Laboratory Automation

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.

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.

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.

Laboratory Automation Applications

Scale your automated workforce across multiple applications to cover all steps of your lab workflow. From compound management, to consumer goods testing, there are Astech solutions that cover all bases. Applications available for laboratory automation include:

• Automated Drop Testing

• Cobot Reagent Filling Systems

• Consumer Goods Testing

• Polymer Catalyst Discovery

• High Throughput Formulation

• Microbiology Sample Preparation

Key Advantages of Lab Automation Over Manual Processes

Automation not only matches, but surpasses manual workflows in almost every measurable way. The advantages of automated labs over manual labs are multiple, and worth breaking down point by point:

• Increased speed and throughput. Automated systems can operate 24/7 without breaks or fatigue, processing larger volumes of samples in less time than can be done manually, and significantly increasing lab throughput.

• Higher accuracy and reproducibility. Automation ensures high levels of precision for more accurate, consistent results across experiments, which leads to greater data reliability and reproducibility.

• Enhanced safety and reduced human error. Reducing manual processes in the lab can improve safety by cutting down human exposure to hazardous materials. And minimising the opportunity for human error ensures higher accuracy and consistency.

• Optimised staff utilisation. Automation can handle the dull, dangerous and repetitive tasks, leaving skilled scientists to focus on higher-value analytical or innovation tasks, which increases job satisfaction and reduces burnout.

• Scalability for high-throughput labs. Customising and scaling lab automation solutions provides the flexibility to meet the evolving needs of high-throughput labs, enabling them to adapt to new tech or increased demands with minimal workflow disruption.

When Manual Processes Are Still Used?

So, do manual processes remain at all relevant? The answer, of course, is yes, but in increasingly limited scenarios, such as niche experiments, very small labs or when dealing with restrictive budget constraints. Manual processes in the modern lab are now the exception rather than the rule. Although most laboratories find that hybrid approaches are best when transitioning to full automation, and retain some manual tasks going through this process.