The worldwide lab automation market is expected to reach $4.2 billion by 2017, according to a new report by Research and Markets.
Valued at $3.1 billion in 2012, it has been predicted to grow by a compound rate of 6.4% year on year. In many respects, this growth is unsurprising.
As overall costs are reduced and investments in biotechnology increase, automation techniques are finding applications in more and more lab procedures. There are also many new technologies in the pipeline, including digital dispensing and semantic technology.
On the other hand, the market does face obstacles to unchecked growth. The industry must contend with indefinite data interchange standards, economic slowdown and lack of technology planning. It is also difficult to configure components in a way that permits maximum flexibility.
The report, released in October, covered a vast range of equipment and software including automated liquid handling and workstations, pipetting systems, dispensers, microplate readers and robotic arms. It provides an exhaustive market value analysis for the years 2010-2017.