This paper discusses a large robotic automation project implemented by Thurnall Plc. on behalf of a major UK water company. The system, which automates the analysis of routine clean and dirty water samples, incorporates 22 individual robots configured into 19 robotic cells together with a transport system to carry samples from the reception area into the analytical cells and then to a wash area for residual sample disposal and bottle washing. Control is performed by 21 local computers coordinated by 5 supervisory control systems which in turn link into a LIMS system for data manipulation and long term storage. This paper discusses the life cycle of the project and examines the following generic issues relating to the integration of large scale automation projects: (a) the factors governing a decision to automate on this scale; (b) the automation to be adopted; (c) risk reduction strategy; (d) the benefits to be achieved from such a scheme.