The present invention relates to a process for the automated production of active substance beads having a gel-like carrier material, preferably a biopolymer, such as agarose, and having embedded in the carrier material a biologically active material, such as an active substance and/or a material which generates an active substance, comprising the following steps:a) provision of a flowable, solidifiable mixture comprising the carrier material and the biologically active material,b) solidification of a core bead by introducing a predetermined amount of the flowable mixture into a fluid bath, preferably a liquid bath, particularly preferably an oil bath,c) removal of the core bead from the fluid bath,wherein for carrying out step c), a bead contact surface of a bead receiving tool is used, and for this purpose step c) comprises either the following sub-step ca1) or the following sub-step cb1):ca1) creation of a locating engagement between the core bead and a preferably concave bead reduced-pressure contact surface of a bead reduced-pressure receiving tool by means of reduced pressure, orcb1) creation of a locating engagement between the core bead and a preferably concave bead gravity contact surface of a bead gravity receiving tool in the fluid bath by means of gravity.
