Laboratories today face increasing pressure to process more data, enhance accuracy, and meet stricter regulatory demands, without expanding headcount or budgets. To meet these challenges, many are turning to advanced automation technologies. Powered by breakthroughs in AI, cloud computing, and intuitive no-code platforms, lab environments are becoming smarter, more flexible, and fully connected. In our recent expert-led webinar, we explored how these advancements are transforming lab operations—uncovering the critical shifts, challenges, and strategic opportunities that will shape the global lab automation landscape through 2025 and beyond.
Featured Experts
This session featured a panel of Frost & Sullivan healthcare leaders who brought diverse perspectives on innovation, automation, and strategy in lab operations:
- Dinesh Sampath Rangaraj – Moderator and Senior Vice President, Frost & Sullivan
- Paljit Sohal – Vice President, Frost & Sullivan
- Zoheb Hassan – Principal Consultant, Frost & Sullivan
- Amartya Bose – Senior Consultant, Frost & Sullivan
Below are the top takeaways from the session:
- Strategic Imperatives Are Changing the Way Labs Automate
The lab automation ecosystem revolves around three core segments:
- Automated Liquid Handling Systems
- Sample Management Systems
- Workflow Automation Solutions
These systems are no longer standalone hardware components. Instead, they are becoming part of an orchestrated, software-first infrastructure powered by AI, real-time data analytics, and cloud interoperability. The shift toward intelligent orchestration platforms is pivotal, particularly for scaling high-throughput research, enhancing compliance, and delivering actionable insights.
A notable shift is the increasing relevance of vendor-neutral platforms. These platforms promote better collaboration, governance, and real-time tracking—especially as small to mid-sized labs seek modular, scalable automation solutions.
How are your solutions supporting labs in transitioning from siloed hardware to connected, intelligent ecosystems with real-time orchestration?
- Market Momentum Signal Strong, Sustained Growth
According to market projections discussed in the webinar, the global lab automation market is valued at $3.69 billion and is expected to grow to $5.60 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.2%.
- Automated Liquid Handling Systems account for ~60% of market volume.
- Sample Management Systems make up ~35%.
- Workflow Automation Systems comprise ~6%.
The Asia-Pacific region is outpacing others, driven by rapid TLA (Total Lab Automation) adoption in hospitals and research centers. Companies like Mindray are setting benchmarks in installation performance, while innovations such as Hamilton’s Verso Q Series and Tecon’s VIA system are redefining sample storage and regulatory compliance.
What steps are you taking to capture your share of the $5.6 billion global market, especially in high-growth regions like APAC?
- Best Practices Across the Automation Segments
Each segment presents unique best practices and success factors:
- Liquid Handling: Incorporate AI-enhanced automation, real-time data ingestion, and 24/7 remote monitoring to improve diagnostics and compliance. Intuitive user interfaces with predictive intelligence are fast becoming the standard.
- Workflow Automation: Simulations and data-driven design are enabling remote deployment of complex workflows. Labs are moving from static, hardware-centric setups to dynamic, software-led systems capable of emergency-mode deployment.
- Sample Management: End-to-end sample tracking and digital visibility are essential for both operational efficiency and compliance. Innovations such as cold storage at –80°C and sustainability-first designs are influencing buying decisions.
Are your automation solutions delivering not just operational efficiency but the intelligence to help labs predict, adapt, and scale?
- Justifying ROI: Building the Business Case for Automation
A common challenge for laboratories is justifying the upfront investment in automation. The briefing emphasized these core ROI metrics:
- Reduced manual labor
- Increased throughput and efficiency
- Error reduction and improved data accuracy
- Enhanced compliance and regulatory readiness
Workflow automation, while costly initially, typically offers a fast payback period and lowers total lab operating expenses. Demonstrating long-term cost-effectiveness through improved productivity and compliance is key to securing investment.
How are you enabling your customers to clearly quantify ROI and make a compelling business case for your automation solutions?
- Integration and Interoperability Are Essential for Scalability
As labs scale, the integration of automation systems with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and external databases becomes a strategic necessity.
Key enablers include:
- Middleware solutions that connect legacy and next-gen instruments
- Standardized data formats (e.g., HL7 protocols)
- Peer-to-peer orchestration platforms
These enable seamless communication across instruments and lab networks, support real-time analytics, and allow AI systems to make accurate, timely decisions. Vendors must now offer modular, flexible solutions that integrate with existing infrastructure and support both legacy and emerging systems.
Are your systems designed with modular integration in mind, able to connect with both legacy infrastructure and emerging digital systems?
- The Role of AI and Intelligent Automation
AI is evolving from a tool for task automation to a critical enabler of decision support in laboratory settings. From remote monitoring to predictive diagnostics and even self-correcting workflows, AI integration is expanding the potential of lab automation systems.
However, successful AI adoption hinges on structured, reliable, and standardized data. Investing in high-quality data infrastructure and integration protocols is non-negotiable for laboratories looking to leverage AI for clinical or research decision-making.
How are you leveraging AI to move beyond automation and helping labs turn data into actionable, intelligent decisions?
- Sustainability Is Now a Procurement Priority
With laboratories producing significant waste and consuming high energy volumes, sustainability is becoming central to procurement decisions. The shift is clear:
- Labs now favor instruments with low energy consumption
- Reusable consumables like sanitized tips and washable microplates are gaining popularity
- Miniaturization of assays is reducing waste
Sustainability is also a competitive differentiator. Vendors offering green, energy-efficient, and low-waste solutions are more likely to be shortlisted in RFPs (requests for proposals) and procurement cycles.
Are your solutions designed with sustainability in mind and are you helping labs meet their environmental goals while maintaining scientific output?
- Global Demand Drivers Highlight Regional Opportunities
- North America: Steady demand for automation in genetic screening and diagnostic testing
- Europe & APAC: Strong adoption of Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) systems and sample storage innovations
- Middle East: $65 billion investment in healthcare opens new opportunities for TLA, cold-chain, and smart labs
- Latin America: Genomics research and liquid handling systems are key areas of growth
Global collaborations and regional policies are further catalyzing the expansion of lab automation.
Are your go-to-market strategies aligned with regional dynamics and are your offerings tailored to capitalize on localized growth opportunities?
Conclusion: Preparing for a Future of Intelligent, Sustainable Labs
The future of laboratory automation is clear: interconnected, intelligent, and adaptable systems that empower labs to deliver more accurate, efficient, and sustainable results. The journey to achieving this vision lies in:
- Investing in AI-driven orchestration
- Embracing software-first, no-code automation platforms
- Prioritizing sustainability in product design
- Building strong integration infrastructures
As labs continue to evolve, those that adopt a holistic, digitally enabled approach will be best positioned to lead the way.
Ready to Transform Your Lab Operations?
To explore how your organization can benefit from the latest in lab automation, AI integration, and intelligent orchestration, connect with our experts at Frost & Sullivan. Whether you ae building a business case or scaling existing systems, our team is here to help you plan, prioritize, and implement the right strategy.
Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.
Annexure
For organizations looking to dive deeper into the growth drivers, challenges, and growth opportunities in lab automation, Frost & Sullivan offers in-depth analysis to support informed decision-making.
Our analyses provide a data-backed foundation to guide your automation investments and roadmap:
- Growth Opportunities in Global Clinical Diagnostics Industry
- Frost Radar™: Lab Automation and Monitoring Solutions
- Growth Opportunities in Diagnostics Lab Automation and Monitoring Solutions
To learn more, connect with Frost & Sullivan’s experts today
