Abstract: 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