What Does the Laboratory of Tomorrow Need?

The Path to Lab 4.0 – Seven Basics What Does the Laboratory of Tomorrow Need?

01.10.2021Editor: Ahlam Rais

The laboratory of the future is digital, networked, and automated. But the clue is in the name: in most cases it’s still in the future.

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Which building blocks have already been implemented in your lab? Where do you still need to catch up? Click on the gallery below, here we have summarized the seven central elements of 'Lab 4.0'.

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Digitization: An IT structure serving all levels is a prerequisite for the future-proof laboratory. This includes electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs), devices with suitable interfaces, and large storage and computing capacity (if necessary via third-party providers).

LIMS: A laboratory information management system (LIMS) facilitates the planning, execution and documentation of work processes — from goods receipt and analysis to accounting.

Automation: A prerequisite for successful automation is the use of standardized sample formats and interfaces for data exchange — look for manufacturer-neutral data formats such as AnIML and SiLA.

Robotics and Intelligent Laboratory Equipment: Through sensor and control technologies, devices monitor themselves. Artificial intelligence helps with process optimization. Sample robots relieve users of routine tasks and increase sample throughput.

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