The Japan laboratory automation market size reached USD 422.86 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 726.02 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.19% during 2025-2033. The increased demand for high-throughput testing, rising focus on research efficiency to reduce manual workload and enhance experimental precision, rapid adoption of automation to streamline drug discovery and development processes, and deployment of robotics in clinical and pharmaceutical labs are some of the factors contributing to a steady rise in the Japan laboratory automation market share.
Report Attribute
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Key Statistics
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Base Year
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2024
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Forecast Years
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2025-2033
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Historical Years
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2019-2024
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Market Size in 2024 | USD 422.86 Million |
Market Forecast in 2033 | USD 726.02 Million |
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033 | 6.19% |
Pharmaceutical R&D Automation
In Japan pharmaceutical companies are increasingly adopting automation to streamline drug discovery and development processes . Automated liquid handling systems, robotic compound libraries and integrated screening platforms are now widely used to reduce manual workload and enhance experimental precision. These technologies allow researchers to conduct high-throughput screening, data analysis and sample management with minimal human intervention significantly speeding up early-stage drug development. This trend is particularly important as competition in the pharmaceutical sector intensifies and regulatory demands for accuracy increase. As automation becomes a core component of research operations the market forecast anticipates strong adoption among domestic pharma giants and biotech startups. For instance, in July 2023, Chugai Pharmaceutical unveiled its new research center, Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama. The facility emphasizes laboratory automation and AI in drug discovery featuring mobile and dual-armed robots to enhance efficiency and reduce human involvement in routine experimental tasks starting with cell culture experiments. This shift not only boosts efficiency but also reduces operational costs and human error key priorities for research-focused firms. Automation in pharmaceutical labs is expected to remain a critical driver of Japan laboratory automation market growth.
Adoption of Robotics and AI
Laboratories across Japan are increasingly deploying robotic arms, automated sample handlers, and AI-driven software to streamline workflows and minimize human error. In clinical labs, robotics is improving sample processing speed, especially in high-volume diagnostic settings. For instance, in January 2025, Japanese pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo opened a state-of-the-art research lab in San Diego to enhance drug discovery using robotics and automation. This facility aims to streamline data collection and analysis, allowing scientists to focus on innovation and accelerate the development of transformative medicines for global patients. Research institutions are also integrating AI platforms to manage complex datasets, guide experimental planning, and support decision-making in real time. These technologies not only boost precision but also allow labs to handle a higher volume of tests without increasing staff. Japanese firms, backed by a strong robotics manufacturing base, are at the forefront of developing lab-specific automation systems tailored to local needs. Additionally, collaborations between tech companies and life science institutions are accelerating the deployment of AI-enabled solutions. This growing reliance on robotics and AI reflects a strategic shift toward long-term efficiency and scalability in lab operations. As this transformation continues, it is expected to strongly shape the market outlook.
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, equipment and software type, and end user.
Type Insights:
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes modular automation and whole lab automation.
Equipment and Software Type Insights:
A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the equipment and software type have also been provided in the report. This includes automated clinical laboratory systems (workstations, LIMS (laboratory information management systems), sample transport systems, specimen handling systems, and storage retrieval systems) and automated drug discovery laboratory systems (plate readers, automated liquid handling systems, LIMS (laboratory information management systems), robotic systems, storage retrieval systems, and dissolution testing systems).
End User Insights:
A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end user have also been provided in the report. This includes biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, and research and academic institutes.
Regional Insights:
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Kanto Region, Kansai/Kinki Region, Central/Chubu Region, Kyushu-Okinawa Region, Tohoku Region, Chugoku Region, Hokkaido Region, and Shikoku Region.
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.
Report Features | Details |
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Base Year of the Analysis | 2024 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Units | Million USD |
Scope of the Report |
Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Catalysts and Challenges, Segment-Wise Historical and Future Market Assessment:
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Types Covered | Modular Automation, Whole Lab Automation |
Equipment and Software Types Covered |
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End Users Covered | Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies, Hospitals and Diagnostic Laboratories, Research and Academic Institutes |
Regions Covered | Kanto Region, Kansai/Kinki Region, Central/Chubu Region, Kyushu-Okinawa Region, Tohoku Region, Chugoku Region, Hokkaido Region, Shikoku Region |
Customization Scope | 10% Free Customization |
Post-Sale Analyst Support | 10-12 Weeks |
Delivery Format | PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request) |
Key Questions Answered in This Report:
Key Benefits for Stakeholders: