The search for the simultaneous production of four top quarks has so far been dominated by searches for physics beyond the standard model, where the predicted production cross-section can be significantly enhanced over the standard model prediction. Using the full dataset of the LHC Run II recorded at the ATLAS detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of almost `$L = 150 fb^{-1}$`, the observation of this process as predicted by the standard model may finally come within reach.
This presentation will highlight studies conducted in the frame of the ongoing attempt for a first observation of the production of four top quarks based on the standard model hypothesis as well as showcase additional studies for future analyses using advanced event reconstruction techniques or data from the HL-LHC runs.
