Lab 4.0: How the laboratory world is going digital

The term Lab 4.0 is derived from Industry 4.0, the synonym for the fourth industrial revolution. What it means is: digitalizing and automating all processes as much as possible. In Lab 4.0, the spectrum ranges from the digital capture of incoming samples to the automated evaluation and storage of data. Laboratory digitalization relies on standardized interfaces that enable all devices to communicate fully with each other and to network with management systems, other software and hardware, as well all human actors in the value chain. Artificial intelligence and cloud-based data management are playing an increasingly important role in the digitalized laboratory of tomorrow.

The advantages of laboratory digitalization and automation are manifold: automated processes compensate for the shortage of skilled workers and allow high sample volumes to be handled quickly. At the same time, automation makes the laboratory safer, by reducing the risk of injury and contamination.

Automated processes and laboratory robots really come into their own when dealing with hazardous substances, pathogenic germs and harmful chemicals, but even in trace analysis, manual sample contact should be kept to a minimum to avoid contamination. Laboratory automation also increases the reliability of analysis and research results. Partially or fully automated processes are less prone to errors and are also more transparent and easier to trace. Automation also allows contract laboratories to respond more flexibly to varying sample volumes. analytica is a one-stop-shop for information about the potential and benefits of digitalization and automation. Learn how to make lab processes more efficient while reducing the workload of lab staff.

Laboratory robots can take over repetitive steps and routine procedures. They are also used in high-throughput screening, enzyme assays and related applications. Good automation solutions already exist for activities such as pipetting and microplate handling. Autosamplers have also long been available on most analyzers. Increasingly, sample preparation, such as dilution and addition of reagents, is also being automated.

In addition to such automation solutions, there are adaptive cobots that work hand in hand with laboratory personnel and take over certain work steps. Robots are also particularly helpful when handling hazardous substances and for activities that require extreme precision.

It is generally accepted that robots cannot replace humans, and this goes for labs too. They relieve laboratory personnel and take work off their hands, but not away from them. In the future, it is likely that no human will have to perform repetitive, monotonous and easily automated tasks. Instead of spending hours pipetting or labeling tubes, lab workers can devote their time to more value-added and creative activities. However, no one can accurately predict how the laboratory world will change going forward as a result of artificial intelligence and robots that are self-learning and autonomous, because the digital transformation has only just begun.