Laboratory 4.0 – Next Generation Production in Life Sciences

The trend report "Laboratory 4.0 – Next Generation Production in Life Sciences" outlines the vision and implementation of modern, digitized, and automated laboratory environments in the life sciences. The focus is on transforming traditional labs into fully networked, flexible production systems based on Industry 4.0 principles. Enabling technologies such as artificial intelligence, high-speed microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and microfluidic systems are identified as key drivers for increased efficiency, error reduction, and sustainability. The report discusses various levels of automation, particularly in stem cell and tissue production, and presents use cases such as the "StemCellFactory" and "JointPromise". Challenges include system interoperability, regulatory requirements, and the tension between sustainability and compliance. Published by Fraunhofer IPT, the report serves as a guide for the future of biotechnological production.