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Laboratory automation with robot-assisted processes enhances synthetic biology, but its economic impact on projects is uncertain. We have proposed an experiment price index (EPI) for a quantitative comparison of factors in time, cost, and sample numbers, helping measure the efficiency of laboratory automation in synthetic biology and biomolecular engineering., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests H.M.W. declares no competing financial interest. J.K. has financial interests in Amyris, Ansa Biotechnologies, Apertor Pharma, Berkeley Yeast, Biomia, Cyklos Materials, Demetrix, Lygos, Napigen, ResVita Bio, and Zero Acre Farms., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Cell-free synthetic biology is a rapidly developing biotechnology with the potential to solve the world's biggest problems; however, this promise also has implications for global biosecurity and biosafety. Given the current situation of COVID-19 and its economic impact, capitalizing on the potential of cell-free synthetic biology from an economic, biosafety, and biosecurity perspective contributes to our preparedness for the next pandemic, and urges the development of appropriate policies and regulations, together with the necessary mitigation technologies. Proactive involvement from scientists is necessary to avoid misconceptions and assist in the policymaking process.