STR analysis involves the following steps: extraction of DNA from biological samples, quantification of the obtained DNA, amplification of the CODIS-required STR loci by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and separation and detection of the amplification products by capillary electrophoresis. PCR amplification to template and subsequent production of DNA patterns by capillary electrophoresis are already semiautomated, since they involve little user intervention. The extraction and quantification of DNA remain to be automated. The FBI is taking two approaches in the development of a totally automated system. One approach is the use of robotic liquid handlers. The other approach involves the development of a miniaturized analysis system for forensic STR typing. Robotic liquid handlers will be programmed to integrate all of the steps of forensic nuclear DNA analysis, from the extraction of DNA to the profile analysis of the 13 core STR loci. Two robotic workstations are planned for this task. This paper describes what will be done at each of these workstations. The miniaturized analysis system for forensic STR typing is known as a "lab-on-chip," which is a centimeter-sized chip that contains micron-sized channels for fluid transport and other design elements, such as pumps, valves, and reactors that miniaturize, integrate, and automate complex, multistep chemical and biological processes. Compared to conventional laboratory instrumentation, micro-total analysis systems are hands-free, consume small volumes of samples and reagents, provide short sample-to-answer times, and are inexpensive and small. 8 figures, 1 table, and 25 references