Rapid changes in healthcare coupled with parallel advances in technolo
gy have stimulated the evolution of new approaches for laboratory auto
mation. In particular, the emergence of commercially available laborat
ory robotic systems offers promise for streamlining the clinical labor
atory. Increasing cost-containment pressures make the application of t
his technology extremely attractive, and several organizations have be
gun to systematically integrate robotic devices into their laboratory
automation schemes. Integration of these technologies, however, presen
ts many challenges for software developers, instrument manufacturers,
and laboratory workers. Differing needs across laboratories require fl
exibility and intelligence in robots, instruments, and control systems
. Standardization of mechanical and electronic interfaces will be key
to making these systems easy to integrate. Systems engineering, aided
by simulation modeling and artificial intelligence schemes, will be im
portant to assist in the design of optimal configurations. Software fo
r the overall control of integrated automation will be needed that can
be tailored by the laboratorian to fit the requirements of the indivi
dual laboratory. Thus, laboratory workers will need to be actively inv
olved in implementing this new wave of laboratory automation, becoming
well-versed in computers, electronics, and systems engineering.