Recent advancements in automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping research and development (R&D) laboratories, as highlighted in a report by McKinsey & Company. The report indicates that comprehensive R&D automation could expedite product market entry by over 500 days and potentially reduce development costs by 25%.
Investment in lab automation is gaining momentum, moving beyond initial pilot projects. At the Institute of Science Tokyo’s Robotics Innovation Center, ten robots currently operate a biology lab, with plans to scale up to thousands by 2040. Additionally, Eli Lilly and Nvidia announced a co-investment of up to $1 billion over five years in robotics and AI for drug discovery, while Novo Nordisk has acquired an autonomous laboratory from Ginkgo Bioworks for use in its new Massachusetts research facility.
According to JLL’s 2026 Life Sciences Real Estate Trends to Watch, AI-focused biotechnology companies utilize 15-20% less R&D lab space compared to their traditional counterparts. However, the infrastructure requirements for this space are significantly higher, necessitating reinforced flooring for robotic systems, continuous high-density power supported by uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and advanced cooling systems capable of managing high heat loads.
As a result, commercial real estate teams must adapt their building specifications to accommodate not only standard bench space but also the demands of robotics and advanced computing technologies.
Sustainability Challenges in Lab Design
R&D laboratories are inherently resource-intensive, consuming two to three times the energy and four to five times the water compared to typical office spaces. Many laboratories operate continuously and require stringent controls for temperature and humidity, resulting in ventilation needs that exceed those of standard offices.
As environmental sustainability concerns grow, life sciences companies are increasingly making commitments to achieve net-zero emissions. Currently, 97 companies have validated their goals through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), with about one-third of these firms based in Asia. Facility-level changes to meet sustainability standards are on the rise, with over 4,500 laboratories worldwide certified by My Green Lab for sustainable practices, a significant increase from just 17 in 2016.
The starting point for facility management teams aiming to enhance energy efficiency should focus on areas with the highest energy consumption. My Green Lab reports that HVAC systems alone account for approximately 60% of a lab’s energy usage, followed by plug loads at 22%.
