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Why automate your laboratory? Key benefits and strategic advantages
Laboratory automation refers to the use of robotic systems, software, and integrated technologies to automate sample preparation, data handling, and experimental workflows. From simple instrument loading to total lab automation, these solutions improve efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability across research and bioproduction environments.
Why automate your laboratory? Key benefits and strategic advantages
Laboratory automation refers to the use of robotic systems, software, and integrated technologies to automate sample preparation, data handling, and experimental workflows. From simple instrument loading to total lab automation, these solutions improve efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability across research and bioproduction environments.
Why laboratory automation matters in modern research
Scientific workflows are becoming more complex, more connected, and more data-driven. Labs today must manage multiple workflows simultaneously, maintain traceable processes and scale operations efficiently—all while ensuring data integrity, reproducibility and speed to results. At the same time, work patters are evolving, and researchers need greater control over their workspaces and flexibility to scale with ease.
Thermo Fisher Scientific brings decades of experience in laboratory robotics, automation incubation and workflow scheduling software. With global installations and trusted partnerships, we deliver proven solutions that help labs increase productivity, reduce manual effort, and improve the quality and consistency of results.
Whether you’re automating a single step or an entire workflow, automation enables greater efficiency, flexibility and control, empowering your lab to focus on what matters more: accelerating science.
What are the benefits and advantages of laboratory automation?
Total lab automation delivers more than just throughput—it transforms how science gets done. Whether you’re looking to improve consistency, reduce manual effort, or accelerate timelines, automation offers advantages across your workflow.
Types of laboratory automation: identifying the right solution for your lab
Lab automation isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right solution depends on your workflow complexity, research goals, and operational needs. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, identifying your automation journey helps you match the right technologies to your lab’s requirements.
Explore the four automation levels below to find the best fit for your lab:
Workflow complexity |
Lab size |
Key workflows/applications |
Required scalability |
Automation level required / types of automation |
Low
|
Small–medium |
Plate reading, sample prep, incubation, PCR/QPCR, flow cytometry, high-content imaging |
Basic |
Instrument loading: Ideal for labs looking to automate sample loading and unloading steps. |
Moderate
|
Small–medium |
Screening, sample prep, immunoassays, cell-based assays, nucleic acid extraction, high-content imaging |
Moderate |
Simple workflow: Designed for automating a small set of benchtop instruments or straightforward processes. |
High
|
Medium–large |
Immunoassays, QA/QC testing, screening, compound management, biochemical assays, sample prep |
High |
Configurable platform: Supports labs automating multiple experiments with flexible, modular systems. |
Very high
|
Large |
Protein expression, cell line development, screening, compound management, biochemical assays, sample prep, formulation testing |
Very high |
Total lab automation: Built for labs managing complex, interconnected workflows across multiple disciplines. |
Our approach
Whether you’re new to lab automation or expanding existing systems, our team is committed to understanding your needs and delivering the right solution to accelerate your science. From flexible purchase options to tailored deployment and support services, we’re here to help you build a lab that works smarter.
How we deliver
- Dedicated project manager and execution team guiding your project from start to finish.
- Structured six-phase delivery process under a certified Quality Management System.
- Deployment services available to support seamless integration.
How we support
- Unified global support structure with highly experienced service professionals.
- Tiered and customizable service plans tailored to your lab’s needs.
How we partner
- Trusted collaboration to help you achieve your goals.
- Co-creating solutions that fit your workflow, scale, and scientific objectives.
- Long-term commitment to your success.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.