Laboratory science is moving into a new era defined by digital tools, connected instruments, and greater expectations for accuracy and transparency. As research applications expand and data requirements increase, labs are looking for technologies that strengthen consistency and help teams work more confidently. Bio Molecular Systems is contributing to this shift by developing tools that bring the laboratory of the future closer to reality through more reliable, efficient, and intuitive processes.
The Current Landscape: Why Labs Are Under Pressure
The forces shaping modern laboratories are becoming increasingly difficult to manage manually. Global staff shortages restrict operational capacity, while increased research demand places greater pressure on existing workflows. Higher throughput expectations require faster, more consistent processing, whilst funding limitations reduce the ability to scale through recruitment and infrastructure expansion.
Together, these factors highlight why many laboratories see automation and AI as essential rather than optional. These technologies help stabilize workloads, support reproducibility, and ensure that the future of lab automation remains achievable in real-world environments.
Global staff shortages
Laboratories in many regions struggle to maintain the number of trained scientists needed for routine and specialized work.
Increased Research Demand
Growing interest in emerging scientific fields and diagnostic applications like genomics, molecular diagnostics, and infectious disease surveillance has expanded operational needs.
Higher throughput expectations
Funding bodies, collaborators, and clinical partners often expect faster, more consistent outputs. Meeting these expectations manually is challenging and introduces greater variability.
Funding pressures
Budgets must stretch further, which encourages labs to invest in technology that delivers predictable, measurable value over time.
The Rise of Lab Automation
Automation is becoming a core component of modern research workflows. Tools such as portable liquid handlers support higher accuracy, stronger consistency, and more efficient use of time and resources. As laboratories face increasing demands, automated systems make it easier to deliver reproducible results and maintain quality across repeated runs. These benefits are shaping the future of labs, where reliable, user-friendly tools play an essential role in everyday work.
Improved accuracy and reproducibility
Automated pipetting sits at the top of all the advantages of lab automation. It reduces user variability and strengthens data quality, especially in sensitive workflows such as qPCR or NGS preparation.
Better resource allocation
With automation managing repetitive tasks, scientists can focus on analysis, method optimization, and troubleshooting.
Scalable workflows
Automated platforms allow labs to increase throughput without significantly expanding staffing or bench space.
Cost savings over time
Consistent workflows reduce repeat runs, minimize reagent waste, and make long-term budgeting more predictable.
Enhanced data & research integrity
Standardizing critical steps helps maintain auditability, traceability, and adherence to regulatory expectations. This protects the integrity of the entire workflow.
Related Article: Improving Lab Workflow With Automation
The Growing Role of AI in Research Workflows
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a growing role in the future of lab research. AI helps teams interpret data more effectively, streamline decision-making, and identify patterns that may not be visible through manual review. As workflows become more data-intensive, AI-supported features allow scientists to work more efficiently and with greater confidence. These capabilities are influencing how the future of lab research develops, where intelligent tools guide analysis, strengthen quality control, and reduce the cognitive load on busy teams.
Why AI is Being Utilised in Labs More
Improved Reliability
AI tools can highlight subtle trends or outliers within datasets that may not be immediately visible during manual review.
Quality Control and Error Reduction
Automated checks can detect pipetting inconsistencies, irregular amplification curves, or deviations from expected workflow behavior, all of which help reduce common laboratory errors that may compromise results.
Better Utilisation of Humans
AI supports scientists by reducing tedious oversight tasks, allowing them to focus on deeper analysis and decision-making.
Dynamic Automation
AI-backed workflows adapt to real-time inputs, which helps laboratories maintain consistency even as testing needs shift.
The Future of Labs
The future of labs will prioritize connected systems, structured data management, and workflows that require fewer manual interactions. As laboratories continue to modernize, the focus will shift toward improving interoperability, strengthening traceability, and reducing unnecessary variability. These advantages of lab automation will make it easier for teams to maintain quality, manage compliance expectations, and scale operations sustainably.
Seamless Integration Between Instruments and Software
Integrated systems will reduce transcription steps, accelerate analysis, and help teams review results more efficiently across different applications.
Designing Workspaces for Automation
Future laboratory environments will be designed around automation-ready layouts, improved sample movement, and bench space that supports both robotic tools and traditional equipment.
Human Roles in an Automated Lab
Automation will not replace scientists. Instead, it will shift their responsibilities toward tasks that require specialized knowledge, critical thinking, and method oversight. As the laboratory of the future evolves, human roles will increasingly involve system supervision, advanced data interpretation, and workflow optimization. Upskilling will help teams remain confident as they integrate new tools, but scientific judgment will remain central to every workflow.
How Bio Molecular Systems is Shaping The Future of Lab Automation
Myra
The Myra liquid handler provides accurate automated pipetting that reduces manual steps and strengthens reproducibility. Myra supports a stable foundation for downstream applications and helps laboratories maintain confidence in sample preparation.
mic qPCR & IVD
The Mic qPCR cycler offers fast, uniform thermal cycling that supports dependable qPCR results. While not AI-driven, Mic uses structured algorithms to assist with data interpretation and integrates cleanly with Myra for streamlined workflows.
Myra Plus
Myra Plus brings automated pipetting, qPCR capability, and guided workflow software together in one platform. This integrated system simplifies method execution, reinforces reproducibility, and supports the digital transformation of laboratory processes.
Explore Myra Plus’ Applications Here
See Lab Automation Yourself With a Demo
Automation continues to shape the future of lab research, and BMS instruments are helping laboratories adopt these capabilities with confidence. To explore how automation could support your workflow, you can submit an enquiry or book a demo.