Reagent and consumable waste – Precise liquid handling minimize overuse of expensive reagents.
- Labor costs – Automation allows scientists to focus on research instead of manual pipetting, sample management, and data capture.
- Instrument downtime – Smart scheduling ensures all systems and devices are used efficiently, reducing downtime.
Read more: Maximizing Lab Automation Efficiency.
5. Enhanced Safety & Compliance
Lab environments pose inherent risks, from reagent exposure to ergonomic strain. Automation mitigates these risks by:
- Reducing direct handling of hazardous materials – Automated liquid handlers and robotic arms minimize human exposure to toxic reagents.
- Lowering repetitive strain injuries – Scientists no longer need to perform repetitive pipetting, lifting, or sample transfers.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance – Orchestration platforms maintain complete records, supporting data integrity and audit readiness.
Read more: Reducing Human Error in the Lab.
Scoping Lab Automation for Your Lab Ecosystem
Lab automation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Labs can enter automation at different levels depending on their needs and workflows, but it is important to also consider long-term scalability goals in your initial investment. Below are the major categories, ranging from individual task automation to full orchestration across multiple systems.
1. Standalone Instruments: Task-Specific Automation
Many labs start with standalone automated devices that improve efficiency in individual tasks. These instruments don’t require a robotic system or software integration, and they function independently to optimize specific processes, such as:
- Liquid handlers for sample transfers and reagent preparation
- Non-contact dispensers for sample and reagent dispensing
- Automated plate sealers and peelers for sample preparation
- Automated incubators for sample storage
- Automated plate readers for ELISA, fluorescence, and luminescence assays
- Benchtop centrifuges for consistent sample processing
Read more: A Quick Guide to Lab Automation Equipment
2. Entry-level Automation
The next step in automation integrates robotic arms and automation-friendly instruments into workflows while maintaining a small footprint. These systems can automate multiple assay steps while fitting within standard lab spaces. Robotic arms transfer labware between instruments, handling tasks like sample transfers, capping/decapping, and barcode scanning. Entry-level workstations integrate multiple devices on a single bench, reducing hands-on time. The FlexPod Automation Platform, for example, enables labs to automate workflows modularly without requiring full-scale robotic systems.
3. Fully Integrated Systems: End-to-End Workflow Automation
Instead of automating isolated tasks, labs can opt for fully integrated systems that connect multiple instruments into a seamless, automated workflow. These systems are often designed for high-throughput applications and can operate autonomously for extended periods.
HighRes Nucleus™ Lab Automation integrates liquid handling, imaging, incubation, and analytical instruments into a unified system. These systems along with scheduling software can incorporate closed-loop feedback to allow real-time adjustments to experimental conditions
Excientia (Now Recursion) is using AI across multiple integrated systems to reimagine drug discovery methods. This advanced strategy will help them to increase the learning loop rate and build economies of scale while supporting workflow reliability and repeatability. Read the case study here.
4. Orchestration & AI-Driven Automation
The most advanced form of automation is lab orchestration, where an intelligent software platform coordinates and collects data from workflows across a lab, building, or an organization. Orchestration is the next frontier in automation allowing organizations to benefit from the traceability and productivity of automation regardless of the scope of their automation investments. Even environments strictly utilizing standalone instruments can now orchestrate their lab with CellarioOS. Intelligent decision-making, optimized throughput, efficient operations, and AI integration has never been so accessible to any lab.
The Automation Journey
Now that we have considered the importance and categories of lab automation, let’s consider how to begin thinking about implementation in your lab environment. It turns out that lab automation is more than just integrating automated tools. Automation is about creating a seamless workflow where hardware, software, and people work together. A thoughtful automation strategy ensures adaptability, scalability, and long-term success by combining excellence in these three key pillars:
1. Hardware
The foundation of any automation solution is hardware, ranging from liquid handlers and robotic arms to automated sample storage and imaging systems. Not all hardware is created equal. It's essential to evaluate solutions for key factors like reliability, user experience, serviceability, and upgradeability. Equally important is partnering with vendors who prioritize these elements and understand the complexities of automation integration.
2. Software
Software enables seamless orchestration across instruments, facilitating data management and decision-making. True lab automation software goes beyond simple workflow scheduling and integrates with various devices, ensures data integrity, and supports FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles. Connecting tools through IoT and advanced software solutions transforms laboratories into highly efficient data-driven environments.
3. People
Automation is only as effective as the lab professionals who design, implement, and maintain it. A successful automation journey requires a knowledgeable team that understands both the science and technology behind the system. Training, ongoing support, and continuous improvement are essential to ensure long-term success.
Embarking on a lab automation journey involves multiple phases. HighRes Biosolutions can serve as your trusted guide, ensuring a smooth transition from manual workflows to fully integrated automation. As a first step, you can read our ebook series for an in-depth overview of each phase of the lab automation journey.
- Phase 1: Beginning and End - Transitioning from traditional lab workflows to full automation provides opportunities for efficiency and competitive advantage. Whole-lab automation experts help navigate this transformation.
- Phase 2: Understand Your Situation, Your Goals, and Your Team - Before diving in, assess your current processes, define objectives, and assemble the right team to drive automation initiatives forward.
- Phase 3: Dive Deep into the World of Hardware - With a vast landscape of devices, selecting the right automation hardware is crucial. Focus on modularity, compatibility, and scalability to ensure long-term viability.
- Phase 4: Immerse Yourself in the World of Software - Software plays a critical role in workflow automation. Evaluate data flow, integration capabilities, and orchestration platforms to select the best software solution for your needs.
- Phase 5: Finalize Your Proposed Automated Solution Design - Before implementation, conduct a thorough review of your design from multiple perspectives, ensuring it meets all technical and operational requirements.
- Phase 6: Set the Project Build in Motion - With careful planning and rigorous testing, transform your vision into reality by preparing your team and laboratory for the automation deployment.
- Phase 7: Deploy! - Deployment marks the beginning, not the end, of your automation journey. Training, system optimization, and quality validation ensure a successful transition to automated workflows.
Our Advice to You
HighRes is the market leader in delivering lab automation. We are here to pass on our learnings to scientists, automation engineers, or any stakeholder, at all stages of their automation journey. As outlined above, ensuring success in automation requires careful risk assessment and strategic planning. Here are some final key considerations for success:
- Consider the Full Scope: Focus on the entire scope of your lab’s operations and future automation needs, rather than just a single device, workflow, or work cell.
- Leverage Proven Solutions: Use industry experience, standardization, and established automation solutions instead of reinventing custom workflows from scratch.
- Select the Right Partner: Choose an automation vendor with a proven track record, relevant case studies, and expertise in delivering solutions for your specific scientific needs.
- Plan Your Project Well: Set clear scope, budget, and timeline commitments before starting your automation project.
- Consider the long-term ROI: When evaluating automation solutions, it’s not just about functionality. Consider scalability and the knowledge embedded in the platform. A solution that seems cost-effective upfront may lack the flexibility to grow with evolving research needs, forcing labs to reinvest in new systems later. Beyond the financial impact, switching platforms means retraining teams and rebuilding process knowledge, adding complexity and downtime. Investing in a system designed for long-term adaptability ensures that both the technology and the expertise behind it continue to provide value.
At HighRes, we have designed thousands of automated systems for genomics, drug discovery, and synthetic biology applications. Our standardized, proven automation platform, powered by Nucleus Automation and Cellario Platform, ensures reliability, scalability, and seamless integration.
By partnering with HighRes, you gain access to industry-leading expertise and can count on a firm commitment to scope, timeline, and budget. We deliver solutions on time, minimizing risk and maximizing your automation success.
Lab automation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for modern scientific discovery. From task-specific robotics to AI-driven orchestration, automation enhances efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability.
HighRes Biosolutions is leading the way by delivering modular, software-driven automation that adapts to the evolving needs of life science laboratories.
Want to explore how automation can transform your lab?