{"id":61574,"date":"2026-02-10T13:40:57","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T18:40:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clarkstonconsulting.com\/?p=61574"},"modified":"2026-02-10T13:42:40","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T18:42:40","slug":"2026-lab-informatics-trends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clarkstonconsulting.com\/insights\/2026-lab-informatics-trends\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Lab Informatics Trends"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"2026<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Download the full 2026 Laboratory Informatics Trends Report here<\/span><\/a>. <\/strong><\/h2>\n

This free trends report outlines industry perspectives and expert advice from our team of lab informatics consultants. You can view an excerpt of the report below, and if you\u2019d like to discuss any of the trends or other challenges in the laboratory space, connect with our team today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Key Laboratory Informatics Trends<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The laboratory informatics trends of 2026 highlight the increased use of AI and ML<\/span>\u00a0in both positive and negative ways,\u00a0<\/span>Smart LIMS concepts,\u00a0<\/span>the\u00a0<\/span>opportunities\u00a0<\/span>of a Lights-Out laboratory<\/span>, enhanced\u00a0<\/span>interoperability,<\/span>\u00a0and increased security measures.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>The<\/span>\u00a0benefit<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0from th<\/span>ese trends<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>are<\/span>\u00a0vast as they allow for<\/span>\u00a0increases\u00a0<\/span>in\u00a0<\/span>compliance and data integrity<\/span>\u00a0while\u00a0<\/span>operating<\/span>\u00a0more\u00a0<\/span>efficiently<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0but\u00a0<\/span>they\u00a0<\/span>should be implemented judiciously to ensure\u00a0<\/span>potential\u00a0<\/span>risks are mitigated<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clarkston’s laboratory informatics<\/a> consultants have highlighted the top lab informatics trends that businesses should consider and keep top-of-mind throughout the year:<\/p>\n

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  1. The evolution from LIMS to\u00a0<\/span>Smart LIMS<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Robots and\u00a0<\/span>Cobots<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>pave<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the way for\u00a0<\/span>Lights<\/span>\u00a0Out Lab<\/span>s<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Interoperability<\/span>\u00a0Standards<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Cybersecurity<\/span>:\u00a0<\/span>An<\/span>\u00a0Operational Strategy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    Trend 1:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n
    The evolution from LIMS to Smart LIMS\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n

    Laboratory Information Management Systems\u00a0(LIMS) has\u00a0been a cornerstone of laboratory operations for decades. Laboratories have relied on these systems for sample tracking, data output,\u00a0product\u00a0quality,\u00a0and\u00a0regulatory\u00a0compliance.\u00a0A Smart LIMS\u00a0incorporates\u00a0a\u00a0wide use of\u00a0Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), which has\u00a0become\u00a0critical\u00a0to laboratories\u00a0for\u00a0predictive\u00a0<\/span>analytics<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0real-time data interpretation,\u00a0enhancing\u00a0operational performance.\u00a0<\/span>Agentic AI<\/span><\/a>\u00a0can\u00a0proactively respond to deviations,\u00a0failures, and inconsistencies,\u00a0saving valuable time and money\u00a0for an organization.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    A Smart LIMS\u00a0that\u00a0involves\u00a0Agentic AI\u00a0can\u00a0allow a LIMS to\u00a0modify\u00a0its\u00a0workflow based on patterns of results\u00a0across large datasets, optimizing\u00a0laboratory functions.\u00a0Automating\u00a0<\/span>instrument<\/span><\/a>\u00a0communication bidirectionally with a Smart LIMS can\u00a0<\/span>predict instrument maintenance<\/span><\/a>, preventing costly downtime and potential delays to market.\u00a0The real-time data analysis that can predict\u00a0failures and assess impacts before they happen\u00a0ensures the product\u00a0is of\u00a0the highest quality without constant human monitoring.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Trend 2:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n
    Robots and <\/span>Cobots<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>pave<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the way for\u00a0<\/span>Lights<\/span>\u00a0Out Lab<\/span>s<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n

    Automation\u00a0<\/span><\/a>has been used in science since 1875, slowly progressing until the 1950s when the first standalone automated analyzer and automatic titrators in a laboratory were used.\u00a0\u00a0Soon after, in 1961,\u00a0<\/span>Robotics<\/span><\/a>\u00a0were\u00a0introduced\u00a0to manufacturing,\u00a0and are used in\u00a0laboratories today to\u00a0transfer materials and samples to another location, or\u00a0to\u00a0provide liquid handling\u00a0with precision.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Cobots\u00a0are being introduced as\u00a0human assistants, making\u00a0the laboratory safer and more efficient.\u00a0\u00a0These\u00a0<\/span>cobots<\/span><\/a>\u00a0can safely handle hazardous chemicals, automate workflows that are often lengthy to set up, and aid in routine tasks such as sample preparation.\u00a0When integrated with a laboratory informatics platform,\u00a0there is full traceability\u00a0of each action.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    In 2026, laboratories are trending towards an End-to-End (E2E) or Lights-Out Lab to\u00a0operate\u00a0unattended by humans, using robots and\u00a0cobots\u00a0to continue processing.\u00a0\u00a0The advantages of implementing advanced automation technologies\u00a0are\u00a0handling\u00a0higher\u00a0throughput\u00a0with around the clock operations, increased\u00a0consistent repeatability,\u00a0and reduced risk of injury to laboratory personnel\u00a0\u2013\u00a0all while\u00a0maintaining\u00a0regulatory compliance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Continue reading by downloading the full report below.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

    Download the Full 2026 Lab Informatics Trends Report Here<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n

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    Read last year’s Lab Informatics Trends Report here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

    In\u00a0laboratory\u00a0informatics, the\u00a0<\/span>use of automation<\/span><\/a>\u00a0for\u00a0laboratory functions\u00a0are\u00a0growing rapidly.\u00a0\u00a0There are many benefits to\u00a0automation\u00a0\u2013 reduction of human error,\u00a0increased\u00a0efficiency of\u00a0operations,\u00a0and integrations\u00a0for seamless communication\u00a0across instruments and systems.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n