Laboratory Automation

Lab automation simplifies workflows to achieve greater efficiency by integrating advanced robotics and software with existing processes. Astech can perform the systems integration of commercially available laboratory instruments and devices for common laboratory processes through the use of our proprietary workflow scheduler, LabExpert® and our advanced system control software Relovex®. Integration may include custom robotics and automation to handle labware and consumables. The addition of automation software and machinery to your operations results in higher throughput, as well as better time and resource management.

What is Laboratory Automation?

Laboratory automation is the application of technology - robotics, software and integrated systems to perform repetitive, high-precision lab tasks with minimal, manual intervention. Astech is a UK-based automation specialist, designing and building bespoke laboratory automation systems for pharmaceutical, biopharma, clinical, and environmental labs. Our fully customised automated laboratory systems portfolio includes sample handling, liquid dispensing, analytical instrument integration and robotic platforms.

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Benefits of Laboratory Automation

There are many benefits to efficient lab process automation. Replacing recurrent manually-performed procedures with integrated laboratory automation solutions minimises human error, therefore improving reproducibility and increasing throughput and sample capacity. This leads to better traceability and audit trails for regulated environments, freeing up scientists for higher-value analytical work like deep data analysis. Astech’s laboratory automation software solutions provide scalability from low-volume R&D to high-throughput manufacturing. We don’t offer off-the-shelf. Each custom-built system is designed to meet our client’s unique needs. Streamlining complex lab workflows and integrating with existing lab equipment and MES/LIMS systems.

Automated Drop Testing
Cobot Reagent Filling Systems
Consumer Goods Testing
Polymer Catalyst Discovery
High Throughput Formulation
Microbiology Sample Preparation

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Astech Laboratory Automation Systems

Astech’s core laboratory automation equipment and systems offerings are our robotic lab products, including the next-generation Robotic Lab Assistant (RLA), a 6-axis collaborative arm on an autonomous mobile platform that bridges the gap between manual and automated processes; Astech’s automated sample preparation systems; and our custom assembly/test automation for lab environments. Each clinical laboratory automation system we provide is bespoke. Designed and built to the client’s specific lab environment, process and regulatory requirements. Astech’s custom lab automation is fully integrated with validation and verification (V&V) requirements for pharmaceutical and clinical labs. Our lab process automation systems are built to pass validation from day one.

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LabExpert - Laboratory Workflow Automation Software

Astech’s expertise in laboratory workflow automation is evidenced clearly in LabExpert, our scheduling and management software. Designed to sit on top of individual lab systems, this layer of software to automate lab workflows coordinates, sequences and optimises what occurs in each laboratory. It schedules instrument use, manages sample queues, reduces bottlenecks and provides real-time visibility of lab activity. Lab automation workflow is the bridge between hardware automation and workflow efficiency. Our custom laboratory automation streamlines the physical process, and is complemented by LabExpert, which enhances lab scheduling and coordination. Discover more about LabExpert and all of Astech’s automated lab workflows here.

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Laboratory Automation Applications

Astech’s automation applications cover a huge range of different environments and process types. We support automated lab sample workflows for biopharma sample preparation; lab investigation workflow automation for clinical laboratories; environmental lab workflow automation for environmental testing labs; scientific automation workflows for R&D and discovery labs - encompassing the medical device, aerospace and petrochemical industries; and high throughput lab process automation for manufacturing-adjacent laboratories.

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LabExpert - Laboratory Workflow Automation Software

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FAQ

Laboratory automation is the integration of robotics, software and integrated systems to perform scientific experiments and clinical tasks with minimal human intervention. Reducing the potential for manual error improves precision, reproducibility and streamlines workflows, freeing scientists to focus on data analysis.