SLAS 2026: ABB turns AI into action to accelerate the future of lab automation

ABB Robotics said that it will reveal the next leap in automated laboratory workflows, showcasing how AI-powered, Autonomous Versatile Robotics (AVRTM) can deliver higher throughput, improved reproducibility and seamless multi-vendor connectivity during the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) 2026 International Conference & Exhibition, February 7-11 in Boston.

ABB said it will feature multiple demos of its interoperable robotic technologies and host a roundtable on robotics, interoperability and AI-driven laboratory offerings during the event.

Demonstrating next-generation interoperability at SLAS 2026

ABB Robotics said its SLAS demos will focus on the power of open, interoperable automation.

Using ABB’s GoFa 5kg payload collaborative robots, the company said that the workflows will show how customers can combine robotic technologies with specialized instruments and software from a variety of vendors to build flexible, scalable and tailored automation systems.

“Laboratories worldwide are moving from isolated automation pilots to fully connected, AI-ready operations,” said Jose-Manuel Collados, service robotics product line manager at ABB Robotics. “At SLAS 2026 we will show how ABB Robotics and its partners are helping customers make that transition - combining more autonomous and versatile collaborative robots with interoperable solutions that seamlessly connect instruments, data and digital tools. This is enabling labs of every size to scale faster, work more reliably and capture deeper insights from every experiment.”

ABB said that the highlights of its participation at SLAS 2026 include three comprehensive collaborative robot laboratory process cells, displaying how scientists can automate more steps, capture richer data and scale operations with greater confidence. Working with laboratory instrument and automation software providers such as Agilent and Mettler Toledo, ABB said that the workflows illustrate how advanced automation enhances throughput and reproducibility, strengthens traceability and frees researchers to focus on higher-value scientific work.

ABB will showcase the following demos, in partnership with Mettler Toledo and Agilent, at the event:

• A multi-step analytical workflow system with Mettler Toledo instruments orchestrated via LabX management software, including liquid and solid sample prep, weighing, titration, oven cycling, and UV‑Vis analysis.
  • An ABB Robotics GoFa autonomously will perform functions such as pipetting, decanting and vial capping/uncapping, providing improved process consistency and increased lab operator walkaway time.
• A comprehensive Gas Chromatography (GC) sample‑prep flow, with GoFa executing automated solid dispensing, volumetric flask handling, filtration into 2 mL vials and GC loading, plus a reset cycle demonstrating reliable end-to-end robotics for complex, mixed “dry” and “wet” tasks.
  • The demo also features ABB Robotics OptiFact, a software platform designed to collect, manage and analyze facility data.
• Showcasing an ABB Robotics and Agilent collaboration on the robotic transfer of SBS/SLAS plates and consumables between a plate hotel, an Agilent Bravo deck, and High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) integrated with a Bravo liquid handler in pick and place mode.
  • ABB said that the cell reflects the seamless integration of ABB Robotics and Agilent equipment, and replicates the validated motion path, underscoring repeatable, high-throughput handling that complements existing instrument operations, ensuring the most accurate lab results.

Together, ABB said that these demos will show its robots working across Mettler Toledo and Agilent ecosystems, streamline sample prep and analysis, improve repeatability and free scientists to carry out higher value work, while offering a realistic vision of the lab of the future.

On Tuesday, February 10, ABB Robotics will host a roundtable entitled “From Insight to Impact: AI, Robotics and the Convergence toward the Lab of the Future.” The session will bring together experts from Atinary, Agilent, Mettler Toledo, Sanofi and ABB Robotics to discuss how AI, robotics and interoperable platforms are reshaping laboratory operations.