Dubbed Integrated Custom Automation (ICA), the new business will allow the firm to meet growing demand for integration in automated systems, by providing services to pharma companies.
The integration of instrument and technology is a key concept driving the development of advanced laboratory automation.
One of the main advantages of integration is the reduced need for technical staff, as more aspects of the drug development are automated and coordinated, allowing more "walk away" time for scientists.
As a result, the new objective of automated instrumentation suppliers is to offer an all-in-one service for drug makers, by providing fully integrated systems that incorporate biological assays, instrumentation, software and even sample handling.
"There are two scenarios possible when providing a laboratory with an integrated automation system," Philip Blenkinsop, TTP LabTech's managing director, told Labtechnologist.
"First, we can provide the adapted software and for the rest, we pick the equipment available on the market."
However, the equipment needed for automated system is often not available, in which case the firm has to design and develop the pieces of equipment required, said Blenkinsop.
The new services the firm offers lean upon its existing technologies such as automated chemistry systems, bio-pharmaceutical manufacture, and detection instrumentation.
"Our ability to combine engineering skills with scientific expertise is what makes this service so powerful," Blenkinsop concluded.