Lab Informatics Coding Copilot - AI-Powered Development Acceleration

How we built an AI-powered coding copilot that significantly reduced form configuration time and enabled rapid customizations for global lab teams

When Starlims, a leading laboratory information management system (LIMS) provider, aimed to streamline custom development for their products—spanning Life Sciences, Quality Manufacturing, Forensics, and Environmental Sciences—they collaborated with us to create an intelligent coding copilot.

From initial concept, we collaborated as Tribe.AI architect contractors and delivered a complete MVP integrated into VSCode, leveraging Claude Code and a custom Multi-Chat Protocol (MCP) server for automated code generation in proprietary languages like XFD forms, SSL scripts, and JavaScript.

The outcome? A powerful tool that not only cut development cycles but also equipped internal teams for iterative testing, setting the stage for enterprise rollout and advanced features like agentic workflows.

The Challenge

Starlims developers grappled with time-intensive manual coding in specialized languages, leading to high implementation costs and delays in configuring customer-specific lab workflows. With support for 3-4 internal users in MVP and potential scaling to broader teams, they required a solution to automate repetitive tasks like form design and script creation, while handling complex data sources and ensuring accuracy in regulated environments. Existing tools lacked integration with Starlims’ proprietary systems, exacerbating technical debt and limiting productivity in a market demanding quick customizations for many installations worldwide.

The Solution

We architected an end-to-end coding copilot embedded in VSCode, enabling developers to generate, modify, and validate code with natural language prompts. The MVP supports local file mirroring for safe edits, RAG-based knowledge retrieval from Pinecone indices, and MCP tools for database interactions—achieving over 90% evaluation accuracy. Deployed locally with a single-script installer, the copilot accelerates form and script development, empowering Starlims to reduce customization timelines.

Key Capabilities That Drive Results

Our copilot delivers developer-focused features optimized for lab informatics coding:

  • Automated Code Generation: Prompt-based creation of XFD forms, SSL scripts, and JS code—handling operations like file creation and modifications seamlessly.
  • Integrated Data Tools: MCP utilities for discovering tables, querying schemas, and fetching sample rows, allowing context-aware coding without leaving VSCode.
  • Local File Mirroring: Safe, mirrored environment for editing checked-out files, with bridge components for launching legacy forms and a “Designer Lite” for visual previews.
  • Comprehensive Evaluation: Offline ground truth assessments measuring steps, token usage, and accuracy, ensuring reliable outputs before production pushes.

Platform Architecture That Scales

Our solution leverages robust technologies to support efficient lab development:

Real-Time Coding Pipeline That Boosts Productivity

Seamless Local Workflow: The copilot uses a local MCP server to process prompts via Claude Code, integrating with Starlims servers for file checkouts and pushes:

  • Prompt Handling: Natural language inputs trigger tools like get_table_schema or global_find for schema-aware code gen.
  • File Mirroring: Mirrors application files locally, enabling safe iterations without server risks—updates sync manually in MVP, with automation planned for V1.

Enterprise-Ready Technology Stack

Built for Secure Lab Requirements: Our architecture ensures reliability and compliance:

  • AWS Infrastructure: S3 for knowledge bases (SSL/XFD/JS), ECS for dev instances, and Terraform for IaC—providing with reproducible setups.
  • Pinecone: Vector database for RAG retrieval from indexed manuals and code snippets, with separate indices for XFD and SSL.
  • MongoDB: Manages AI portal data for evaluation traces and telemetry, supporting quick iterations.
  • Next.js & FastAPI: Powers the AI portal for monitoring copilot usage, with TypeScript for robust development.
  • VSCode Extension: Custom bridge for form visualization, with APIs matching Starlims’ SCM for check-in/out.

AI That Excels in Specialized Coding

Production-Ready Claude Integration: Our copilot employs Claude Code with MCP for domain-specific tasks:

  • 90%+ Generation Accuracy: Evaluated on ground truth datasets for completeness, token efficiency, and cost—covering file ops, schema queries, and code validation.
  • Custom Tools: Built-in utilities like discover_tables and query_table for integrating database logic into scripts.
  • Continuous Refinement: AI portal dashboards track metrics, with feedback loops for model improvements without disrupting workflows.

Seamless Extension Features: Activation wizard installs MCP, downloads skills, and configures .mcp.json for Pinecone and Starlims credentials.

Transformational Business Results

100% MVP Success Rate: Internal pilots with developers in QM, LS, LPH, and FR teams validated the copilot, identifying gaps and gathering usability feedback.

Exponential Growth Enablement: The platform enabled Starlims to significantly reduce form and script configuration time, allowing devs to focus on innovation.

Position for monetization: Stripe payments are pre-integrated in the AI Portal.

Future-Proof Foundation: The extensible design supports future integrations like direct Claude SDK in VSCode and full Form Designer embedding—creating a competitive moat in the $10B+ lab informatics market.

Industry Recognition: By accelerating custom LIMS development, Starlims solidifies its leadership, fostering partnerships and boosting retention through AI-driven efficiency.