Enhanced Lab Data Management and AI Critical to Labs of the Future, Finds Survey

Data plays a key role in the transformation of today’s digital laboratories, acting both as a key challenge and a catalyst for innovation, as revealed by a survey of over 150 scientists.

Managing and navigating data overload emerged as the most pressing issue affecting lab workflows. Yet this influx of data also presents a significant opportunity: participants identified AI’s ability to process and derive insights from the massive quantities of data generated by instruments, experiments, and other sources as its most valuable application going forward. This contrast positions data not only as a complication but also as the essential ingredient driving future AI-powered advancements in the lab. The survey, conducted by Titian Software (Westborough, MA, USA)—provider of the Mosaic sample management platform—and Labguru (Westborough, MA, USA), a provider of LIMS, ELN, inventory, and data management solutions, explores the evolving digital landscape of lab operations in the life sciences field.

Despite the anticipated transformative impact of AI and machine learning on laboratory practices, many labs are still not fully equipped to capitalize on these technologies. Foundational hurdles persist, with a strong focus on streamlining inventory management and reducing reliance on manual tasks. A notable 65% of respondents highlighted reagent and supply inventory management as the primary technology they aim to implement. Additionally, 77% believe that automation will be the leading driver of change by 2026, emphasizing the need to resolve operational bottlenecks before labs can integrate more advanced technologies. These trends held consistently across all lab types—from large pharmaceutical companies to emerging startups. Although interest in innovative tools like robotics and AI continues to grow, just 15% of labs report being fully digitized, and nearly 50% still depend on manual procedures.

Looking ahead, 45% of those surveyed plan to roll out advanced lab technologies such as AI within the next two years, yet 25% either have no immediate plans or expect implementation will take more than five years. This divide signals a critical transition period where foundational improvements must come first to unlock AI’s full capabilities. The main promise of AI lies in its capacity to interpret the vast and complex volumes of data generated in labs. Around 24% of respondents named handling data from experiments and instruments as the most important role for AI in lab operations over the next five years. Furthermore, 54% pointed to data overload and management as a central force prompting change. The issue isn’t just about the quantity of data; it’s the complexity spanning various modalities, which adds strain in areas such as automation, storage, acquisition, compliance, and regulatory adherence. As AI shifts from theoretical promise to practical necessity, the life sciences sector is on the verge of significant transformation. Although organizations generally recognize AI’s potential to streamline operations, speed up discovery, and clarify complex datasets, overall digital maturity varies widely, and challenges like data fragmentation and doubt around AI-generated results continue to hinder progress.

"Labs today are generating more data than ever before, but without the right systems in place, that data becomes a burden instead of a benefit," said Keith Hale, Group Chief Executive Officer at Titian Software and Labguru. "Better data practices and smarter sample and inventory management are essential not only for improving day-to-day operations but also for setting the stage for more advanced capabilities. AI cannot deliver real, meaningful benefit without connected and well-managed data. That is where we come in. By helping labs streamline and structure their operations and data management today, we can enable the power of AI to transform the labs of tomorrow."

Related Links:
Titian Software
Labguru