Every time we do a state-of-the-industry story, our sources tell us that one of the biggest issues facing the clinical lab field is the shrinking pool of qualified technical lab employees. Apparently, well-trained staff are getting older and retiring, and schools are not turning out enough younger ones to fill the gap. One antidote, of course, is more and better lab automation. The good news is that manufacturers are coming forth with new or improved products, some of which promise to revolutionize laboratory operations.

As we go to press, an estimated 5,000 attendees are networking, attending educational seminars, and viewing approximately 250 exhibits at LabAutomation2007, a 10-year-old trade show in Palm Springs, Calif, that has become a showcase for lab-automation technology.

Sponsored by the Association for Laboratory Automation (ALA), the show has introduced three innovative programs this year:

New Product Awards, highlighting the most innovative products unveiled at the show, were given to three companies that were judged on market opportunity, impact on the field of lab automation and technology, technical originality, and quality of supporting data.

Late Night with LRIG (Laboratory Robotics Interest Group), billed as a “rapid-fire innovation session,” offered a few companies on the leading edge of laboratory automation an interactive commercial venue to pitch their products.

AveNEW, a program intended to promote start-up, entrepreneurial companies in the lab automation and technology field, gave eight companies a chance to participate in the process with free space for their exhibits and posters. Jay Smith, ALA marketing advisory group leader, says the committee took applications from companies that are coming out of incubator networks and are ready to become viable in the marketplace. “They don’t have big budgets, so we set up a section and invited postincubator, prestart-up companies to exhibit technologies. Hopefully, they will become successful.”

In addition, the ALA $10,000 Innovation Award was given to the individual who made a podium presentation exhibiting “independence of thought, clarity of vision, technical originality, and unique integration and automation strategies.” Smith says the purpose was scientific education. “The $10,000 Innovation Award for the best oral presentation was very significant,” he says. “It was one of the things that helped drive scientific content at the show.”

To find out the winners of the $10,000 Innovation Award and the three New Product awards, go to the top of the page and search for LabAutomation2007.

Meanwhile, if you have successfully implemented lab automation technology, please tell me about your experiences via e-mail.

Cheryl Woodruff