Automation in Action: Real-World Lessons from Robotics-Driven Lab Projects

Ever wondered how other organizations are approaching robotics in laboratories? Maybe you have been asked what the rest of the industry is doing in the realm of robotics. This presentation aims to facilitate a discussion about designing laboratory spaces that are future-ready, cost-efficient, and flexible for automation. 

Key topics include avoiding major budget hits by planning for equipment replacement at end-of-life, purchasing automation-compatible instruments early, and requesting flexible zones with adaptable utilities. We will also discuss strategies to minimize construction disruptions through use of reconfigurable casework and removal of underutilized equipment. The conversation will also include review of minimizing laboratory downtime by through workload coordination. 

Optimization strategies highlight the importance of equipment organization, routine clean-up, and accounting for increased consumable storage and deliveries as throughput scales. When upgrading, planners are encouraged to consider ceiling-mounted automation solutions to avoid costly floor-based installations and to budget slightly more when replacing equipment to support automated versions. 

Finally, the presentation emphasizes the value of planning for incremental improvements and establishing dedicated automation zones from the outset, sharing lessons learned from real-world implementations.

Learning objectives: 

1. Understand strategies for designing laboratories that are future-ready and flexible for automation, including creating adaptable zones and planning for incremental improvements. 

2. Learn how to optimize budget and minimize costs by planning for equipment replacement, purchasing automation-compatible instruments early, and accounting for scalable infrastructure needs. 

3. Explore methods to reduce construction and operational disruptions, such as using reconfigurable casework, removing underutilized equipment, and coordinating workloads to minimize lab downtime. 

4. Identify best practices for maximizing lab efficiency and throughput through optimized equipment organization, increased consumable storage, and consideration of ceiling-mounted automation solutions.

Presenter: Matthew Decker
CRB
12:30 - 1:30pm ET

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Driving Effective Research Spaces Through Targeted Design Strategies

Designing better research environments doesn’t always require a brand-new facility—but insights from larger projects can inform meaningful upgrades at any scale. This webinar explores practical approaches for optimizing labs through both targeted interventions and lessons learned from major builds, showing how strategies can translate across projects of all sizes.

As context, the session will draw on findings from The Future Lab Survey, the first study of its kind to capture scientists’ perspectives on what they value in their work environments. Results reveal that 65 percent of scientists say building design influences their choice of employer, over 80 percent rate sustainability as “important” or “very important,” and collaboration consistently ranks as a top priority. These insights provide a foundation for understanding not just how to make changes, but why they matter to scientists and institutions alike.

Through real-world case studies from the US and UK, the session will highlight:

• Flexibility: Strategies for designing adaptable research spaces that accommodate hybrid work models, evolving scientific priorities, and a changing workforce.

• Sustainability: Both large-scale initiatives and incremental retrofits that reduce energy use while aligning with institutional sustainability goals.

• Collaboration: Design approaches that strengthen teamwork and knowledge exchange—whether through modest reconfigurations of existing spaces or in entirely new facilities.

Attendees will leave with actionable ideas for improving labs at any scale—whether through small, targeted upgrades or by applying lessons from major construction projects. Architects, lab planners, lab managers, and others in the design/build industry will gain strategies to create environments that are resilient, sustainable, and aligned with the way scientists want to work today and in the future.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify strategies for increasing flexibility in laboratory spaces that address both immediate needs and long-term adaptability.

2. Evaluate sustainability approaches that range from retrofits and energy efficiency upgrades to lessons from new-build projects.

3. Explore design interventions that foster collaboration in both existing and new labs, balancing teamwork with individual work needs.

4. Apply survey-driven insights to inform practical, scalable design solutions that support resilient and attractive research environments across different levels of investment.

Presenters: Cathy Bell and Luke Laverty
NBBJ
2:00 - 3:00pm ET

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