From laboratory furniture to connected platforms: 80 years of evolution

Marking its 80th anniversary, Köttermann GmbH is reflecting on how laboratory infrastructure has evolved from standalone equipment into connected platforms that support digitalisation, sustainability and safety.

Founded in 1946, the company has witnessed significant changes in laboratory design and operation. Where fume cupboards, refrigerators and storage systems once operated independently, modern laboratories increasingly rely on connected workflows that link equipment, monitoring systems and data management.

At analytica 2026, Köttermann demonstrated a connected sample workflow in which samples move from monitored cold storage through preparation and analysis to digital documentation. The approach illustrates how laboratory infrastructure is becoming an active part of data-driven laboratory operations.

The company also highlighted the role of connectivity in improving sustainability. Technologies from Siemens can record energy consumption and quality-related data in real time, helping laboratories identify inefficiencies and optimise energy-intensive processes.

Fume cupboards remain among the largest consumers of energy in many laboratories, making efficient operation increasingly important. Demand-controlled ventilation systems can reduce energy consumption by adjusting airflow according to requirements, while intelligent control systems allow users to manage exhaust performance more effectively.

“Digitalisation in the laboratory did not begin today. Many of the requirements now discussed under the term ‘smart laboratory’ have accompanied us for decades,” said Dr Christof Behrens, Head of Product Management at Köttermann.

The company noted that its involvement in laboratory digitalisation dates back to the early 1980s, when it developed computer-controlled environmental simulators capable of automated operation and graphical data visualisation.

Connectivity is also playing a growing role in laboratory safety. Monitoring systems can track equipment status and operating conditions, while integrated fire protection technologies can automatically respond to abnormal temperature conditions within laboratory equipment.

As Köttermann celebrates eight decades in laboratory infrastructure, the company sees connected and data-driven environments as the next stage in the evolution of the modern laboratory.

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