Applied chemistry and robotics in research and development – were they made for each other? Automation and robotics are transforming many workplaces – including chemical labs. What can be achieved, if automated dosage, synthesis, formulation, application, testing is no longer a dream but practical reality? We talked to Lucius Kemp from Clariant, Professor Andy. I. Cooper FRS, from Materials Innovation Factory & Leverhulme Centre for Functional Materials Design and Rolf Gueller from Chemspeed Technologies AG about different aspects and experiences.