ABB Robotics, METTLER TOLEDO sign MOU to accelerate global adoption of flexible lab automation

ABB Robotics and METTLER TOLEDO, a global supplier of precision instruments and services, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to offer a solution to integrate ABB robots with LabX, METTLER TOLEDO’s laboratory instrument management software.

The combined solution will enable greater levels of efficient and high-quality automated laboratory workflows across a range of industries, making research, testing and quality control more flexible, while accelerating time-to-market and addressing critical labor shortages.

Partnership focuses on expediting tasks, limiting human errors

With the collaboration, METTLER TOLEDO’s LabX software will integrate into ABB’s OmniCore robot controllers, enabling LabX to orchestrate robotic lab workflows. According to a joint release by the organizations, by combining the flexibility, ease-of-use and precision of ABB robots with the secure data capture, method control and instrument management of LabX, customers can increase lab productivity, reduce system complexity, fulfill data quality, and safety and regulatory requirements.

This also relieves scientists and lab technicians of mundane, repetitive tasks; eliminating common errors; and optimizing productivity – providing lab professionals additional time to pursue higher-value activities, such as data analytics.

“In combining METTLER TOLEDO laboratory equipment with ABB’s collaborative robots, communicated through the LabX platform, we will support operations and enable the highest traceability, productivity, and data management in the industry,” said Jose Manuel Collados, manager of ABB Service Robotics.

Laboratory automation, working alongside lab technicians, can perform an increasingly sophisticated range of tasks faster, more consistently and with fewer errors than human workers. Yet, the uptake of automation in laboratories is challenged by a gap in the skills needed to handle automation technology and the complexity in setting up highly sensitive workflows. 

“Great innovation starts at the bench, especially when you are able to minimize process times and human error while also supporting the generation of high-quality data and information,” says Stefan Heiniger, head of laboratory division for METTLER TOLEDO. “METTLER TOLEDO and ABB will provide a powerful, intuitive, and standardized toolset that meets the need of laboratories of all sizes and types that will deliver new levels of automation, speed, and insights, while also reducing costs.” 

The collaboration marks another partnership with other robotics organizations. ABB acquired Swiss start-up Sevensense in January 2024.