Several microcomputer-controlled analytical instruments are described that illustrate certain automation concepts, focus attention on some recent developments and help us to envisage what may be introduced during the 1980s. New types of stopped-flow analysers are shown to have considerable promise for routine and investigative kinetic and equilibrium analytical/clinical methods. Throughputs of up to 500 samples per hour with 0.1–1% precision are practical. Various types of rotating-disc analysers are also described. These include a multi-sample colorimeter, a unique multiple absorption curve spectrophotometer, and a multi-test or multi-sample analyser for clinical/analytical laboratories. Complete systems are discussed, including preparation and transport of samples and reagents, the encoding of the desired chemical information as digital electronic signals, optimisation and control of measurement conditions, data processing and final display of the chemical information.