Getting Started with Lab Automation: Requirements, Misconceptions, and Practical Workflows.

We herein provide a practical introduction for chemists with limited prior experience in automation, highlighting requirements, frequent misconceptions and common pitfalls encountered while setting up automated workflows. Key topics include the distinction between automation and autonomy, the development and integration effort typically required, and the central role of robust data capture and handling beyond the bench. Selected literature examples illustrate how substantial benefits can already be achieved with targeted automation of key elements, before moving to more connected end-to-end platforms.