Laboratory
Automation
Engineering

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One purpose of this web site is to discuss the development of Laboratory Automation Engineering (LAE) as a new engineering discipline. The initial arguments in favor of this development were published in the Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation (JALA 2006;11:157–162). The introduction reads:

The technology and techniques used when automating laboratory activities have been developed and documented for more than 40 years. Work performed under the subject of "laboratory automation" has progressed from pioneering achievements in data acquisition and instrument control to multi-component, fully integrated systems resembling manufacturing plants. If the field is to move forward, we need to organize the practices of those applying automation and computing technologies to laboratory activities, and to formulate a course of study. This JALA Guest Editorial seeks to initiate a dialog on the definition and development of the field of " Laboratory Automation Engineering "

A follow-up piece was published in Mass. High Tech in December of 2006 .

LAE differs from traditional laboratory automation methods. It is a top-down view of the lab and the processes that underlay all laboratory work, including those in research. The methods used today are usually focused on relieving bottle-necks and affect only portions of a labs operations - limited work- or task-stations. They are also viewed as extensions of an instrument system and essentially as a technology push.

The Institute for Laboratory Automations LAE approach recognizes that:

• elements of a labs operations shouldn't be treated in isolation, the processes used in people's work need to be understood as well as their relationship to each other; and that
• the key products of a labs work are knowledge, information, and data; the use of computing, information, and automation technologies should assist people in the development / creation of those products, and enhance their value and utility.