Interview: “Motivated staff with interest for laboratory automation is needed”

For which companies does HTE offer the most potential?  

Detlef Gysau: High-throughput experimentation (HTE) offers the greatest potential for (large) companies in which rapid innovation, efficient process development and data-supported decision-making are crucial. A few criteria need to be taken into account when making a selection. The decisive factors are the required sample throughput, permanently recurring routine work and widely applicable workflows for different systems. Surprisingly, the lack of available, qualified personnel is also a criterion for ensuring the R&D capacity and thus the innovative strength of a company in the long term. 

What roles may need to be created, and what roles can be eliminated by implementing HTE?

Gysau: Above all, a motivated staff with interest and passion for laboratory automation is needed to operate an HTE. Depending on the size of the plant, there are different roles, which are performed by two people for reasons of redundancy in smaller systems. For larger plants, employees are divided into more specialised roles such as HTE specialists/engineers, data scientist/data analyst, automation scientist, AI/ML scientist and digital integration specialist. Several roles can be performed by the same person. 

Where can you learn how to use HTE or is more a case of learning by doing? 

Gysau: Learning how to use a HTE involves a combination of formal training, self-guided study, and hands-on experience. Universities and research institutions offer courses or modules on automation, robotics, and advanced experimentation techniques. In addition, specialised HTE training courses are provided by the suppliers of HTE. Industry conferences and workshops are also contributing to gain knowledge and share experiences among the participants. However, the best training is during the commissioning and testing of the purchased automation system before the installation on-site. 

Reading tip 

In the book “Lab Automation in the Coatings Industry: From Vision to Practice” Detlef Gysau shares more insights into planning, implementation, and optimisation of automated lab processes. It is designed for professionals at all levels – students, beginners, and experienced developers – helping them understand automation as a strategic advantage for efficiency, quality, and innovation. With a strong focus on sustainability, reproducibility, and modern characterization methods, this book is an essential resource for anyone looking to future-proof their lab. 

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