Download the full 2026 Laboratory Informatics Trends Report here.

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’d like to discuss any of the trends or other challenges in the laboratory space, connect with our team today.

Key Laboratory Informatics Trends

The laboratory informatics trends of 2026 highlight the increased use of AI and ML in both positive and negative ways, Smart LIMS concepts, the opportunities of a Lights-Out laboratory, enhanced interoperability, and increased security measures. The benefits from these trends are vast as they allow for increases in compliance and data integrity while operating more efficiently, but they should be implemented judiciously to ensure potential risks are mitigated.  

Clarkston’s laboratory informatics consultants have highlighted the top lab informatics trends that businesses should consider and keep top-of-mind throughout the year:

1. The evolution from LIMS to Smart LIMS 
2. Robots and Cobots pave the way for Lights Out Labs 
3. Interoperability Standards 
4. Cybersecurity: An Operational Strategy

Trend 1: 

The evolution from LIMS to Smart LIMS 

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) has been a cornerstone of laboratory operations for decades. Laboratories have relied on these systems for sample tracking, data output, product quality, and regulatory compliance. A Smart LIMS incorporates a wide use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), which has become critical to laboratories for predictive analytics and real-time data interpretation, enhancing operational performance. Agentic AI can proactively respond to deviations, failures, and inconsistencies, saving valuable time and money for an organization. 

A Smart LIMS that involves Agentic AI can allow a LIMS to modify its workflow based on patterns of results across large datasets, optimizing laboratory functions. Automating instrument communication bidirectionally with a Smart LIMS can predict instrument maintenance, preventing costly downtime and potential delays to market. The real-time data analysis that can predict failures and assess impacts before they happen ensures the product is of the highest quality without constant human monitoring.   

Trend 2:

Robots and Cobots pave the way for Lights Out Labs 

In laboratory informatics, the use of automation for laboratory functions are growing rapidly.  There are many benefits to automation – reduction of human error, increased efficiency of operations, and integrations for seamless communication across instruments and systems.   

Automation 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.  Soon after, in 1961, Robotics were introduced to manufacturing, and are used in laboratories today to transfer materials and samples to another location, or to provide liquid handling with precision.   

Cobots are being introduced as human assistants, making the laboratory safer and more efficient.  These cobots can safely handle hazardous chemicals, automate workflows that are often lengthy to set up, and aid in routine tasks such as sample preparation. When integrated with a laboratory informatics platform, there is full traceability of each action.  

In 2026, laboratories are trending towards an End-to-End (E2E) or Lights-Out Lab to operate unattended by humans, using robots and cobots to continue processing.  The advantages of implementing advanced automation technologies are handling higher throughput with around the clock operations, increased consistent repeatability, and reduced risk of injury to laboratory personnel – all while maintaining regulatory compliance. 

Continue reading by downloading the full report below.

Download the Full 2026 Lab Informatics Trends Report Here

Read last year’s Lab Informatics Trends Report here.