title: The future of laboratory automation.
abstract: Among the many factors that will define the laboratory of the future are the development of advanced computer communications systems, artificial intelligence, robotic systems, and material storage and retrieval systems. This article examines some of these factors and challenges current automation justification procedures in light of the greater competitive environment of today.
authors.affiliation: Human Genome Center, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Mechanical and Electronic Engineering Division, NM 87545.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Beugelsdijk
mesh_terms: D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D001331:Automation / Q000191:economics; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005544:Forecasting; D007256:Information Systems; D007753:Laboratories / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends*; D012371:Robotics