This project analyses and compares two DNA extraction processes that are currently available for their adaptability and suitability for automation. DNA extraction from samples from crimes scenes is not only the most important process for a forensic biology department in a criminal justice system, but also for paternity testing, and DNA databasing. As laboratories move towards high throughput automation, a quick, efficient and easy method of extracting DNA using robots is required. DNA IQTM is an extraction method that has been available and validated for a while, while forensicGEMTM has become available much more recently. Both methods were used to extract DNA from saliva FTA cards, blood swabs, bloodstains and cigarette butts. The substrates used for the blood swabs were leaf, vinyl, glass, wood and aluminium, while the substrates used for bloodstains were felt, synthetic, cotton t-shirt, denim and carpet. After extraction all samples were quantitated using QuantiBlot®, amplified in a PCR thermal cycler using SGMPlusTM, and then electrophoresised on a 3130 Genetic Analyzer. Analysis comprised looking at the quantitation values (ng/µL), total peak heights (rfu) and overall quality of the profiles of the samples. Both methods produced good results, although for some substrates one method was better suited over the other. Further investigation using robotic extraction systems is required to be able to conclude as to which process is best suited for automation.