Global Liquid Handling System Market - Focused Insights 2021-2030

LIQUID HANDLING SYSTEM MARKET SIZE ANALYSIS

The global liquid handling systems market was valued at USD 4.34 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 6.75 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.64%. The market is gaining momentum due to increased clinical R&D, rising demand for diagnostics, and expanding lab automation. Advancements in robotics, automation, and the integration of AI and machine learning are also expected to create significant growth opportunities.

LIQUID HANDLING SYSTEM MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Innovating Liquid Handling Systems for Next-Generation Genomics

The evolution of liquid handling systems—from the hazardous mouth pipetting methods of the early 20th century to the introduction of air-displacement mechanical pipettes in the 1950s—marked a turning point in genomics, a key driver of market revenue today. The shift to advanced semi- and fully-automated systems has further revolutionized genomics research, delivering greater precision, safety, and efficiency. According to SPT Labtech (2023), these innovations are empowering scientists in the genomic revolution. A breakthrough in this field is Next-generation Sequencing (NGS), which has made high-scale, cost-effective sequencing possible.

Innovations in Microplate Reagent Dispensers for Liquid Handling Systems

Microplate reagent dispensers have evolved into technology-driven tools, offering precise, automated, and versatile liquid handling for various life sciences applications. Their growing integration with robotics and automation systems makes them highly reliable in modern laboratories. Several market players are enhancing microplate dispensing to differentiate their offerings. For example, BioTek’s range of washers and dispensers integrates seamlessly with robotic systems for greater efficiency. It's multimode dispenser, the MultiFlo FX, supports 6- to 1536-well plates and features advanced technologies like automated media exchange (AMX), random access dispense (RAD), and parallel dispense modules.

Importance of Liquid Handling in Drug Discovery & Development

Liquid handling systems play a critical role in nearly every stage of drug discovery and development (DDD). Focusing on liquid handling quality assurance (LHQA) early in the DDD process is a key strategy for biopharma companies to improve operational efficiency and trial quality. Implementing LHQA from compound preparation to clinical studies helps reduce both time and costs. According to the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (2023), over 40–55 new drugs are launched annually, with more than 10,000 compounds in development globally. This surge in clinical studies is driving strong demand for advanced liquid handling systems.

LIQUID HANDLING SYSTEMS MARKET SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

1. By Product: In 2024, the pipettes segment held the largest global liquid handling systems market share, exceeding 28%. Pipettes are essential tools in various laboratories, enabling precise liquid handling while ensuring lab personnel safety. Widely used by scientists, researchers, lab technicians, and students, pipettes are available in both single- and multi-channel formats with accuracy rates within 3% of the specified volume. Volumetric pipettes, known for their precision, are particularly favored in chemical research and biopharmaceutical labs, driving strong demand. Additionally, advancements in automation and robotics are further boosting the adoption of pipettes in lab operations.
2. By Method: The manual segment is experiencing significant growth, with the fastest-growing CAGR of 8.75% during the forecast period. Manual liquid handling methods provide a cost-effective and efficient solution, using limited resources and relying on human operation for tasks like dispensing and pipetting. Common tools include manual pipettes, micropipettes, and bottle-top dispensers. The affordability, accessibility, and minimal training requirements of these methods are driving their adoption. They are widely used in scientific, clinical, and research labs, with increasing demand from academic institutions and small to medium-sized laboratories fueling segment growth.
3. By Application: The drug discovery and development segment leads the global liquid handling systems market, holding the largest share. As liquid handling applications expand within drug discovery, the demand for precise and efficient solutions is growing, driven by the thousands of clinical studies and trials in progress. Advancements in automation, robotics, and technologies like AI, machine learning, and cloud computing are enabling researchers to explore molecular processes more precisely and quickly. Liquid handling tools offer benefits such as cost and time savings, reduced human error, and minimized material waste, addressing key challenges in drug discovery. The rising demand for advanced medicinal products continues to fuel the adoption of these systems in R&D.
4. By End-User: Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies dominate the global liquid handling systems market, driven by increased R&D activities, a growing number of clinical trials, and a rising focus on personalized medicine. Biopharma companies are investing heavily in clinical research and pharmaceutical manufacturing, where liquid handling systems—especially for pipetting and fluid dispensing—are vital for operational efficiency and precision. The global demand for advanced therapies has spurred the development of biological drugs like vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and cell and gene therapies (CGTs). In these areas, automated liquid handling (ALH) systems are gaining popularity for their high-throughput capabilities and fast processing. As these companies manage thousands of clinical tests and samples, the need to reduce manual labor and associated risks is driving greater reliance on liquid handling systems.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

North America leads the global liquid handling systems market, holding around 30% of the total market share. The high demand in this region is driven by the strong presence of biotech and pharmaceutical companies, research labs, and academic institutions focused on advanced research. The U.S. and Canada are seeing significant growth in healthcare R&D, clinical labs, and the adoption of automation and robotics. With numerous small, medium, and large market players offering liquid handling solutions for diagnostics, biopharmaceutical R&D, and academic research, North America also has the highest global expenditure on clinical research, solidifying its market leadership.

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

The global liquid handling systems market report highlights data on 39 key vendors, including Agilent Technologies, Danaher, Eppendorf, Corning, METTLER TOLEDO, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Tecan Trading AG, which hold significant market share. These companies offer advanced liquid handling systems that meet customer needs and regulatory standards. To strengthen their market position, major players are enhancing product efficiency and expanding their geographical reach. Strategies such as product launches, new developments with advanced technologies, and material innovations have intensified competition. These efforts have enabled vendors to capture a larger revenue share in the market.

RECENT VENDORS ACTIVITIES

1. In 2024, Hamilton, one of the global manufacturers of automated liquid handling systems, launched its latest innovation, ZEUS X1- (Z- Excursion Universal Sampler = eXchange Series 1ml) combines the company’s advanced Compressed O-Ring Expansion (CO-RE II) technology with air displacement pipetting technology.
2. In 2024, Eppendorf, one of the leading companies in the life sciences industry, launched the Enhance Feature Set GxP software extension for its epMotion automated liquid handling systems.
3. In 2023, Scientific Laboratory Suppliers, one of the major distributors of laboratory solutions, launched Eppendorf’s epMotion Series for Automated Liquid Handling Systems.