Hitachi High-Tech’s Total Laboratory Automation System Goes Live at Seegene Medical Foundation Seoul
Supporting Korea’s Rapidly Growing In Vitro Diagnostics Market with Digitalized Solutions and Driving a Harmonized Society
Clinical testing center
Tokyo, January 15, 2026 - Hitachi High-Tech Corporation (“Hitachi High-Tech”) has provided the Total Laboratory Automation system LABOSPECT TS to Seegene Medical Foundation Seoul (“SGMF”), a major testing center in the Republic of Korea (“Korea”), and commenced operation on October 8, 2025.
With the introduction of this system, Hitachi High-Tech will continue to meet the growing demand for specimen testing in Korea’s expanding in vitro diagnostics market, contributing to better Quality of Life (QoL) and well-being through digital technology and innovation.
Background
The Korean in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market is expected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.42%, and is projected to expand to USD 2.73 billion by 2030. In Korea’s healthcare landscape, following factors are expected to drive continued growth in specimen testing demand:
-Increasing test volumes due to an aging population and rising prevalence of chronic diseases
-High utilization rates supported by universal NHIS*1 coverage and mandatory screening requirements
-Strong demand for centralized laboratories fueled by the expansion of private testing centers and integrated testing
-Government and venture capital funding for domestic biotech and in vitro diagnostics sectors
*1
NHIS (Korean National Health Insurance Service): Korea’s public health insurance system
Overview of the Total Laboratory Automation System for SGMF
Established in 1990, SGMF provides diagnostic testing, molecular diagnostics, pathology testing, and research testing services for medical institutions, and currently operates five laboratories across Korea.
Full automation of specimen testing began in earnest in 2017 with the introduction of a core laboratory automation system. The rapid increase in the number of specimens in recent years has resulted in a shortage of processing capacity. As part of the SGMF Core Laboratory Renewal Project, the Specimen Laboratory Consulting project was started in 2020. From the outset, Hitachi High-Tech conducted workflow analysis and engaged in extensive discussions with on-site staff to determine the optimal system configuration. As a result, the system was designed around six sets of LABOSPECT TS for high-speed automated pre-processing (such as centrifugation) and six sets of LABOSPECT 008α automated analyzers for high-throughput measurement of enzymes, proteins, metabolites, and other substances, integrated with third-party analyzers to optimize workflow and automate retesting. This system is among the largest in Asia*2.
Furthermore, by combining SGMF’s expertise with Hitachi High-Tech’s long-standing know-how in specimen testing, and implementing digital solutions for efficient multi-system operation, the system achieves both “high processing capability” and “operational efficiency”. This has led to productivity improvements, such as reducing overtime for on-site staff. We received high praise from the Chairman of SGMF, stating: "SGMF was able to grow to the point where it boasts the No.1 in number of tests among Korean testing centers thanks to Hitachi’s automation system."
In Korea, outsourcing of in-hospital testing is expected to progress further, and clinical testing centers are required to achieve complete automation for high-volume processing, shorter processing times, and greater efficiency. In addition to supporting these mission-critical systems with Hitachi High-Tech’s highly reliable systems, we will work to further optimize operations by accumulating system operation data in the future, and by addressing the overall challenges of clinical testing operations in Korea, we will contribute to improving the health of the Korean people.
*2
As of December 2025, according to Hitachi High-Tech’s research
Hitachi’s Connective Industries (CI) Sector that Hitachi High-Tech belongs, focuses on “Integrated Industry Automation”, which aims to expand “HMAX Industry” into growth industries horizontally. “HMAX Industry” provides next-generation solutions for industrial field that combine data from an abundant installed base of products (digitalized assets), domain knowledge, and advanced AI. Business with SGMF stands as a prime example of this commitment. As part of the CI Sector, Hitachi High-Tech aims to drive innovation for frontline workers and contribute to improving people’s well-being through the delivery of “HMAX Industry,” a suite of solutions that embodies Lumada 3.0.
Business Contact
Kenta Akimoto
Sales & Marketing Div.
Diagnostic System Business
Healthcare Business Group
Hitachi High-Tech Corporation