APPLICATIONS
THAT SCALE
From single-assay handling to multi-instrument workcells, Lab Donkey adapts to your lab and grows with your needs.
Automating Every Lab Process
Lab Donkey connects your entire laboratory ecosystem
High-Throughput Screening
Process large assay volumes with deterministic scheduling and automated quality checks.
- ✓384- and 1536-well plate handling
- ✓Cherry-picking and reformatting
- ✓Real-time run status and audit logs
Compound Management
Protect sample integrity with automated storage, retrieval, and tracking.
- ✓Automated tube and labware storage workflows
- ✓Chain-of-custody and temperature metadata
- ✓Freezer/incubator integration
Cell Culture Automation
Standardize feeding, passaging, and monitoring.
- ✓Automated media exchange and liquid handling
- ✓Incubator and shaker integration
- ✓Confluence/time-in-incubator tracking
Clinical Testing
Support regulated workflows with full traceability.
- ✓End-to-end sample tracking and audit trails
- ✓Barcode and RFID ready
- ✓Reporting exports for LIMS/quality review
Sample Preparation
Accelerate dilutions, normalizations, and aliquoting.
- ✓Serial dilution protocols
- ✓Normalization workflows
- ✓Genealogy tracking between inputs and outputs
Biobanking & Storage
Maintain large libraries with confidence.
- ✓−80 °C freezer integration
- ✓Lifecycle and freeze–thaw tracking
- ✓Inventory dashboards and alerts
The Lab Donkey Engine
At the center of every application is the Lab Donkey Engine; software that coordinates robots, dispensers, washers, incubators, readers, and sensors. It schedules work deterministically, manages hand-offs, and adapts in real time when conditions change. Every action is recorded in plain-language logs so scientists and engineers always know what happened and why.
Built-In Error Recovery
Errors happen; runs shouldn't grind to a halt. Lab Donkey detects issues and applies safe recovery paths automatically.
- Automatic retries with device-specific back-off
- Safe rerouting when a device is busy or down
- Pause/continue with clear, human-readable guidance
- Recovery sequences versioned and validated with each workflow
Consumables, Tracked and Transparent
Automation depends on everything around the instruments. Lab Donkey tracks labware, tips, reagents, labels, and waste in real time.
- Live counts for labware, tips, and reagents
- Barcode & RFID integration
- Waste/reagent level monitoring and alerts
Freedom to Connect Any Instrument
Labs are multi-vendor by nature. Lab Donkey connects to instruments from different providers over REST, TCP/IP, or serial: no lock-in.
- Robots · Washers · Dispensers · Incubators · Shakers · Readers
- Dockerized drivers and an open SDK for new devices
- Works online and offline; syncs when connectivity returns
Automation That Works for Scientists
Most platforms speak only to engineers. Lab Donkey is built for everyday lab use.
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Logs and status in plain language
- Clear recovery explanations anyone can follow
Fast to Deploy, Backed by Experts
Pilots run in weeks, not months. Our UK base and U.S. partner sites provide local support, and our containerized architecture makes updates and scaling straightforward.
- Weeks to first workflow
- UK HQ plus partners in San Diego and Boston
- Modern Docker-based updates without downtime
Example Workflows
See how Lab Donkey coordinates complex multi-step processes.
Automated ELISA Processing
Sample preparation (dilutions and standards)
Labware coating and incubation
Automated washing (3× cycles)
Detection and analysis (read assays, export reports)
Lab Donkey handles: precise timing windows, transport between devices, error checkpoints, traceable data export.
High-Throughput PCR Setup
Template normalization
Master-mix distribution to 384-well plates
Sample addition
Thermal cycling and run tracking
Lab Donkey handles: concurrent labware scheduling, tip tracking, instrument state monitoring, and audit-ready logs.
Why Choose Lab Donkey for Your Lab?
Flexible & Scalable
Start with one workflow, scale to many without rework. Our platform grows with your needs
Resilient & Traceable
Automatic recovery and full audit trails by default
Deterministic Scheduling
Reliable timing, priorities, and time windows for consistent results
Online & Offline
Run locally without the cloud; sync when you're back online
Ready to Automate Your Lab?
Our experts will help you design the perfect workflow for your specific needs