Laboratory robotics is the practice of using robots to perform or assist in laboratory tasks. While laboratory robots have found applications in diverse industries and sciences, pharmaceutical companies have used them more than any other group.
Advantages of laboratory robotics include high speed, high efficiency, minimal wastage, task reproducibility, task endurance, precision, high productivity, enhanced safety for laboratory personnel, the ability to withstand adverse environmental conditions, and reduced tedium and boredom among laboratory workers who would otherwise perform the tasks.
Laboratory robotics has some shortcomings and limitations such as high initial cost, limited flexibility, and lack of intuition for solving difficult or esoteric problems. In addition, layoffs of human workers (as robots replace them) can damage employee morale.