The global lab automation market is poised for robust growth, driven by increasing demand for high-throughput systems, labor optimization, and the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics in laboratory environments.
According to MarketsandMarkets, the lab automation market is projected to grow from USD 6.36 million in 2025 to USD 9.01 million by 2030, reflecting a healthy CAGR of 7.2% over the forecast period.
Key Growth Drivers
➔ Rising demand for efficient drug discovery and diagnostics
➔ Increased investment in R&D across pharma and biotech sectors
➔ Shortage of skilled lab personnel prompting automation adoption
➔ Technological advancements in AI, robotics, and machine learning
➔ Growing trend of personalized medicine and regulatory compliance
Market Landscape
North America accounted for the largest market share (40.5%) in 2024, led by the US with its strong pharmaceutical base, increasing adoption of automated platforms, and high R&D spending. China is anticipated to be the fastest-growing market, fueled by governmental biotech initiatives and expanding pharmaceutical capabilities.
Major Segments
By Product:
➔ Robotic Arm
➔ Microplate Reader
➔ Automated Workstation
➔ Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
➔ Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
By Application:
➔ Drug Discovery (Largest Share)
➔ ADME
➔ Diagnostics
➔ Genomics & Proteomics
➔ High Throughput Screening
By End User:
➔ Hospitals & Diagnostic Labs (Dominant Segment)
➔ Pharmaceutical & Biotech Companies
➔ Forensic & Environmental Testing Labs
Challenges and Restraints
➔ High cost of implementation and maintenance, especially in developing regions
➔ Integration challenges with legacy systems and lack of standardization
➔ Concerns about return on investment in smaller labs
Emerging Opportunities
➔ Expanding pharmaceutical markets in India and China
➔ Rapid innovation in next-generation sequencing and microfluidics
➔ Growth in proteomics and 3D cell culture technologies
➔ Public-private partnerships enhancing adoption
Competitive Landscape
Leading players shaping the lab automation market include:
➔ Thermo Fisher Scientific (US)
➔ Tecan Group (Switzerland)
➔ Danaher Corporation (US)
➔ Agilent Technologies (US)
➔ Siemens Healthineers (Germany)
➔ Hamilton Company (US)
➔ Eppendorf AG (Germany)
Recent strategic moves include acquisitions, collaborations, and technological partnerships—such as Danaher’s $5.6 billion acquisition of Abcam plc, and Tecan’s alliances with Singular Genomics and Element Biosciences—further solidifying automation’s role in modern labs.
Looking Ahead
As the industry continues to shift toward precision, scalability, and data-driven decision-making, lab automation is becoming not just a tool—but a cornerstone of the future laboratory ecosystem. Companies embracing this transformation are expected to lead in innovation, regulatory readiness, and scientific impact.