LABMAN AUTOMATION LIMITED

Their core work

Labman is a UK-based SME that designs and builds custom laboratory automation systems, particularly portable and point-of-care diagnostic devices. In H2020 projects, they contribute engineering expertise to translate biomarker-based detection methods into compact, user-friendly instruments suitable for field deployment. Their work spans from biosensor hardware for osteoporosis risk assessment to automated screening platforms for cervical cancer detection in underserved communities.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Labman entered H2020 in 2017 with PoCOsteo, focused on a point-of-care biosensor for osteoporosis using genomic and proteomic biomarkers — a manufacturing-oriented instrumentation challenge. From 2019 onward, their work shifted decisively toward cervical cancer screening, with both ELEVATE and CHILI emphasising portable HPV detection devices designed for community-based deployment in underserved settings. The trajectory shows a clear move from general diagnostic device engineering toward purpose-built screening instruments for global health applications.

Labman is moving toward affordable, field-deployable diagnostic automation for global health challenges, making them a strong partner for projects targeting low-resource healthcare settings.

How they like to work

Labman participates exclusively as a partner, never as coordinator — consistent with their role as a specialist SME contributing engineering capability to research-led consortia. With 16 unique partners across 13 countries in just 3 projects, they operate in large, internationally diverse consortia rather than tight repeat-partner clusters. This suggests they are adaptable collaborators comfortable integrating into new teams and taking direction from academic or clinical leads.

Labman has worked with 16 distinct partners across 13 countries in three projects, indicating broad European and potentially global reach through health-focused research consortia. Their network is diverse rather than concentrated, reflecting the multinational nature of clinical screening projects.

What sets them apart

Labman bridges the gap between laboratory science and field-ready instrumentation — they are not a research group generating knowledge, but an automation company that turns biomarker assays into physical, deployable devices. Few SMEs combine deep expertise in custom lab automation with direct experience building instruments for low-resource, community-based health screening. For any consortium that needs to move a diagnostic concept from bench to portable prototype, Labman brings proven engineering delivery.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PoCOsteo
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 795,972), tackling the unusual challenge of an in-office osteoporosis risk device combining genomic and proteomic biosensors.
• CHILI
  Targets HPV screening implementation in low-income countries with self-sampling — represents Labman's furthest reach into global health and community deployment.
• ELEVATE
  Focuses on reaching underserved women with portable cervical cancer screening, demonstrating Labman's ability to engineer user-friendly devices for non-specialist operators.