Laboratory automation software controls the instruments, motion, cameras and data flow of an automated lab process, so experiments run the same way every time with less hands-on work. It ranges from the software that ships with a commercial liquid handler to custom applications that run one-of-a-kind research instruments. This article explains what lab automation software does, when off-the-shelf software is enough and when a custom application pays off.
What laboratory automation software does
- Instrument control: drives stages, robots, pumps, cameras, lasers and sensors
- Sequencing and scheduling: runs protocols step by step and coordinates multiple devices
- Image and data acquisition: captures images and measurements with the right metadata
- Analysis: processes images and signals into results, from simple counts to AI-based classification
- Data management: stores results and connects to LIMS, ELN or databases
- User interface: lets scientists set up and run experiments without programming
Off-the-shelf vs custom lab automation software
| Off-the-shelf software | Custom software | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Standard instruments and common protocols | Novel instruments, unusual hardware combinations, new methods |
| Hardware support | The vendor’s devices and supported drivers | Any device with an interface, integrated together |
| Flexibility | Within the product’s features | Built around the experiment |
| Time to start | Immediate | Requires development |
| Data and analysis | Standard formats and tools | Analysis and outputs designed for the research question |
| Support | Vendor | The developer, with documentation and handover |
When custom software makes sense
- The instrument is new or custom-built and has no vendor software
- Several devices from different makers must work as one system
- The experiment needs timing, feedback or analysis that existing software cannot do
- A research method is being turned into a repeatable tool for other labs or for commercialization
- Data must flow into your own systems in a specific way
Examples of custom lab automation software
Sciotex has developed custom software for automated scientific instruments for over 25 years. Examples include:
| System | What the software automates |
|---|---|
| TEM autoloader and imager | Sample loading and imaging for transmission electron microscopy |
| Hanging drop crystal finder | Locating protein crystals in crystallization drops |
| Birefringence imager | XY stage, camera, light source and dual polarizer wheels for 96-well plates |
| Well plate inspection | Stage motion, imaging and analysis of well samples |
| Biaxial load tester | Four stepper motors, load cells and camera tracking for tissue mechanics |
| Seed germination characterization | Imaging and measuring seeds through germination |
| Live C. elegans neuron tracking | Following neurons in moving worms in real time |
What to plan for in a lab automation software project
For microscopy-specific work, see the light sheet microscopy guide and microscope hardware synchronization. Sciotex develops custom scientific software for labs, instrument makers and biotech companies.
Frequently asked questions
Software that controls lab instruments, motion, cameras and data flow so experiments and processes run automatically and consistently, from instrument control and scheduling to analysis and data management.
When instruments are new or custom-built, devices from several makers must work together, the experiment needs timing or analysis existing software cannot provide, or a method is being turned into a repeatable tool.
Yes. Custom software can write results and metadata into LIMS, ELN or other databases so data does not have to be transferred by hand.
Common choices include LabVIEW, Python and C++ or C#, often with real-time or FPGA hardware for timing-critical control.
