While staffing levels remained fairly constant, throughput increased greatly. As can be seen here, the largest impact was the introduction of modular unit automation. However, not included in this table is the fact that several of the targets tested during this period would have been significantly delayed or slowed without fully automated systems. Another benefit of automation in the biological sciences that is often overlooked is the application of processes developed for HTS, or other areas widely employing automation, in research and methods development. By incorporating very basic hand- held or unit automation and some of the basic techniques such as the use of microplates and subsequent column and row wise reagent additions, significant reductions in development times and data output for research areas have been attained.
Automation is generally less available in the research arenas for a number of reasons.
Unless there is some connection with a facility employing these techniques, Researchers may not be aware of their power. It is also costly and may not be affordable to academic researchers. A more fundamental problem, is the required flexibility which must be available in a basic research facility. Automation has its downsides as well. One must be very careful when automating a process, particularly a biological assay, that basic properties are not changed.