LADS OPC UA

VACUUBRAND is showcasing vacuum pumps with LADS interface at analytica in Munich 2026, making vacuum technology an integrated part of the digital laboratory infrastructure. The new manufacturer-independent communication standard LADS OPC UA (Laboratory and Analytical Device Standard) enables standardized networking of laboratory devices and software from different manufacturers for the first time – for control, monitoring, and data logging.

VACUUBRAND offers comprehensive LADS support for selected new vacuum pumps with integrated VACUU·SELECT vacuum controller (e.g., PC 3001 VARIO select). These LADS-enabled devices can be supplied upon request, allowing seamless integration into networked laboratory environments. 

In the first version, the LADS interface supports the following functions:

• Process control: Select, start, monitor, and stop processes; Set process parameters (e.g., target pressure, process duration)
• Monitoring: System and operating status; Current pressure values; Selected accessories (e.g., level sensors, valves)
• Asset management: Provision of information (e.g., device name, location, operating hours, manufacturing date, serial number, software version)
• Data management: Download of process and result logs

All systems and providers that support OPC UA can integrate the new products from VACUUBRAND with LADS interface. Currently available examples include the Lab Control Center (LCC) from Waldner and zenLAB® middleware from infoteam Software AG. 

VACUUBRAND is presenting the first vacuum pumps with LADS interface at analytica 2026 in Munich and demonstrating how easily vacuum technology can be integrated into a digitally networked laboratory:

• VACUUBRAND in Hall B1, Booth 317: Vacuum pumps are networked, centrally monitored and controlled with the zenLAB middleware from infoteam Software AG.
• Special exhibition "Live Lab" in Hall B2, Booth 333: Together with Waldner, VACUUBRAND demonstrates live the practical advantages of the LADS OPC UA communication standard.

LADS (Laboratory and Analytical Device Standard) is the new manufacturer-independent communication standard for laboratory and analytical devices as well as software solutions. It is based on OPC UA – the globally established standard for secure machine-to-machine communication from Industry 4.0 – and extends it with data models specifically designed for laboratories.

LADS OPC UA ensures that vacuum pumps and connected applications use a common language and can be networked quickly and cost-effectively. This creates the foundation for comprehensive monitoring and automation of vacuum processes in the laboratory.

LADS devices can be seamlessly integrated into LIMS, ELN, MES, SCADA, or cloud platforms. This forms the foundation for Laboratory 4.0 with automated workflows, auditable processes, and AI-ready data.