Laboratory Automation Market

Laboratory Automation Market Size:

The global laboratory automation market size reached USD 7.2 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 12.3 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.12% during 2025-2033. The market is experiencing steady growth driven by the escalating demand for enhanced efficiency, rising focus on data-driven decision-making, and integration of advanced technologies to analyze data and improve the accuracy and reliability of results.

Laboratory Automation Market Analysis:

• Market Growth and Size: The market is witnessing moderate growth on account of the increasing adoption of high-throughput screening in drug discovery, along with the rising demand for personalized medicines.
• Technological Advancements: Robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) are enhancing laboratory processes. Moreover, miniaturization enables more compact and efficient automation systems.
• Industry Applications: Laboratory automation finds application in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, diagnostics, and research. It is particularly critical in drug discovery, clinical diagnostics, genomics, and quality control.
• Geographical Trends: North America leads the market, driven by the presence of major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research institutions, and healthcare facilities. However, Asia Pacific is emerging as a fast-growing market due to the increasing demand for efficient diagnostics and drug development.
• Competitive Landscape: Key players are investing in research and development (R&D) activities to introduce advanced automation technologies, robotics, and software solutions that benefit in improving the precision, efficiency, and scalability of automation systems.
• Challenges and Opportunities: While the market faces challenges, such as the need for skilled personnel, it also encounters opportunities in developing eco-friendly solutions.
• Future Outlook: The future of the laboratory automation market looks promising, with the rising focus on advanced technologies. Additionally, the escalating demand for customized solutions is expected to bolster the market growth.
   

Laboratory Automation Market Trends:

Rising demand for enhanced efficiency

The growing demand for laboratory automation on account of the increasing focus on enhanced efficiency is offering a positive market outlook. In line with this, laboratories across various industries are constantly seeking ways to optimize their operations. Moreover, automation plays a pivotal role by reducing manual labor, minimizing errors, and streamlining processes, which is bolstering the market growth. Besides this, laboratories can significantly increase throughput while maintaining a high level of accuracy by automating routine and repetitive tasks, such as sample handling, data collection, and analysis. Additionally, there is a rise in the demand for efficiency in applications like clinical diagnostics, where precise and rapid results are crucial. With automation, laboratories can process a large number of samples simultaneously, leading to quicker turnaround times. Apart from this, automation assists in eliminating human intervention and ensuring that laboratories can operate efficiently and effectively, ultimately enhancing their productivity and competitiveness.

Technological advancements

Innovations, such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) benefit in improving laboratory processes, which is contributing to the growth of the market. In addition, robotics enables the automation of intricate and delicate tasks that were performed exclusively by skilled technicians. Apart from this, AI and ML algorithms are used to analyze data and make real-time decisions, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of results. Moreover, drug discovery and high-throughput screening systems can rapidly test thousands of compounds for potential therapeutic effects, accelerating the drug development process. Similarly, automated analyzers can process and analyze large volumes of patient samples with unmatched precision, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions in clinical laboratories. In line with this, the Internet of Things (IoT) devices are integrated into laboratory equipment to monitor and control experiments remotely. This connectivity enables real-time data access and management. Additionally, advanced data analytics tools help researchers interpret large datasets more effectively, which is impelling the market growth.

Increasing focus on data-driven decision making

The rising focus on data-driven decision-making is propelling the growth of the market. Apart from this, laboratories are focusing on collecting, analyzing, and leveraging data to make informed decisions. In addition, laboratory automation systems play a vital role as they generate vast amounts of data with high precision and consistency. This data can be utilized for research, quality control, and process optimization. Moreover, laboratory automation facilitates the seamless integration of data collection and analysis, allowing researchers and analysts to access real-time information and insights. This not only improves research and development (R&D) but also enables laboratories to spot trends, identify outliers, and make adjustments promptly. In line with this, the increasing focus on maintaining detailed records and traceability and ensuring compliance with stringent standards, particularly in the pharmaceuticals and food and beverage (F&B) sectors is supporting the growth of the market. Additionally, data-driven decision-making systems can provide real-time insights during experiments, which is strengthening the market growth.

Laboratory Automation Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, equipment and software type, and end-user.

Breakup by Type:

• Modular Automation
• Whole Lab Automation
   

Modular automation accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes modular automation and whole lab automation. According to the report, modular automation represented the largest segment.

Modular automation involves the use of individual automated modules or components within a laboratory workflow. These modules can include automated liquid handling systems, sample preparation stations, analytical instruments, and robotic arms. Laboratories often adopt modular automation to enhance specific parts of their processes while maintaining some manual operations. Modular automation provides flexibility, allowing labs to customize and expand their automation solutions as per their needs. This approach is particularly popular in research and development (R&D) settings where workflows can vary.

Whole lab automation involves the complete automation of an entire laboratory workflow or process. It aims to automate tasks within the lab, ranging from sample intake to data analysis and reporting. Whole lab automation systems often feature integrated software that manages and orchestrates the entire workflow seamlessly. This approach is commonly suitable in high-throughput laboratories, clinical diagnostic labs, and industries where standardized processes and efficiency are concerned. Furthermore, whole lab automation benefits in increasing productivity, precision, and data consistency.

Breakup by Equipment and Software Type:

• Automated Clinical Laboratory Systems
  • Workstations
  • LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems)
  • Sample Transport Systems
  • Specimen Handling Systems
  • Storage Retrieval Systems
• Automated Drug Discovery Laboratory Systems
  • Plate Readers
  • Automated Liquid Handling Systems
  • LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems)
  • Robotic Systems
  • Storage Retrieval Systems
  • Dissolution Testing Systems
     

Automated clinical laboratory systems hold the largest market share

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the equipment and software type have also been provided in the report. This includes automated clinical laboratory systems [workstations, LIMS (laboratory information management systems), sample transport systems, specimen handling systems, and storage retrieval systems] and automated drug discovery laboratory systems [plate readers, automated liquid handling systems, LIMS (laboratory information management systems), robotic systems, storage retrieval systems, and dissolution testing systems]. According to the report, automated clinical laboratory systems accounted for the largest market share.

Automated clinical laboratory systems are used in clinical diagnostic laboratories, healthcare facilities, and medical research settings. These systems encompass a wide range of equipment and software solutions, including automated analyzers, sample processors, diagnostic instruments, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Automated clinical laboratory systems are crucial for performing a variety of diagnostic tests, such as blood chemistry analysis, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and molecular diagnostics. They streamline the testing process, reduce turnaround times, enhance accuracy, and improve patient care by providing healthcare professionals with rapid and reliable test results.

Automated drug discovery laboratory systems are utilized in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research and development (R&D) laboratories. They comprise equipment and software solutions that automate various stages of drug discovery, including high-throughput screening, compound management, data analysis, and assay development. Automated drug discovery systems play a vital role in enhancing the drug development process by enabling the rapid screening of potential drug candidates and reducing the time and cost associated with research. They are essential for identifying new therapeutic targets, optimizing lead compounds, and conducting large-scale screening campaigns.

Breakup by End-User:

• Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies
• Hospitals and Diagnostic Laboratories
• Research and Academic Institutes
   

Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies represent the leading market segment

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end-user. This includes biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, and research and academic institutes. According to the report, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies represented the largest segment.

Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies rely on automation to streamline drug discovery, development, and production processes. Laboratory automation systems are used for high-throughput screening, compound management, assay development, quality control, and data analysis. Automation helps reduce time-to-market for new drugs, minimize errors, and optimize production efficiency.

Hospitals and diagnostic laboratories use automation to perform a wide range of diagnostic tests, ranging from routine blood and urine analyses to specialized molecular diagnostics. Automated analyzers, sample processing systems, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are commonly employed to enhance accuracy and turnaround times. Automation in healthcare settings improves patient care by providing timely and reliable diagnostic results.

Research and academic institutes, including universities and research laboratories, employ automation in various research fields, such as genomics, proteomics, drug discovery, and basic scientific research. Automation aids in conducting experiments, data collection, and analysis, allowing researchers to focus on data interpretation and innovation. The rising need for flexible and adaptable solutions that support a wide range of scientific disciplines is bolstering the market growth.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
• Asia-Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest laboratory automation market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share on account of the presence of major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research institutions, and healthcare facilities. In addition, these organizations are increasingly adopting laboratory automation technology to enhance their drug discovery processes, clinical diagnostics, and research endeavors. Moreover, the rising demand for high-throughput screening, data accuracy, and efficient workflows is supporting the growth of the market in the region. Furthermore, the increasing focus on quality control and data integrity is impelling the market growth.

Europe stands as another key region in the market, driven by the rising demand for automation systems, especially in areas like genomics, drug discovery, and clinical diagnostics. In addition, the increasing focus on automated clinical laboratory systems to ensure rapid and accurate diagnostic results is contributing to the market growth. Besides this, favorable regulatory frameworks in the region are propelling the market growth.

Asia Pacific maintains a strong presence in the market, with the rising focus on enhanced healthcare services. In line with this, the growing adoption of laboratory automation due to the increasing demand for efficient diagnostics, drug development, and research is offering a positive market outlook. Furthermore, the rising development of advanced automation solutions is impelling the market growth in the region.

The Middle East and Africa region show a developing market for laboratory automation, primarily driven by the increasing number of advanced healthcare services. Apart from this, the rising adoption of laboratory automation, as it improves diagnostic capabilities, ensures faster and more accurate test results, and enhances patient care, is bolstering the growth of the market.

Latin America exhibits growing potential in the laboratory automation market on account of the thriving pharmaceutical sector. In line with this, the increasing demand for efficient and accurate laboratory processes is propelling the growth of the market. Moreover, the rising adoption of laboratory automation to streamline and enhance laboratory workflows is supporting the market growth.

Leading Key Players in the Laboratory Automation Industry:

Key players in the market are investing in research and development (R&D) activities to develop advanced automation technologies, robotics, and software solutions that benefit in improving the precision, efficiency, and scalability of automation systems. In addition, companies are exploring emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to enhance data analysis and decision-making capabilities. Besides this, they are focusing on offering customization options tailored as per the specific needs of individual laboratories and industries. Furthermore, companies are increasingly focusing on data integration and analytics capabilities in their automation solutions. Apart from this, major manufacturers are exploring eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs.

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Danaher
• PerkinElmer
• Tecan Group
• Thermo Fisher
• Abbott Diagnostics
• Agilent Technologies
• Aurora Biomed
• Becton, Dickinson and Company
• Biomatrix
• Biotech Instruments
• Brooks Automation
• Cerner
• Eppendorf
• Hamilton Storage Technologies
• LabVantage Solutions
• Labware
• Olympus
• Qiagen
• Roche Holding
• Siemens Healthcare
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Latest News:

• August 25, 2021: Becton, Dickinson and Company, a leading global medical technology company, launched a new and fully automated high-throughput diagnostic system using robotics and sample management software algorithms to set a new standard in automation for infectious disease molecular testing in core laboratories and other centralized laboratories in the United States. The launch will make the BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay with extended genotyping for the BD COR™ System available to the high-throughput labs.
• March 1, 2023: Brooks Automation completed an acquisition of Aim Lab Automation Technologies Pty Ltd. (“Aim Lab”). This acquisition aligns with the growth strategy of Brooks to expand solutions within the lab automation segment. It further expands Brooks presence beyond drug discovery into the clinical diagnostics market.

Laboratory Automation Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the laboratory automation market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global laboratory automation market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the laboratory automation industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.