About us

Born from a world-leading research lab, Automata is transforming the way labs work with open, integrated automation. Our mission is to unlock the potential of labs and the potential of the people who work in them.

Enabling the potential of automation

When two architects from Zaha Hadid’s research lab first approached robotics, their idea was to explore applications specific to architectural engineering.

But they soon discovered that modern automation wasn’t just unnecessarily complex – it was actively restricting innovation. And not just within their industry – within many others too. It was clear that robotic automation was a field where their combined experience in computational research and design could make a real difference.

Assembling a team of industry experts, Automata was founded, with a clear aim: to enable new opportunities for innovation with automation.

Unlocking the potential of labs

Automata’s focus narrowed on an industry where they felt their expertise could have the most impact: the life sciences.

Today, most lab automation tends to be defined by a series of very specialised benchtop instruments that are still reliant on human interaction. But Automata saw an opportunity for a new way of looking at automation in the life sciences: open, integrated automation.

That’s how we came to develop the world’s first fully automated lab bench, and its accompanying software. This enables labs to use staff and resources more effectively by ensuring total walkaway time and consistency, without compromising on valuable lab space.

Automata NHS Southampton

The leadership team

Mostafa ElSayed
Mostafa
CEO & COFOUNDER
Mostafa always has one eye on the future to see how Automata can empower human potential with automation – while keeping his sneakers as crispy as possible, of course.
Pete_Shea_Automata
Pete
CHIEF FINANCIAL & OPERATIONS OFFICER
With experience spanning global brands such as Skyscanner, Amazon, and Sony, Pete is Automata’s Chief Financial and Operations Officer. Day to day, you’ll find him using his keen eye to make sure our finances and operations are running smoothly.
Pantea
HEAD OF DESIGN
Pantea is passionate about problem discovery and designing solutions, skills she puts to practice in both her meticulously-organised garden, and at work, helping scientists simplify the lab environment with automation.
Sven
Sven
VP ENGINEERING
Sven captains the engineering department – and his own canal boat. He’s committed to solving the biggest challenges of accelerating automation across software & hardware.
Nick
Nick
VP OF PRODUCT & STRATEGY
Nick’s obsessed with research, and developing products that enable scientists to innovate in the lab space – a great resource for the weekly pub quiz!
Karian
Karian
HEAD OF PEOPLE
Karian leads our people group. She’s keenly focused on scaling the team, engagement, L&D, culture – and puppy operations. Yes that last part is correct.

Resources

NHS partners with Automata to automate testing facility

Discover how University Hospital Southampton (UHS) rapidly scaled up capacity to meet new high throughput targets

Scaling diagnostic testing with lab automation

Efficiency in lab diagnostics is critical to ensuring the best possible patient outcomes. Here’s how to use automation to help you reach a better efficiency.

Using automation to improve your diagnostic efficiency

Efficiency in lab diagnostics is critical to ensuring the best possible patient outcomes. Here’s how to use automation to help you reach a better efficiency.

The journey to the fully automated labs of the future

Learn how to transform the way your lab works by driving the adoption of open, integrated automation at scale

News and insights

How to ensure lab reproducibility with automation

Explore the value of reproducibility in the lab, and how automation can…

Read more How to ensure lab reproducibility with automation
Five ways we redesigned the lab bench for automation

How we reimagined the lab bench for automation.

Read more Five ways we redesigned the lab bench for automation
Shot-of-scientists-working-in-a-lab
How to improve turnaround time in the lab

Discover how lab turnaround time can be reduced through automation, without compromising…

Read more How to improve turnaround time in the lab

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