AUTOMATION 101: Stepping Into Automation

This session was presented at the 2026 In Vitro Biology Meeting held in Reno, Nevada from June 6-10, 2026 and was recorded as part of the In-Person and On-Demand Limited Access Program. Designing and implementing an automation project can feel overwhelming. This workshop will explain the process in an effort to help attendees achieve greater success when pursuing new automation opportunities. We will begin with a brief history of automation in labs and greenhouses, explore how it has progressed, and the current and emerging technologies. We will discuss the importance of input/consumable standardization. Before automating, it’s critical to define your goals—whether focused on ROI (Return On Investment), employee satisfaction, product consistency, or other priorities. Understanding the available equipment is only the first step in an automation project. Assembling the right people on your implementation team and establishing realistic timelines for implementation are key to success. We’ll cover key team skills, timeline factors, and preparation strategies that can shorten project duration. Attendees should leave with increased confidence and understanding to facilitate a more successful automation experience. Panelists: Suzane Pols, Viscon Group, Inc. Ryan Ghan, Hamilton Company This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2611965 Learn more about the SIVB Annual Meetings at https://sivb.org/meetings.