Our Journey: Pioneering Laboratory Automation

At IDS, our journey is defined by innovation, passion, and a commitment to transforming healthcare through laboratory automation. Founded in the early 1980s, IDS was built on a bold vision to transform clinical sample processing and pave the way for modern clinical testing—a pioneering spirit that continues to drive us today.
In 1988, we began our journey in laboratory automation by participating in the development of a component within a Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) system. This breakthrough not only reshaped how laboratories manage increasing diagnostic demands but also laid the foundation for our continued evolution as industry innovators. Under the visionary leadership of Chairman Teruaki Itoh —one of the few pioneers of automation in his era—IDS has carved a unique path in the world of clinical laboratory automation. Mr Itoh’s forward-thinking approach and relentless pursuit of excellence for the healthcare industry has been central to IDS growth. His leadership has nurtured a culture of collaboration and ingenuity, ensuring that we not only meet the evolving needs of modern laboratories but also help improve healthcare services and patient outcomes worldwide. Join us as we continue to build on our legacy of innovation, driving the future of diagnostic testing and ensuring that medical laboratories have the appropriate tools they need to deliver better and more reliable care.
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Mr. Teruaki Itoh, currently the Chairman of IDS, had been engaged in the design and manufacturing of automation equipment for semiconductor production for many years.

He led an R&D team in developing automation prototype for pre-analysis processes. Following several successful prototypes, he then established a new medical device division within Itoh Denki Co., Ltd.

The medical division was separated and re-established as standalone corporation – Itoh Denshi Co., Ltd.

Company name changed to IDS Co., Ltd. ​
​Launched our 1st laboratory automation product, TLA-100 in Japan.

IDS signed a distribution agreement with Coulter Corporation to manufacture Sample Preparation Modules (Pre-Analytical Workstations) and Total Laboratory Automation lines.

Introduced AL-500, an automated tube labeler capable of handling eight different tube types and automatically selecting the correct tube for specified analysis.

Expanded Japan office in Osaka & Tokyo. Opened our first office in Seattle, US.

In partnership with Coulter, IDS developed, manufactured and installed Total Laboratory Automation Solutions in two Clinical Reference Laboratories within the US.

 

Launched Sample Transport Automation System IDS-880.

 

Launched IDS-2000 series, a task-targetted workstation that automates specimen aliquoting. Signed a Research Contract with University of Tokyo Hospital to study and advance our Sample Transfer System solutions.

 Launched IDS-3000 -a task-targetted workstation with a higher throughput than IDS-2000.

Extended Partnership Contract with Beckman Coulter, Inc. California, US

 

 

Obtained ISO 13485

Launched a new generation of Total Laboratory Automation IDS-CLAS 8000.

Released a Laboratory Information (LIS) System – LABOWARE in Japan.

 

Upgraded specimen aliquot system to be more compact with a higher throughput

  • IDS-CLAS 3600 (Aliquoting Blood Serum)
  • IDS-CLAS HR (Aliquoting Urine Sample)

 Launched IDS-CLAS 2800, a pre-analytical sample processor that automates the decapping, labeling, aliquoting and sorting processes.

Launched IDS-CLAS X-1 a sample transport system that is belt-less transport track is powered by magnetic induction.

Opened the first building of our state-of-the-art automated factory in Kikuyo city.

 

Launched a second generation of Urine Aliquot System, IDS-Hr2.

IDS-Compact S1 registered with the US FDA.

 

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