IDS history began in 1957, when Chairman Teruaki Ito founded an electrical engineering company that steadily expanded into the development of custom industrial machines and automation systems. In the late 1970s, the company transformed its expertise into pioneering laboratory automation systems, which laid the foundation for its global role in open automation solutions.
Itoh Denki (Ito Electric Manufacturing), 伊藤電機製作所, was established as a specialized electrical and machinery workshop in Kumamoto.
From the outset, the company focused on custom-built electrical systems, control panels, and factory automation related equipment for public infrastructure, commercial facilities, and industrial clients.
In 1975, Itoh Denki (Ito Electric Manufacturing), 伊藤電機製作所, was entrusted with the maintenance of the AutoChemist automated analyzers. At the time, automated analyzers were large and highly complex systems. Taking on this engagement from Japan Medical Laboratory (JML) became a defining moment for Itoh Electric, steering the company toward laboratory automation services and establishing an enduring commitment to product improvement and original system development.
Ito-san made his first technical visit to the Indianapolis, following a request from American Monitor, a U.S.-based diagnostics company. The objective was to evaluate blood analyzers that were under development for use at Japan Medical Laboratory (JML).
This exposure sparked a greater awareness of the challenges surrounding blood handling safety and efficiency in clinical laboratories.
In 1981, Ito-san further advanced his automatic tube decapper concept, aiming to introduce safer, contact-free sample handling to the U.S. market. At the time, many hospitals had not yet recognized the need for such automation as labour was readily available despite lack of safety.
While the technology was ahead of its time, the experience strengthened Ito’s conviction that laboratory automation and safety would soon become essential.
Itoh Denki (Ito Electric Manufacturing), 伊藤電機製作所 signed a joint development contract with Mitsui & Co. to deliver 20 units of a Medical Electronic (ME) device interface for Japan Medical Research Institute. The device functioned as a computer interface connecting blood analysis and electrocardiogram inspection equipment, enabling the storage of test results.
Itoh Denki (Ito Electric Manufacturing), 伊藤電機製作所, developed an automatic test tube decapper as a market-ready product, capable of sensing a loaded test tube and automatically removing the cap. Eliminating the need for repeated button operation by laboratory staff. This was a breakthrough for a equipment to allow a laboratory staff to walk away to manage other task.
Following its development, the system was manufactured and supplied over a multi-year period in response to orders received through Mitsui & Co.
In July 1984, Ito Denshi (伊藤電子, Itoh Electronics Co., Ltd.) was established as a subsidiary to support expanding electronics and automation system development activities.
Ito-san developed an aliquoting system prototype, capable of automatically dividing blood samples into multiple secondary tubes based on test requirements.
The system was recognized under the Technical Improvement Subsidy program of Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) validating its technical innovation.
The technology was later introduced in the United States by a Professor from Kurume University School of Medicine, raising awareness of the company among overseas laboratories.
Jointly developed with Mitsui & Co. an automatic sorting and dispensing system capable of handling various sample tube types, with a throughput of up to 1,000 blood samples per hour.
The first completed unit was delivered to Japan Medical Laboratory (JML) in Kasuga City, Fukuoka Prefecture, in late 1986.
A new stand-alone company, Itoh Denshi (Ito Electronics), 伊藤電子, was established to focus exclusively on medical automation manufacturing. Separating the group’s other electrical manufacturing operations.
Through Ito’s established relationship with Kokusai Shiyaku*, Itoh Denshi exhibited its technology at a major medical trade show in Florida, USA.
This marked IDS’s first major international presentation of its laboratory automation concepts which further sharpened IDS’s understanding of real-world laboratory needs.
*Kokusai Shiyaku was a company based in Kobe, which researched, manufactured, and sold specimen testing reagents,
IDS completed and installed its first fully integrated sample pre-analytical transport system, later known as TLA-100 at the Shimane Medical University.
Key milestones
Following this breakthrough, the company was renamed IDS.
IDS’s open and modular specimen transport system gained U.S. attention through its deployment at Shimane Medical University, where it was connected to Coulter analyzers and demonstrated interoperability with third-party systems.
This led to multiple visits by laboratory partners and Coulter representatives to Kumamoto for technical discussions, on-site inspections, and continued exchange of ideas and needs.
IDS signed a distribution agreement with Coulter Corporation, which led to collaborative efforts in developing custom laboratory automation systems tailored to the needs of laboratories globally.
From 1994 onward, IDS expanded its role in the global manufacturing and deployment of laboratory automation systems, working closely partners to design solutions tailored to specific operational needs.
During this period, the company also achieved rapid growth in market share within the domestic Japanese market and neighboring regions, including South Korea.
Pre-analytical Sample Preparation & Transport System
Pre- & Post-analytical Sample Preparation & Transport System
Blood Collection Tube Labeling Device
Blood Collection Tube Labeling & Sorting Device
Pre-analytical Sample Preparation & Transport System
Pre-analytical Sample Preparation & Transport System
Integrated Aliquot System
Integrated Aliquot System
Integrated Aliquot System
Pre-analytical Sample Preparation System
Integrated Aliquot System
Integrated Aliquot System
Pre-analytical Sample Preparation System
Lab Information System
Urine Aliquot System
Automatic Tube Labeler
Integrated Aliquot System
Beltless TLA
IDS-CLAS X10
Urine Aliquot System
Workcell Automation
From pioneering Japan’s early automation systems to delivering advanced open platforms for today’s laboratories.
Join us in shaping the future. As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence.
