Curious about the relationship between the metaverse and LIMS? The life sciences industry has started to leverage novel technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), while simultaneously incorporating the virtual world, or metaverse, into the equation. 

With the increased use of innovative technology in lab spaces, companies have seen an improvement in productivity, reduced data integrity risks, and increasing efficiency in their organizations. Adding the metaverse and its subsequent technologies further increases these advantages. As the metaverse is still in its infancy, pricing and device integration are major concerns for adopting these technologies; however, the inclusion of metaverse technology in laboratories has already begun.  

Benefits of the Metaverse and LIMS 

One of the leading technologies emerging from the metaverse is VR/MR (virtual reality/mixed reality) headsets. These headsets are created with the lab of the future in mind and come with functionalities that automate the laboratory in new ways. Data can be captured from instruments and be read directly from the instrument display by the headset without the need for instrument connections to LIMS. Instrument management can also be enhanced by including a digital toolbox that houses objects like the calculator, timer, and calendar for automatic event logging, while maintenance and calibration data are also shown while using the headsets. Any items needed for an assay can be found efficiently as the headset can tell the lab user of the exact location of materials needed.  

In June of 2022, for example, LabVantage and Holo4Labs announced a collaboration to enable the integration of LabVantage with the use of Microsoft HoloLens 2 goggles. The use of these goggles emphasizes the goal of digitizing the workspace for analysts and bench personnel to increase efficiency and lower human error. Technicians in the lab using these goggles will see hologram overlays for analytical guidance through experiments and testing. The connection between the virtual and the physical world in life sciences will be clearer, leaving room for innovation and growth at profound levels.  

Processes and procedures can also be recorded and stored in virtual environments which provides companies with immersive training and support process improvements. The information is taken directly from users in the lab to create these environments and scenarios. As time progresses, the increased efficiency and depth of availability these enhancements provide will continue to grow. 

Potential Limitations of the Metaverse and LIMS 

The limiting factors of incorporating this VR/MR technology within various lab spaces surrounds both the cost and resources necessary to keep the technology operative. When it comes to resources, MR/VR technology requires skillsets that most laboratory employees do not have. Many companies are also finding it hard to justify the use of the MR/VR technology because their needs don’t outweigh the costs. The key factor behind adding MR/VR technology is being able to recognize the added value and determine where and how the tool will be most effective. With LabVantage 8.8, it is a seamless integration to use the Microsoft HoloLens 2 goggles. Once incorporated, there is a significant increase in a business’s overall productivity and reduction of error that is worth exploring. 

Getting Started  

As companies begin to transform within the technological landscape, considerations regarding metaverse and LIMS technologies should be discussed. From the benefits gained in the lab to those gained within the organization, expansion and effectiveness are reliable. Integrity and accessibility are the largest pillars being addressed with these technologies, however, determining use case and feasibility will be critical when determining which emerging tech in this space is best for your needs.  

To learn more about the metaverse and LIMS, get in touch with our experts today. 

Contributions by Amethyst Edmond