Understanding the modern laboratory’s function starts with appreciating the complexity of the healthcare systems it supports. Across Asia, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China, laboratories range from small independent facilities performing benchtop tests to large reference laboratories—complex core facilities that process 5,000 to 10,000 tubes daily, averaging six to seven tests per tube. These labs are integral to the hospital ecosystem, serving the needs of patients, doctors, and researchers while supporting the hospital’s multifaceted operations, including adult and pediatric care, elective and emergency surgeries, gynecology, and active outpatient programs.
The challenge lies in balancing these demands within a region that houses 65% of the world’s population yet operates below OECD norms for healthcare infrastructure and professionals. With insufficient hospital beds, a shortage of healthcare workers, and a rapidly aging population, the pressure on laboratories to perform efficiently and accurately has never been greater.
A Need for Innovation: Moving Beyond Traditional Models
Following traditional models of healthcare infrastructure from Western Europe or the US is no longer viable in Asia. The unique population dynamics, combined with limited resources, demand an innovative approach to healthcare delivery. Laboratories, as the backbone of diagnostic processes, must adopt systems that are not only efficient but also adaptive to evolving healthcare needs.
Vertical integration across the patient care chain is critical. This means ensuring seamless diagnostic processes—from sample collection to reporting—while ensuring the hospital meets the expectations of its diverse range of stakeholders. Laboratories must innovate to improve turnaround times, enhance accuracy, and minimize the reliance on manual processes.
Our Role: Driving Innovation Through Custom Design
This is where our department plays a key role. By collaborating with laboratories of all sizes, we design systems tailored to their specific needs. Whether it’s optimizing workflows for a small independent lab or engineering high-throughput solutions for a core laboratory handling thousands of samples daily, we ensure that each design contributes to the larger goal of improving patient outcomes.
Through our work, we address the real-world challenges of laboratory operations, empowering healthcare providers to navigate the complexities of modern medicine with confidence and precision. This is not just about meeting the current demands but about leading the way in shaping a more sustainable and innovative future for diagnostics in Asia and beyond.
At IDS, we thrive on ambitious challenges and seeing our solutions implement in real life keeps us motivated. As long as our customers request innovative and complex solutions, we will always be ready to respond.
Our systems bridge the gap between pre-analytical processing and analyzers from various manufacturers, accommodating a wide range of specimen container sizes and delivery methods. While we often rely on standard modules for system designs, some projects require customized features to meet unique operational needs. In such cases, our dedicated teams take the lead in expanding capabilities—modifying existing designs or developing entirely new mechanisms.
Early collaboration with customers is central to our success. By engaging with stakeholders at the start of the sales cycle, we gain a deep understanding of their desired capabilities, allowing us to craft tailored solutions that align seamlessly with their workflows. For example, our single-tube transport system—capable of connecting to rack transport or analyzer personality systems—was designed with flexibility in mind. Similarly, we developed a groundbreaking four-axis aliquot mechanism to double system throughput, addressing a critical demand for efficiency.
At IDS, we don’t view challenging requests as obstacles. Instead, we embrace them, confident in our ability to deliver customized solutions without delays. This mindset has been instrumental in developing cutting-edge capabilities that redefine laboratory automation.
From Concept to Execution: The IDS Design Process
Every system we create starts with evaluating how automation can replicate and improve manual tasks. This critical phase focuses on efficiency, ensuring each system delivers measurable benefits. Using CAD models, we visualize and refine designs, incorporating changes seamlessly during commercialization. Thanks to our integrated manufacturing, we can quickly adapt to evolving customer needs.
While customization often begins as a one-off solution, successful features frequently evolve into standard modules, benefiting a broader range of clients. During development, we meticulously calculate timing and operational flows for every step of a module, creating a foundation for robust control systems. This information not only drives future projects but also supports patent applications, reinforcing our commitment to innovation.
Building Knowledge and Pioneering Solutions
Every project at IDS is an opportunity to expand our expertise. The unique needs of each customer inspire creative problem-solving and continuous learning. Our collaborative environment encourages team consultation and rapid feedback, ensuring that proposed solutions are effective and reliable.
This cumulative knowledge, combined with our technical and practical expertise, has solidified IDS’s position as a leader in laboratory automation. With each system we design, we strive to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering solutions that transform laboratory operations and create a lasting impact.