With the development of PCR methods, DNA fingerprinting from much smaller samples became possible. This development, together with the identification of microsatellites, led to the possibility that DNA profiling could be automated. Early methods of automated DNA extraction began in the late 1980s, and laboratory automation instruments with high throughput and reliability are now widely available. Today's liquid-handling workstations are capable of processing a variety of complex protocols. They are manufactured in a range of sizes and capacities that make them suitable for all types of forensic laboratories. The simultaneous introduction of off-the-shelf kits specifically designed for DNA isolation from various sample types has also yielded new expectations for the quality, sensitivity, and consistency of extracted DNA for forensic analysis. The labor-intensive workflow involved in processing forensic samples typically includes sample collection, DNA isolation, DNA quantitation using Real-Time PCR, analysis of short tandem repeat (STR) loci with PCR analysis of the amplified STR sizes, analysis of the DNA profile and comparison to known samples, and/or submission of the profile to databases in search of matches. Of these steps, it is currently possible to automate fully the DNA isolation, quantitation, amplification, and STR preparation/reaction steps. Such automation significantly reduces the time it takes to process samples while minimizing handling error and improving processing consistency. Moreover, laboratory personnel are free to spend more time on the other steps, which will significantly reduce casework turnaround time. Various off-the-shelf kits available for the process of DNA isolation are described. 16 references