Molecular Devices Partners with Automata to Expand Access to Automated, AI-Ready Research Solutions

Collaboration integrates Molecular Devices' imaging and detection systems with Automata's LINQ platform to enable connected, scalable research workflows.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:47am

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Molecular Devices, a leading provider of life science solutions, has announced a new collaboration with Automata, a London-based lab automation company. The partnership will integrate Molecular Devices' automated imaging and detection systems with Automata's LINQ platform, providing researchers with a scalable, interoperable foundation for fully connected research workflows that support the generation of high-quality datasets for AI-powered discovery.

Why it matters

As labs face increasing pressure to boost throughput and data quality while managing limited hands-on resources, this partnership aims to address these challenges by offering a seamless integration of automated instruments and AI-ready platforms. The collaboration enhances life science lab connectivity and enables researchers to streamline their workflows and increase productivity.

The details

The collaboration includes Danaher Ventures' participation in Automata's Series C funding round and a board appointment, alongside expanded automation options enabled by the integration of Beckman Coulter Life Sciences instruments. Molecular Devices has a history of designing instruments for automated environments, and the integration of its microplate readers and high-content screening systems with Automata's LINQ platform will give customers a clear path to connected, scalable workflows.

  • The partnership was announced on January 29, 2026.
  • Additional details will be shared during the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) Annual Meeting in February 2026.

The players

Molecular Devices, LLC.

A leading provider of high-performance life science solutions and an operating company of Danaher Corporation.

Automata

A London-based lab automation company developing fully integrated, AI-ready platforms for life science researchers.

Danaher Corporation

A global science and technology leader that owns Molecular Devices.

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences

A provider of life science instruments that will be integrated with the Automata LINQ platform as part of the collaboration.

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What they’re saying

“Many of today's scientific teams are working to increase productivity and data quality without adding operational complexity. Combining Molecular Devices' microplate readers and high-content screening systems with Automata's LINQ platform gives customers a clear path to connected, scalable workflows.”

— Lars Hartvig Kristiansen, Vice President, Product Innovation and Strategy, Molecular Devices (PRNewswire)

What’s next

Additional details about the partnership will be shared during the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) Annual Meeting in February 2026.

The takeaway

This collaboration between Molecular Devices and Automata aims to address the challenges faced by life science labs in boosting throughput and data quality while managing limited resources. By integrating automated imaging and detection systems with an AI-ready platform, the partnership provides researchers with a scalable and connected workflow solution to drive productivity and accelerate discovery.