Automated Liquid Handling Technologies Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (Workstations, Accessories), By Application (Drug Discovery & ADME-Tox Research, Cancer & Genomic Research, Bioprocessing/Biotechnology, and Others), By End Use (Academic & Research Institutes, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Contract Research Organizations), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Automated Liquid Handling Technologies Market was valued at USD 2.12 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.65 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 9.43% during the forecast period. The Global Automated Liquid Handling Technologies Market is driven by several key factors. Advancements in automation and robotics are enhancing precision and efficiency in laboratories, driving adoption across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research sectors. Increased demand for high-throughput screening in drug discovery, coupled with the need for improved accuracy and reduced human error, boosts market growth. Automation helps streamline repetitive tasks, saving time and costs while improving reproducibility. The rising trend in personalized medicine and growing focus on diagnostic testing fuel the need for efficient liquid handling solutions. Regulatory pressures for better data accuracy and compliance in clinical research and diagnostics further accelerate the demand for automated systems, supporting the market's expansion globally.

Key Market Drivers

Advancements in Automation and Robotics

Advancements in automation and robotics have drastically transformed laboratory workflows, particularly in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and clinical diagnostics. Automation in laboratories has moved beyond simple repetitive tasks to become central to increasing throughput and ensuring the quality of research data. The shift toward robotic systems has significantly enhanced the precision and speed of liquid handling processes. Automated liquid handling systems are now capable of performing tasks such as pipetting, sample transfer, dilution, and reagent addition with far greater accuracy and consistency than manual methods. These systems, which are often integrated with sophisticated robotics, can work continuously without fatigue, offering a level of reliability and scalability that was once unattainable. In November 2023, Amerigo Scientific introduced a unique automated liquid handling device aimed at modernizing the scientific pipetting process. As a distributor with expertise in supplying essential products and services to the biomedical and life sciences sectors, Amerigo Scientific’s innovative solution is designed to enhance accuracy and efficiency. With its advanced features and technology, this device offers scientists and researchers significant time savings while improving overall performance.

The increasing development of user-friendly software interfaces allows researchers to easily program and operate automated liquid handling systems, reducing the need for specialized training. As automation becomes more advanced, the systems continue to evolve, with innovations such as artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms being incorporated to improve error detection, optimize workflows, and predict system maintenance needs. These advancements in automation and robotics not only streamline laboratory operations but also enable faster and more accurate data collection, helping laboratories accelerate research and bring products to market faster. The continual evolution of these technologies is expected to further drive growth in the automated liquid handling technologies market.

Increasing Focus on Personalized Medicine

Personalized medicine is a growing trend that tailors medical treatments to individual patients based on their unique genetic profiles, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This approach requires more precise and customized diagnostic tests, which is driving demand for advanced liquid handling systems capable of processing smaller sample volumes with high accuracy. In personalized medicine, identifying biomarkers, analyzing gene expressions, and performing genetic sequencing are crucial components of treatment development. Automated liquid handling technologies play a central role in these processes by ensuring that samples are handled consistently, even when dealing with complex or rare biological materials. For instance, liquid handling robots can perform tasks such as DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) preparation, which are foundational techniques in personalized medicine. The increasing need to process vast amounts of data from genetic tests and biomarkers has made automation an essential tool in molecular diagnostics and genomics, where speed and accuracy are critical. The ability of automated liquid handling systems to process large-scale tests quickly and with minimal human intervention makes them ideal for personalized medicine, which often requires a high volume of data analysis for each patient. As the demand for personalized healthcare solutions grows, the market for automated liquid handling technologies is expected to expand significantly.

Increased Focus on Biotechnology and Genomics Research

The biotechnology and genomics research sectors are rapidly advancing, and they are heavily reliant on precise liquid handling techniques. The demand for tools that can efficiently handle genomic data analysis, sequencing, gene expression studies, and proteomics is growing as new discoveries in these fields continue to emerge. Automated liquid handling systems are pivotal in these areas, as they provide the necessary precision and consistency for experiments involving complex biological samples. For example, in DNA/RNA sequencing, even small errors in liquid handling can result in incorrect sequencing data, which could hinder scientific progress. In February 2022, SPT Labtech, a leading name in laboratory automation for the life sciences industry, unveiled the apricot DC1, a versatile automated liquid handling workstation, at the SLAS 2022 International Conference and Exhibition in Boston.

Automated systems help mitigate these risks by offering precise dispensing of reagents, ensuring that the required volumes are accurately delivered for each reaction. In proteomics, where large-scale analysis of proteins and metabolites is conducted, automated liquid handling systems allow researchers to perform multiplex assays and process numerous samples simultaneously, vastly improving throughput and efficiency. With the increasing focus on personalized genomics and biotechnology, the need for automated systems that can support complex workflows and scale to meet the demands of these industries is crucial for ongoing research and discovery. The ability to maintain accuracy while scaling research processes is driving the adoption of automated liquid handling technologies in these fields.

Cost Efficiency and Time Savings

Automating liquid handling tasks offers significant cost savings and time efficiency for laboratories, which is a compelling driver for market growth. While the initial investment in automated liquid handling systems may be high, the long-term savings from improved productivity, reduced labor costs, and fewer errors often outweigh the costs. These systems can handle tasks much faster than humans, processing large volumes of samples or performing repetitive tasks continuously without breaks. This leads to a higher throughput, allowing laboratories to complete more work in less time, ultimately increasing the overall efficiency of operations. By reducing manual labor, automated systems free up skilled workers to focus on more critical aspects of research and analysis, further boosting productivity. Another cost-saving factor is the reduction in reagents and sample waste. Automated systems ensure that precise amounts of liquids are used in every experiment, minimizing the need for excess materials. As laboratories look for ways to streamline operations and reduce overhead costs, automated liquid handling technologies offer a highly cost-effective solution.

Rising Adoption in Clinical Diagnostics

Clinical diagnostics is another rapidly growing field where automated liquid handling systems are increasingly being adopted. These technologies play a key role in various diagnostic procedures, including PCR testing, immunoassays, and other molecular diagnostics. As diagnostic laboratories work to process larger volumes of tests more efficiently, automated liquid handling systems ensure that diagnostic workflows are optimized. In July 2023, Revvity introduced the Fontus Automated Liquid Handling Workstation, an advanced liquid handler that incorporates technologies from Revvity's existing platforms. This workstation is specifically engineered to improve and accelerate workflows for next-generation sequencing (NGS) and diagnostic research applications.

By automating tasks such as sample preparation, reagent addition, and mixing, these systems reduce the time required to process samples and increase the overall throughput of diagnostic tests. The rising demand for accurate, high-volume diagnostic testing, especially in areas like infectious diseases, cancer, and genetic testing, is fueling the growth of automated liquid handling systems. Automated systems help minimize contamination risks, maintain consistency, and ensure that samples are handled in compliance with regulatory standards. As healthcare systems across the world demand faster and more efficient diagnostic solutions, the adoption of automated liquid handling technologies in clinical diagnostics is expected to continue growing.

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Key Market Challenges

High Initial Investment Costs

One of the major challenges associated with the adoption of automated liquid handling systems is the high initial investment cost. While these systems offer long-term benefits in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and productivity, the upfront cost for purchasing, installing, and configuring these machines can be quite significant. Many organizations, especially smaller laboratories and research facilities, may find it difficult to justify the investment, particularly when the return on investment (ROI) is not immediately apparent. In addition to the cost of the machines themselves, there are also ongoing costs for maintenance, training, and software updates. For smaller or less well-funded labs, these financial barriers can slow down the widespread adoption of automated liquid handling systems. Although the systems can reduce labor costs and improve throughput over time, the high initial price tag may limit their accessibility for smaller organizations or those with limited budgets, which could hinder overall market growth.

Complexity and Technical Expertise Required

Automated liquid handling systems, while providing significant benefits in terms of speed and accuracy, can be complex to operate and require specialized technical expertise. Setting up and programming these systems often involves intricate steps, and ensuring they run properly can require extensive training for lab staff. Many automated systems are highly customizable, and their software interfaces can be intricate, requiring operators to have a deep understanding of both the system and the underlying processes they are automating. Troubleshooting issues, performing maintenance, or adjusting protocols to suit specific experiments can require skilled technicians. This reliance on highly trained personnel can present challenges, especially in facilities where such expertise is not readily available. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, laboratories must constantly invest in training their staff to keep up with new software updates or changes in system configuration. For some institutions, the need to have specialized personnel dedicated to operating and maintaining these systems may represent a challenge, as it introduces a layer of complexity and resource allocation that can be difficult to manage.

Integration with Existing Laboratory Systems

Integrating automated liquid handling technologies with existing laboratory equipment and workflows can be a significant challenge. Many research and diagnostic laboratories already have established equipment and processes in place, and incorporating automation into these existing setups may require significant modifications. For example, automated systems must be compatible with other laboratory instruments like analyzers, detectors, or sample storage systems, and this compatibility is not always guaranteed. In some cases, retrofitting older equipment to work seamlessly with new automated liquid handling technologies may be costly, time-consuming, or impractical. Integrating automated liquid handling systems into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or data analysis software can also present challenges, especially if these systems use different data formats or communication protocols. Ensuring that all components in a laboratory ecosystem work together smoothly is critical for maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of automation, but overcoming integration hurdles can delay implementation and complicate the adoption process.

Key Market Trends

Increased Demand for High-Throughput Screening (HTS) in Drug Discovery

High-throughput screening (HTS) is a critical process in the pharmaceutical industry, enabling the rapid testing of thousands of potential drug compounds or gene therapies against specific biological targets. In November 2023, SPT Labtech launched Firefly for LDT, a solution designed to streamline liquid handling in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based lab-developed tests (LDTs).

The shift toward more personalized and targeted therapies requires advanced screening methods that can handle large-scale testing with high accuracy. Automated liquid handling technologies are essential in the HTS process because they ensure the precise transfer of minute quantities of liquid into multiple test wells on plates, which is key for high-throughput applications. Automation helps to manage the large volume of samples and reagents, significantly reducing the time and labor involved compared to manual liquid handling. The precision and accuracy of these systems allow for the consistent application of samples, minimizing errors that could skew experimental results. The demand for HTS has surged due to the increasing need for new drug discoveries and the growing pressure to shorten drug development cycles. Automated liquid handling technologies help streamline the HTS process by enabling rapid, reproducible, and scalable screening of compounds, accelerating the identification of lead candidates for drug development. As pharmaceutical companies continue to seek faster and more efficient drug discovery processes, automated liquid handling will play a pivotal role in improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of HTS.

Improved Precision and Reduced Human Error

One of the key benefits of automated liquid handling technologies is their ability to reduce human error, a critical factor in laboratory work where precision is paramount. Manual liquid handling methods, such as pipetting, can introduce variability due to inconsistent techniques, environmental factors, or even human fatigue. These errors can lead to inaccurate results, which can be especially problematic in highly regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Automated systems, on the other hand, are designed to consistently execute tasks with high precision, minimizing the risk of errors that could compromise data integrity. The integration of advanced sensors, precision pumps, and microfluidic technologies further enhances the accuracy and reliability of automated liquid handling systems. For example, robotic liquid handlers can precisely dispense small volumes of liquids in the nanoliter or microliter range, which is crucial for experiments involving small sample sizes. The automation of these processes also ensures that multiple samples are handled under the same conditions, reducing variability and improving the reproducibility of results. As laboratories demand more reliable and accurate results for drug discovery, diagnostics, and research, automated liquid handling technologies that reduce human error are becoming increasingly indispensable.

Segmental Insights

Product Insights

Based on the product, workstations currently dominate the market, driven by their core functionality, versatility, and essential role in automation. Workstations serve as the central units that automate the liquid handling tasks in laboratories. These systems typically integrate robotic arms, pipetting tools, sensors, and software interfaces, allowing them to execute complex liquid handling processes such as sample preparation, reagent addition, dilution, and high-throughput screening. Workstations offer a comprehensive, automated solution for laboratories in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, and research. Their ability to perform a wide range of functions with precision and accuracy makes them indispensable for modern laboratories, which require fast, reliable, and reproducible results. The trend towards high-throughput screening, drug discovery, and molecular diagnostics has further increased the demand for automated workstations, as they can scale to handle large volumes of samples and manage complex workflows more efficiently than manual processes.

Workstations can integrate with other laboratory instruments and systems, creating an automated ecosystem that improves overall laboratory productivity. For example, a liquid handling workstation can seamlessly connect with other devices like centrifuges, analyzers, and spectrophotometers, enabling a fully automated process from sample collection to analysis. This ability to integrate and support different laboratory processes boosts the overall efficiency of the operations, making workstations crucial to modern research and diagnostic workflows. Advancements in workstation design, including faster processing speeds, more intuitive software, and enhanced data tracking capabilities, have made them more attractive to laboratories looking to increase productivity and reduce human error. These advancements contribute to the workstation’s dominance in the market as labs strive for greater accuracy and efficiency in their liquid handling tasks.

End Use Insights

Based on the end use segment, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies dominated the global market. These industries are heavily reliant on automation to streamline their research, development, and manufacturing processes, particularly in drug discovery and development. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are at the forefront of adopting automated liquid handling systems due to their need for high precision, reproducibility, and speed in handling large volumes of biological samples, reagents, and compounds. Automated liquid handling technologies enable these companies to accelerate their drug discovery processes, perform high-throughput screening, and conduct genomic or proteomic studies with consistent results and minimal human error. The ability to automate routine tasks, such as pipetting, dilution, and sample preparation, allows researchers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of drug development while reducing the risk of contamination or cross-contamination.

The increasing complexity of biologic drugs, along with the demand for personalized medicine, further boosts the need for precise, high-throughput automated liquid handling systems. Biotechnology companies, which are often engaged in innovative therapeutic development, rely on these systems to conduct high-volume experiments, such as CRISPR gene editing, protein assays, and cell-based assays. Automated liquid handling provides the necessary flexibility to process various sample types and manage complex workflows, which is crucial for both small-scale discovery research and large-scale manufacturing. The regulatory requirements in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries for accuracy, reproducibility, and traceability in experimental processes drive the adoption of automated systems. Liquid handling systems equipped with built-in error-checking features and data logging capabilities ensure that the processes meet the stringent standards set by regulatory bodies like the FDA and EMA. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for drug approval and clinical testing, making automation an essential component of the industry’s research and production environments.

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Regional Insights

North America was the dominant region in the global Automated Liquid Handling Technologies Market. Several factors contribute to North America’s leadership, with the United States being the largest contributor due to its robust pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research industries. The region’s advanced healthcare infrastructure, significant investments in research and development (R&D), and well-established academic and clinical research institutions provide a strong foundation for the adoption of automated liquid handling systems. The United States, in particular, is home to numerous leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as contract research organizations (CROs), all of which heavily rely on automated technologies to enhance productivity and streamline their R&D processes. High-throughput screening, drug discovery, personalized medicine, and genomics research are key areas where automated liquid handling systems are critical, and North American companies are often at the forefront of innovation in these fields.

North America's dominance is further bolstered by strong regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements, which drive the need for precise, accurate, and traceable liquid handling solutions. Regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) impose stringent standards on pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and automated liquid handling systems are essential in helping these organizations meet those requirements. Automation helps maintain data integrity, reduce human error, and improve the reproducibility of experiments, all of which are crucial for compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

The presence of major players in the automated liquid handling market, including companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Beckman Coulter, and Eppendorf, further supports North America's market dominance. These companies are actively developing and marketing advanced liquid handling solutions for a wide range of applications, including drug discovery, clinical diagnostics, and molecular biology research. The region's favorable business environment, access to funding, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies also contribute to North America's leadership position.

Recent Developments

• In May 2023, Biosero, Inc., a leading developer of laboratory automation solutions, announced a strategic co-marketing collaboration with Hamilton, a global leader in automated liquid handling workstations and laboratory automation technology. This partnership aims to enhance and simplify automated liquid handling workflows in laboratories, offering a comprehensive solution for seamless automation.
• In September 2023, SLS marked a significant advancement in liquid handling technology with the launch of the Eppendorf epMotion series for Automated Liquid Handling Systems. Through a historic decision, SLS earned the exclusive distinction of being the sole distributor for this highly anticipated product line. The collaboration between SLS and Eppendorf reflects a strong, long-standing partnership built on trust. This achievement highlights their shared commitment to delivering innovative laboratory solutions that help customers fulfill their scientific research goals.
• In May 2024, Hamilton introduced the ZEUS X1, its latest innovation. As a leading global provider of precision measuring tools, sample management systems, and automated liquid handling workstations, Hamilton has combined its cutting-edge CO-RE®II technology with advanced air displacement pipetting in the ZEUS X1 for smooth OEM integration. Our automated pipetting module eliminates common pipetting challenges, ensuring process security through a variety of active monitoring and corrective strategies throughout the entire workflow.
• In June 2024, ChargePoint Technologies, a company specializing in powder and liquid transfers, unveiled a new robotic material handling system designed to improve the productivity and safety of solid-dose medicine manufacturing. The new robotic system targets businesses seeking to update and automate their industrial processes, aiming to increase productivity. For the most advanced facilities, this could involve creating fully autonomous production lines or upgrading existing ones to develop semi-continuous processes.

Key Market Players

• Danaher Corporation
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• Agilent Technologies, Inc.
• Aurora Biomed, Inc.
• Autogen, Inc.
• BioTek Instruments, Inc.
• Analytik Jena GmbH+Co. KG
• Corning Incorporated
• Eppendorf SE
• Formulatrix, Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Automated Liquid Handling Technologies Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Automated Liquid Handling Technologies Market, By Product:

o   Workstations

o   Accessories

• Automated Liquid Handling Technologies Market, By Application:

o   Drug Discovery & ADME-Tox Research

o   Cancer & Genomic Research

o   Bioprocessing/Biotechnology

o   Others

• Automated Liquid Handling Technologies Market, By End Use:

o   Academic & Research Institutes

o   Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

o   Contract Research Organizations

• Automated Liquid Handling Technologies Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Automated Liquid Handling Technologies Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Automated Liquid Handling Technologies market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).