Intelligent automation for laboratory workflows

(See Beckhoff at Machine Building North, 13 May 2026, on stand 32)

A key attraction on the stand will be a live demonstration combining Beckhoff's XTS intelligent transport system with a Dobot collaborative robot. The XTS combines linear and rotary drive principles, while TwinCAT integrates PLC, motion control and robotics functions on a single Industrial PC.

At London Lab Live, visitors will see the cobot track and interact with independently moving XTS movers in real time, coordinated by one Beckhoff Industrial PC running TwinCAT 3 automation software. The demonstration is designed to show how laboratory and production teams can handle vials, cartridges, microplates and consumables more flexibly, while reducing the need for mechanical changeover.

Because the movers can be controlled individually, the system can adapt to different process steps and container formats within the same machine architecture. The open approach also makes it easier to integrate third-party robotics, existing instruments and wider automation systems, giving users a practical route from laboratory-scale development through to full production.

"Many pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturers want to automate handling tasks without creating rigid systems that are difficult to adapt," said Bradley McEwan, business development manager at Beckhoff UK. "Our demonstration at London Lab Live shows how transport and robotics can be coordinated in real time on a single control platform. That gives users the flexibility to work with different container types, adapt workflows quickly and scale automation more effectively as requirements change."

McEwan and technical support engineer Sebastian Lindqvist will be available on stand B51 throughout the show to discuss how Beckhoff's PC-based control technology can support laboratory automation projects. Visitors can register for the event through the London Lab Live website.