What laboratory automation covers

Laboratory automation combines automated DNA extraction systems, liquid handling platforms, plate handling technologies, thermal cycling instruments, detection systems and workflow software to create connected laboratory workflows. These technologies help laboratories increase throughput, improve consistency and standardise workflow execution across genotyping programmes.

Automation can support multiple stages of the genotyping process, from sample preparation and nucleic acid extraction through PCR setup, amplification, detection and data management. By reducing manual intervention, laboratories can process larger sample volumes while maintaining traceability and operational efficiency.

Integrated automation solutions across the genotyping workflow

LGC provides integrated automation solutions across the genotyping workflow, supporting laboratories from nucleic acid extraction through to amplification, detection and data analysis. The portfolio includes oKtopure™ automated nucleic acid extraction systems using sbeadex™ magnetic bead chemistry, Nexar™ liquid handling systems, and automated PCR and detection platforms including IntelliQube™, SNPline™, Soellex™ and Araya™.

These technologies can be combined into connected workflows that help laboratories reduce manual handling, improve workflow consistency and support increasing sample throughput across genotyping and agrigenomics programmes.

Core components of laboratory automation

• Automated DNA extraction systems 
  Automated DNA extraction systems help laboratories prepare high-quality nucleic acid samples while reducing hands-on processing and supporting consistent workflow execution. 
• Liquid handling systems 
  Automated liquid handling systems perform reagent and sample transfers for PCR setup, assay preparation and sample processing, helping improve efficiency and reproducibility.
• Workflow automation technologies 
  Automated workflow components support the movement of samples between different processing stages, helping laboratories manage increasingly complex operations. 
• Sample tracking and traceability 
  Barcode-enabled tracking systems help maintain sample identification and traceability throughout extraction, amplification and detection workflows. 
• PCR amplification and thermal cycling 
  Automated thermal cycling instruments support high-throughput genotyping workflows by enabling reliable and scalable amplification processes. 
• Software and workflow management 
  Workflow software supports instrument operation, sample management, process control and data handling across laboratory automation systems.

Where automation delivers the greatest workflow benefits

Laboratories often identify bottlenecks in workflow stages that require significant manual intervention or repetitive processing. Common areas where automation can deliver operational benefits include:

• DNA extraction 
• Sample preparation 
• PCR setup 
• Reagent dispensing 
• Plate handling 
• Amplification workflows 
• Sample tracking and management

By automating these workflow stages, laboratories can standardise processes, increase throughput and efficiently manage growing sample volumes.

Throughput: Samples per day by configuration

Throughput requirements vary between breeding programmes and laboratory environments. The examples below illustrate the capabilities of selected automated workflow components used within high-throughput genotyping operations.

Actual throughput will depend on workflow design, sample type, laboratory configuration and operational requirements. 

Manual vs automated workflows

Automation can help laboratories improve operational efficiency while supporting reproducible workflow execution across increasing sample volumes.

Laboratory automation systems versus individual tools

Some laboratories begin automation with a single technology, such as an automated DNA extraction system or liquid handling platform. Others choose integrated workflows that combine extraction, assay preparation, amplification and detection technologies within a connected laboratory process.

The most appropriate approach depends on laboratory throughput requirements, workflow complexity, available resources and future growth plans. The modular design of the LGC automation portfolio supports both strategies, allowing laboratories to implement automation incrementally and expand capabilities as operational requirements evolve.

Laboratory automation for high-throughput agrigenomics

Agrigenomics laboratories depend on scalable workflows that can support increasing sample volumes while maintaining efficient processing and reliable results. Automated DNA extraction systems, magnetic bead extraction chemistry, liquid handling technologies, PCR instrumentation and detection platforms can be combined to streamline workflows from sample preparation through genotype analysis. 

By implementing laboratory automation, breeding programmes and agrigenomics laboratories can increase throughput, reduce manual processing demands and support standardised workflows across large-scale genotyping operations.