This article aims to provide an overview on the transition from earlier laboratory automation using analytical flow approaches toward today’s applications of flow methodologies, recent developments, and future trends. The article is directed to flow practitioners while serving as a valuable reference to newcomers in the field in providing insight into flow techniques and conceptual differences in operation across the distinct flow generations. In the focus are the recently developed and complementary techniques Lab-On-Valve and Lab-In-Syringe. In the following, a brief comparison of the different application niches and contributions of flow techniques to past and modern analytical chemistry is given, including (i) the development of sample pretreatment approaches, (ii) the potential applicability for in-situ/on-site monitoring of environmental compartments or technical processes, (iii) the ability of miniaturization of laboratory chemistry, (iv) the unique advantages for implementation of kinetic assays, and finally (v) the beneficial online coupling with scanning or separation analytical techniques. We also give a critical comparison to alternative approaches for automation based on autosamplers and robotic systems. Finally, an outlook on future applications and developments including 3D prototyping and specific needs for further improvements is given.

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本文旨在概述从使用分析流动方法的早期实验室自动化到流动方法的当今应用，最新发展和未来趋势的过渡。本文针对流程从业人员，同时为该领域的新手提供了宝贵的参考，帮助他们深入了解流程技术以及不同流程一代之间的操作上的概念差异。重点是最近开发的和互补的技术，即“在阀上”和“在注射器上”。在下文中，简要比较了不同的应用领域和流动技术对过去和现代分析化学的贡献，包括（i）样品预处理方法的发展，（ii）对环境隔室或技术过程进行原位/现场监测的潜在适用性；（iii）实验室化学微型化的能力；（iv）进行动力学测定的独特优势，最后（v）在线扫描与分离分析技术的有益结合。我们还对基于自动进样器和机器人系统的自动化替代方法进行了严格的比较。最后，给出了对未来应用程序和开发的展望，包括3D原型和进一步改进的特殊需求。我们还对基于自动进样器和机器人系统的自动化替代方法进行了严格的比较。最后，给出了对未来应用程序和开发的展望，包括3D原型和进一步改进的特殊需求。我们还对基于自动进样器和机器人系统的自动化替代方法进行了严格的比较。最后，给出了对未来应用程序和开发的展望，包括3D原型和进一步改进的特殊需求。

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