You might have been told that no-code automation solutions can handle your lab workflows seamlessly.
That's a myth—unless you only need a simple reader-feeder setup.
But real-world lab automation? It's complex. It's nuanced. It's not plug-and-play.
The Marketing Myth
At Lab Donkey we believe that no-code solutions are largely a marketing concept. Yes, we have drag-and-drop workflow building and execution, and you can define your entire workflow without writing a single line of code. But lab automation doesn't end there—because data integration, validation, and error handling aren't the same for everyone.
A workflow isn't just about defining steps; it's about ensuring everything works together in a real-world environment, and that's where true automation expertise comes in.
Optimizing Beyond the Workflow
Even when a workflow is fully built and instruments are configured, we still sit down and look at ways to optimize the flow.
- Could we process plates faster?
- Could we reduce exposure times?
- Could we make small tweaks that improve efficiency and reliability?
These are the questions we ask and the problems we solve.
We Do the Donkey Work
And to be clear, we don't expect the end user to code—that's our job.
If you can code, we'll support you. If you can't, that's exactly why we exist. We do the donkey work so you can focus on the science.
Why Templates Don't Work
There's a reason why no automation software comes with a pre-built template for NGS or cell culture—because no two labs implement the exact same process. And we shouldn't.
Innovation in lab automation doesn't come from copying someone else's process. It comes from rethinking workflows, refining methodologies, and building systems that fit your specific scientific needs.
Built Differently
This is why Lab Donkey is built differently. We don't sell the illusion of simplicity—we sell real flexibility for labs that need automation that works the way they work.
What do you think? Is no-code/low-code the future, or is it just another industry buzzword?